Project Fish Tank

**s72450** · 12-28-2008, 09:07 PM

My resolution for 09 is to get a 55g up and running. I'd really like to spend time and do this one right as I'm always unhappy with my 29g. I am constantly inspired by the pictures of tank set up on this site and think I have a good idea in mind.

There are the 55g kits at stores like Wal-Mart that seem like a good deal, but I really want to invest in this tank and get the best for it. I'm curious if anyone thinks it would be best to just get the kit or buy as I go. I know in the long run it's going to be more expensive to buy as I go, but I really do want to get high quality equipment in my tank and I do run into sales alot for the good stuff at PetCo every now and then.

I'm going to buy the actual tank first, just get it out of the way. I'm debating on if I should buy one new or buy a used one at my LFS. What are your thoughts on this? Save a few bucks and clean one or buy new and spend more but not have to clean?

I'm going to journalize my process here and hope for lots of advice. In theory, I'd like to get this up and running w/fish by my birthday in April. I think I could have all my equipment bought and set up by then.

So thoughts and concerns are welcome!

**travie** · 12-28-2008, 10:10 PM

Buy as you go. The equipment in those kits are not worth it. www.craigslist.com or www.kijiji.com Look in your area. There always seem to be deals for tanks and equipment on those sites.

**s72450** · 12-28-2008, 11:30 PM

Oddly enough I've posted wanted ads for tanks on craigslist and never gotten a response.

What do you think about the used tank from the LFS?

**travie** · 12-28-2008, 11:41 PM

Have you looked in the General For Sale section? I bought a used 115 gallon from an LFS. Haven't cleaned it up or checked for leaks yet. I would get a used tank, no problem. Just chance you will have to invest in some silicone to fix a leak.

**s72450** · 12-29-2008, 09:47 PM

I found a used 55 gallon today at my local LFS, it comes with a nice black stand and what appears to be a mounted light fixture, I've seen them before on other tanks, not sure how I feel about that, what are the pros and cons there? The only major concern I have is there not being a hood on the tank and my cat does tend to get curious about the fish from time to time.

They wanted 149.00 for it. Is that too much or a good deal? The tank looks great, will need a little light cleaning, but otherwise in good shape.

**s72450** · 12-31-2008, 01:22 AM

I think I'm definatly going to go with the 55g. I have a friend who wants to buy my 29g off me so I'm going to use that money to buy a nice filter for it. I really want something good, what are some suggestions?