Choosing a tank...

[Koda]

Ok so I'm trying to plan the purchase of a larger tank.I've looked at the small local pet shop.They have some interesting tank/stand combos.There are 20 and 29g tanks with stand and top(no light)for around 130 dollars.The guy says he will discount the other stuff,gravel,filter,etc.with the purchase.But I am afraid those tanks will be ultimately be too small to satisfy my urge to expand.Wal Mart(I know...I know...lol)has a 55g bowfront tank for 158 dollars,that comes with the full hood/lighting,an Aqua Tech filter,heater and assorted little odds and ends.The filter alone sells for about 30 bucks.I have a heavy old dresser and also an antique desk,either of which would most likely support the tank.

I know the usual wisdom is that tank packages are not a bargain as they come with junk accessories.That was certainly true with my 10g.But I would have to pay a lot more(I think)to get a tank that size along with the hood...let alone the filter.And if I bought the tank/stand setup,it could be hard to find a good space for it.Whereas the dresser/desk are already in near ideal locations.

So...opinions and experiences would be welcome...thanks

Koda

 

[jams.alaskan]

Go ahead and get the 55 gal - you can always upgrade the filters, lighting etc later when you feel the need - the equipment that comes with it can always be a backup later if you have problems in any of the other tanks. Honest - you should go with the largest that you can affoer and place in your home. You won't regret it and you'll be able to have some of the fish that smaller sizes prohibit.

ALASKA

 

[karrihug]

i have a 55 from walmart and have had no problems with it at all, unlike my 56 gal perfecto which has been a nightmare from teh word go. definitly get as large as you can afford.

 

[Joviella]

I would definitely go for the biggest tank you can afford. I don't have any experience of walmart(uk resident) but I have a 50g tank that is awesome. I also have a 100g tank thats even more awesome..........go for it!!!!!!

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

how come the bowfronts in the US are so cheap? the 55gal ones i looked at today at my lfs were like £300 w/stand and nothing else

 

[Koda]

how come the bowfronts in the US are so cheap? the 55gal ones i looked at today at my lfs were like £300 w/stand and nothing else

The price of $158 does seem incredibly reasonable given that it includes the hood,lighting and filter,etc.I know I have seen smaller tanks with stands priced quite a lot higher,and they still don't have everything needed.Being at Wal Mart has the added attraction of the layaway option.I could spread the cost out over a few paydays rather than taking the bite all at once.That'd give me time to arrange furniture for ideal placement,and stock up on stuff like gravel and decor

Koda

 

[Bol]

55 gallon bowfront? I've never heard of one.

Out of curiosity, what are the dimensions?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Koda

I don't know where you live, but if it happens to be on the east coast of the US, check out Petland Discounts for tanks. Around here their basic tank prices are the best. Their other accessories are high though.

Here's a link to the All-Glass aquarium site. You will find dimensions for all their standard tanks listed as well as the bow fronts.

http/www.all-glass.com/products/aquariums/index.html

I hope this will help.

 

[Koda]

Thanks everyone

I think I will go back to Wally World and have another look at the tank and check the dimensions.I'll see if it can be removed from the box as I'd want to see exactly what I'm getting.I'm feeling a bit discouraged just now.I came home from work and found my beautiful little fantail dead.Probably my mistake in thinking the tank was stable enough for her.I have a lot to learn about water .Of course,there may have been other factors but I suspect my inexperience was the main cause of death

Koda

 

[Koda]

55 gallon bowfront? I've never heard of one.

Out of curiosity, what are the dimensions?

My bad....it isn't a bowfront.It's 48Lx13Wx20H which would be a nice fit on my dresser.I went ahead and put it on layaway.If in the meantime I happen to find something I like better....

As long as I was there I bought a 1 gallon aquarium kit for my foster betta.....


Koda <----MTS strikes again