Help Noob Purchase Equipment

[CrustyOnEastCoast]

I am looking to start up a ~30 U.S. Gallon Aquarium for Freshwater Fish.

I am thinking about 2 different options -- and struggling to make up my mind.

So, in one option, for $105.00, I can buy the following used equipment from someone:

29 Gallon Aquarium - Top quality glass, not cheap like pet store tanks. Oak Trim. Includes tank cover/hood and 30" light. (Oak trim could be painted with a can of spray paint if you didn't like it - up to you).

Marineland Magnum 330 Canister Filter (new @ $100)
Supreme Heatmaster 150 watt underwater heater.
Maxi-Jet 600 Powerhead with flow control and sure grip mount.
Test Kits, Chemicals, Food, extra tubes and hoses.
Dual Sided Aquatic Background.

Everything works and is in excellent condition. If you go to Petco, you'll spend more and get cheaper quality.
Firm on price.

The other option is this deal (and maybe I would spend extra money to upgrade the filter later):
http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3804459

I really like the potential quality of the items in option 1. But I really like the bigger size of the aquarium in option 2 and the fact that I get a stand.

Can anyone tell me something significant that might help sway me powerfully in one direction?

Thanks!

 

[creeker]

I took a look at that Petsmart one you provided the link for. Are you sure the stand comes with it? It doesn't mention that in the description. There was also a 46 gal bowfront on sale, but definitely no stand with that one.

http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3804648

 

[CrustyOnEastCoast]

I must have misread it. Looks like you are right, no stand.

And my other offer I was talking about just evaporated.

I'll have to keep searching. I need to be patient to get a good deal.

Concerning the petsmart deal.... people say they love the aquarium and heater, but that the filter is not too good.

 

[creeker]

I must have misread it. Looks like you are right, no stand.

And my other offer I was talking about just evaporated.

I'll have to keep searching. I need to be patient to get a good deal.

Concerning the petsmart deal.... people say they love the aquarium and heater, but that the filter is not too good.

Yeah, I noticed about the filter in the reviews. I like the 40 gallon they have there. A little more fish holding capacity than those bowfronts, due to a better shape. Usually "package deals" that include equipment like filters do not offer the best quality. When I managed a fish shop, I would give discounts to people that bought a tank and all the "guts" from me. You might try asking your local shop. They don't make money on the tank itself. It's all the other things that you have to buy with it. You might be able to get a decent deal locally. I would also check craigslist. You can get some awesome deals on there. Check under the category "general" under the heading "for sale." Just be choosy and don't jump on the first thing you see, unless it's an unbeatable deal. If it were me, I'd go the craigslist route. People will dump tanks cheap when they are moving or upgrading.