Aiming For Oddball Tank

[BigFishLover]

So I am here, and am finally aiming to attempt the next level, the oddballs. Now I have done a "decent" amount of research and i figure i know "some" of the basics concerning oddballs. My goal is to set up a large tank for the coolest of the oddballs, like aro's and rays. I think I have an idea about some of the inhabitants which will be going into the tank, but i do realize that is very far away. Now correct me if i am wrong, but my main priorities should be:
a ) Tank Size / price
b ) Filters

Now i'll be honest, my budget is $2000. I have been begging my parents for a while (2 years) and finally they agreed to it, and gave me that budget. I do work (2 more years until college) so hopefully I will be able to pay if there is a $100-200 increase.
I live in NJ, USA, so if anyone would know an area where I could pick up a tank that would be about 72"x30"x24". Approximately what would the price be for a tank of that size? And i do realize the tank will be heavy, therefore it will placed in the basement (plus there is nowhere else it would fit in the house.)

As for the filters, I am still a little confused on which ones would suit the tank the most (i think Eheim, but which models?). I have also heard that for a tank of that size I should have a sump, and i have a basic understanding of how a sump works, but what would the price be for such a thing?

I know I am far from the fish, but the reason im doing all this if for the fish, so if i can plan ahead for the stock, it would definitely help. Like for example, I am sure that i want rays (not sure on which species yet) and am probably going to have sand (knowing the pros and cons) so would that in anyway change anything such as which filters?

I know there are a lot of experts out there (cane, CFC) who can help me, and the help will be greatly appreciated. In the next week hopefully from everyone's help I can shortlist the items I should be expecting to buy, as well as the price.
Some which I have though of already include filters, (maybe) a sump, power heads (don't know much about them), heaters and heater guards, water test kit, lighting (hopefully it will come with the tank), tank stand (again hopefully it comes with the tank), food, and all the other small little things like medications, hospital tank/quarantine, python to do water changes(always comes in handy), removing chlorine etc.

I do realize this is going to take a great deal of effort, patience, and time ... but I know with the help from everyone it will be much easier. Again thx alot for the help in advance

BFL

 

[prankster705]

Sumps are the best filtration for really big tanks imo...

 

[cane76]

its great to hear you are setting up a big oddball tank you wont regret it
im in the middle of setting up a 84x32x24 atm the tank and cabinet cost me £650(with no lighting)
for filtration im going with 2 x eheim pro 3,s(£250 each but you can pay a bit more for the model with a built in 500w heater) and 2 x eheim 2252,s but like prankster says a sump will be more practical
$2000 is a good budget it should get you all your equiptment but im not sure it will stretch to stocking the tank too
i will look forward to hearing about the progress
ps. im no expert

 

[BigFishLover]

K while i was trying to find some prices of tanks, i ended up looking at sumps.
I have really no clue on sumps, but here are some links of sumps which i found, which are specially made by this site.

http/www.aquariumsforyou.com/ShopFilters_BSump.html

Now is that the type of sump I am looking for? I believe that is meant for a 200 gallon, but with 2 Eheim's and that I should be fine.
Would you guys recommend this?

BFL

 

[BigFishLover]

K after doing some research, I think I might go the same filters as cane:
- 2x Eheim Professional 3 Model 2080 (450 gph each) - $399.99 each
- 2x Eheim Power line Internal Filter 2252 (317 gph each) - $110.99 each
Total:
- Gph: 1534 (necessary: 1350)
- Price: $1021.96 (not including shipping and taxes)

Now, could someone explain me how the Eheim's exactly work (never had one before, and they look complicated)? The cleaning the filter part and everything I can probaly figure out from the manual.

Looking at the price already, I was wondering why not just build my own tank? One, it'll be alot cheaper, and two the tank can be bigger. The only reason why i didn't go with a 7ft. by 3ft. by 2ft. was because my basement door is to small for it to fit through, but maybe now i can. So, does anyone know how to build a tank or a website or reference which could possibly help me out? The help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cane76]

eheims work exactly the same as any external filter
look in the DIY section for help with building a tank

 

[karmagl]

We started our 120 gallon and though it is a saltwater we kinda did some budget cuts. For one with our sump we found a used tank at the fish store that was 20$ I think it's 30 gal. We then found a peice of glass from another cheap tank and used aquarium silicon to divide the sump. We bought a canister filter off ebay 85$ hooray. It was a cascade 2000 and was 190 at the store. We just did our peice by peice. You can buy a really nice sump or you can make one it's really up to you but the way I figure it no one sees your sump so it doesn't have to be beautiful. We walked into the fish store when he was doing a rescue a huge eel in this tank. He gave us a huge deal the tank hadn't been cleaned and the stand and top were so ugly we re did it all and now it's looking good.

