Bigger tank and set up filter advice please

[frannyscho]

Ok, I'm a new addict - I would like a new tank - have been advised to get at least a 30gal so as not to get fed up too quickly and then need a still bigger one...so....

LFS has a Fluval duo deep 800 aquarium set for £119.
It's 27.5 gals, and got all the right filters, feeds, placcy plants etc.
The next is the 1000 model, 39.5 gals for £169.99 with gubbins (bit expensive perhaps).

BUT

If I look on e-bay/ local rag, of course I can find bargain set ups or just tanks. But if I buy just a tank, however big....how do I know which are better models??... I've seen a Jewel bow fronted biggie for £40(so far)...and how do I know which size filters etc to get? I just missed a smashing 4ft double tank set up for £170 with everything, but I thought it might be too big a step up from my little 30L kids tank and the auction was over before I could decide.

Will the cost of all the extras needed (that the LFS throw in as a set) cost more in the long run? Obviously it's easier to get it from the LFS and I'm tempted to do it for ease...but I love a bargain and I like the idea a fishy person benefits more, but as a relative beginner I don't want to make a mistake. (Such as a marine set up with a hole in the bottom for a wier which I nearly bid on).

Any advice on best tanks to look for and filter size to tank info appreciated. Would be for a peaceful community setup for me and kids.

Thank you in advance.

 

[GSD]

it depends on what bargins you can find.I have an lfs setup and its great.And i have a handmade tank which is 50times better coz i have it exactly the way i wanted(apart from the price)and i hav second hand 44gallon which i got for £5 so it really depends

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

The thing with second hand tanks is that if the tank has been sitting in a garage or loft or whatever for some years, the sealant holding the tank together starts to dry out and increases the chances of the tank leaking or cracking and if you get a second hand tank that hasn't been used for some time it may be worth touching it up with some aquarium glue or whatever you call it.
I would personally go for as big as you can get, when i got my 50gal a year or so ago i thought that would be as big a tank as i would ever need but now i am considering upgrading to a much bigger tank again "sigh".

As for tank gear, a fluval 3plus filter would be a good strength filter for your avaerage 30gal and will cost about £30. The type of lighting you go for will depend on whever you want to have a heavily planted tank or not as the strength and type of lighting will affect the success of the growing of your plants, i don't realy know how strong a heater though you'd need for a 30gal i can't remember im afraid.
In general though, tanks that come in complete setups tend to be more expensive than collecting and putting all the tank gear together yourself, so if you want cheap look around at what prices your lfs is selling tank gear for individualy and add up the costs of assembling the tank yourself.

 

[annka5]

I agree with the above.
To add re: second had equipment, one problem might be that you don't know how old the electrical gear is, therefore how long you can expect it to last for.
Also, really, don't get second hand tank with fish, or else you have someone elses choice and/or someone elses mistakes of incomaptible fish, etc.
It really isn't difficult to buy the bits separately, as your LFS probablly sells them and the box will say what size tank they'll do for. As for lights, average rule of thumb is 2 watts per gallon for a "reasonable" depth of tank - that is a rough guide only.
I'd buy new, but get the set-up you want in terms of size and shape.