Searching for a deal on a new set up. 5000 rep points to the best idea if purchased

[BluewaterBoof]

Used is the way to go for budget-friendly projects. As @fissh stated, used equipment is incredibly cheap compared to new. If you have access to FB, search for local aquarium groups in your city/town; there are always people selling equipment. You can also find some ok deals on Craigslist, but those ads usually want more money because they're selling to people who don't know any better. FB group sales are generally much better deals. You can easily pick up a used 55-75gal tank for around $50. A used 55gal with stand can be had for around $75 if you're a good negotiator or the seller is feeling generous.

With a cheap tank/stand like that you don't have to go cheap on hoods/lights/filters/heater and still be under your max budget.

[rookie]

I dont mind used as long as it looks newer. It will be in a focal part of my living room so i dont want it to look bad i liked the one craigslist post some suggested earier but its about 2hrs away and dont have the time to pick it up. And would only save about 50 bucks with that deal, it definatly has a better filter but right now the convenience goes a long way around holidays expecially since my wife is recovering from foot surgury.

[Rocksor]

Great info guys i was trying to go with a new set up. But thats when i run into price issues. Since it is going in the living room i am most likey looking for a hood. I would perfer to take on a DIY light source becuse i dont want to invest much time. But i think we r on the right track. I did like that black on on craigslist but its far for me to check out with little time before the holidays.

I had this in mind.
Marineland® 60 Gallon Heartland LED Aquarium with Stand | fish Aquariums | PetSmart
https://www.petsmart.com/fish/tanks-...ml?cgid=300129

But am also considering how much everything is going to add up to with filter heater ect.

I also looked at this. I would just need to buy a stand and i worried because someone in the comments said it didnt fit good on a stand
Top Fin® Essentials Aquarium Starter Kit | fish Starter Kits | PetSmart
https://www.petsmart.com/fish/starte...ml?cgid=300128

Skip the canopy, and ambient room light would be fine unless you have plants. All you would need for the top is a cover.

[Rocksor]

If you want to save further money, then think about getting fish that do not require a heater. If you know your ambient room temperature throughout the year, you can stock it with fish like Paradise fish or Rosy barbs, plus others. You will have to stock moderately going this route.

You shouldn't skimp on the API freshwater Master Test Kit.

[Boundava]

I will say that most "kits" are a waste of $$ as the included items are often sub par and have to be replaced for more than re powerful and better quality products.

[Boundava]

I will say that most "kits" are a waste of $$ as the included items are often sub par and have to be replaced for more than re powerful and better quality products.

OK I am sick of my phone editing while I type...that mess was supposed to be this:

I will say that most "kits" are a waste of $$ as the included items are often sub par and have to be replaced for more powerful, and better quality products.

[rookie]

Sorry 4 the wait but i decided to go with the persmart 55gal kit and seperate stand. I was hoping that i could find another good deal but it seems that was best since i didnt have much free time to dedicate into shopping. However if it wasnt so far there is a good chance i could have purchased 1 of two suggested. Boundava that second link looked like a winner just too farvaway. And blue water after you suggested facebook i messaged someone and was interested but we had a language barrier that i just didnt have patience for. So i decided to give you each 2500pts. For some great suggestions. Thank you all the kids will love it.