 

[BigFishLover]

We started our 120 gallon and though it is a saltwater we kinda did some budget cuts. For one with our sump we found a used tank at the fish store that was 20$ I think it's 30 gal. We then found a peice of glass from another cheap tank and used aquarium silicon to divide the sump. We bought a canister filter off ebay 85$ hooray. It was a cascade 2000 and was 190 at the store. We just did our peice by peice. You can buy a really nice sump or you can make one it's really up to you but the way I figure it no one sees your sump so it doesn't have to be beautiful. We walked into the fish store when he was doing a rescue a huge eel in this tank. He gave us a huge deal the tank hadn't been cleaned and the stand and top were so ugly we re did it all and now it's looking good.

Ya, thats what im planning to do. One by one. I think i'll buy the tank, and build my own sump, or maybe of ebay if its cheap enough, get 2x Eheim Professional 3 External Filter Model 2080. I've got some really good deals on tanks, but the stand and canopy just make the price go so high. I'm just looking around for deals now
Once i get the tank i'll post pics, because i know there are some out there that'll probaly think im just make this all up. But thx for those who don't, and thx for helping me here.

BFL

 

[MoonstruckMuse]

I live in NJ and got a 72"x18"x24 (125 g) in October or so of this year, I believe tank + stand + canister, lights, 2 heaters, etc for about... 1.5k? The tank & stand are from Petsmart cause they were having it half off for a time, I believe it came to somewhere between 800-1000$. However, That Fish Place makes them cheaper when full price, heh.

That Fish Place, Petsmart, and Absolutely Fish may have a tank the size you want - you'll probably want to call and discuss that way though, since they normally don't carry them at the stores. Shark Aquarium may also have them.
As for stocking fish, Shark Aquarium often carries many rays, and they always have a number of larger arrowanas (around 16"+), probably returned. I've also seen rays at Pet Shanty, though rarely.

Sumps, as far as I'm aware, aren't really sold here in NJ. =/ I'm probably going to do a DIY one, heh. Canister filters and such can easily be bought online from Ebay, Aquabid, off these forums, etc. Perhaps you could even find sumps there (and if you do, please let me know? =) )

 

[MoonstruckMuse]

I live in NJ and got a 72"x18"x24 (125 g) in October or so of this year, I believe tank + stand + canister, lights, 2 heaters, etc for about... 1.5k? The tank & stand are from Petsmart cause they were having it half off for a time, I believe it came to somewhere between 800-1000$. However, That Fish Place makes them cheaper when full price, heh.

That Fish Place, Petsmart, and Absolutely Fish may have a tank the size you want - you'll probably want to call and discuss that way though, since they normally don't carry them at the stores. Shark Aquarium may also have them.
As for stocking fish, Shark Aquarium often carries many rays, and they always have a number of larger arrowanas (around 16"+), probably returned. I've also seen rays at Pet Shanty, though rarely.

Sumps, as far as I'm aware, aren't really sold here in NJ. =/ I'm probably going to do a DIY one, heh. Canister filters and such can easily be bought online from Ebay, Aquabid, off these forums, etc. Perhaps you could even find sumps there (and if you do, please let me know? =) )

Goodluck with the tank!

ack double post. Please delete?

 

[BigFishLover]

I live in NJ and got a 72"x18"x24 (125 g) in October or so of this year, I believe tank + stand + canister, lights, 2 heaters, etc for about... 1.5k? The tank & stand are from Petsmart cause they were having it half off for a time, I believe it came to somewhere between 800-1000$. However, That Fish Place makes them cheaper when full price, heh.

That Fish Place, Petsmart, and Absolutely Fish may have a tank the size you want - you'll probably want to call and discuss that way though, since they normally don't carry them at the stores. Shark Aquarium may also have them.
As for stocking fish, Shark Aquarium often carries many rays, and they always have a number of larger arrowanas (around 16"+), probably returned. I've also seen rays at Pet Shanty, though rarely.

Sumps, as far as I'm aware, aren't really sold here in NJ. =/ I'm probably going to do a DIY one, heh. Canister filters and such can easily be bought online from Ebay, Aquabid, off these forums, etc. Perhaps you could even find sumps there (and if you do, please let me know? =) )

Goodluck with the tank!

ack double post. Please delete?

Im getting tank + stand + canopy for a 270 gal for about $1800 including shipping. So im getting a good deal, just trying to find something better. I'll let u know if i find anything of ebay.