I'm much closer to getting a big fish tank than ever before!

[elephantnose3334]

I got lots of money from family in Christmas Day. That means I can get an Aqua One Horizon 130 tank instead because it's budget friendlier. I just need to make some adjustments for the aquarium, such as the filter and lighting so it can make the Orinoco River biotope better.

 

[Colin_T]

Instead of buying a brand name tank in a box and changing things to suit, why not just buy a normal tank and get the things you need for it?

 

[elephantnose3334]

Instead of buying a brand name tank in a box and changing things to suit, why not just buy a normal tank and get the things you need for it?

But it's more budget friendly to have a starter kit than a normal tank and adding extra money for filters etc.

 

[Seisage]

I agree with Colin! It'd probably be better to get a generic tank (do you have Aqueon in Aus, or something similar?) so you can customize it to your liking. It'll be cheaper than buying a kit and then having to buy a different filter, heater, etc.

If you're able, I'd highly recommend looking for used tanks as well. Keep an eye out on marketplace sites like Gumtree. A lot of people get rid of their old tanks because they use the holidays as a chance to upgrade. A used tank will help your money stretch even further.

Edit: How is it more budget friendly to buy an entire kit and then have to spend extra on different filters and such? When you purchase a kit, you're also paying for everything that goes with the tank. But you say you're not going to use the equipment that comes with the kit. Is the kit really cheaper than buying a plain generic tank?

 

[elephantnose3334]

I agree with Colin! It'd probably be better to get a generic tank (do you have Aqueon in Aus, or something similar?) so you can customize it to your liking. It'll be cheaper than buying a kit and then having to buy a different filter, heater, etc.

If you're able, I'd highly recommend looking for used tanks as well. Keep an eye out on marketplace sites like Gumtree. A lot of people get rid of their old tanks because they use the holidays as a chance to upgrade. A used tank will help your money stretch even further.

Edit: How is it more budget friendly to buy an entire kit and then have to spend extra on different filters and such? When you purchase a kit, you're also paying for everything that goes with the tank. But you say you're not going to use the equipment that comes with the kit. Is the kit really cheaper than buying a plain generic tank?

It cost $400 dollars, which is somewhat budget-friendly for a starter kit.

 

[MaloK]

It cost $400 dollars, which is somewhat budget-friendly for a starter kit.

If you don't end up changing the filter, the heater and the light... It's friendly alright...

The only thing left from all the "Starters kit" I have bought to this day, are the tanks.

Research individually all items from the kit before buying.

 

[elephantnose3334]

If you don't end up changing the filter, the heater and the light... It's friendly alright...

The only thing left from all the "Starters kit" I have bought to this day, are the tanks.

Research individually all items from the kit before buying.

I have, and read the reviews. The only problem is the filter, which doesn't usually work after a few weeks.

 

[MaloK]

What a wonderful start... If you can already spot a fitting replacement... Why not.

I mean, I did it numerous times. And it gives you a little bit of backup gear. in case...

 

[I Like Rare Fish]

In my experience the ‘starter kits’ are always more expensive for cheaply made products

 

[Seisage]

It cost $400 dollars, which is somewhat budget-friendly for a starter kit.

I actually looked up the exact kit you mentioned and you are right, it's actually a pretty decent deal for a kit.

For reference to others who are reading, $400AUD is about $270USD and the kit includes a stand, light, filter, heater, and lid. Just doing some of my own searching, buying equivalents separately in the US market would come out to a bit over $270USD, so the kit seems a pretty good deal actually. Of course, getting used goods is still way better, cost wise, but it sure is a pain having to hunt down everything separately and keep track of all the different sellers. So yeah, go for it if you can, elephantnose! I hope your parents will allow you to have a larger tank if you pay for it all yourself.

 

[elephantnose3334]

I actually looked up the exact kit you mentioned and you are right, it's actually a pretty decent deal for a kit.

For reference to others who are reading, $400AUD is about $270USD and the kit includes a stand, light, filter, heater, and lid. Just doing some of my own searching, buying equivalents separately in the US market would come out to a bit over $270USD, so the kit seems a pretty good deal actually. Of course, getting used goods is still way better, cost wise, but it sure is a pain having to hunt down everything separately and keep track of all the different sellers. So yeah, go for it if you can, elephantnose! I hope your parents will allow you to have a larger tank if you pay for it all yourself.

Found it on Petbarn.

 

[TNG]

This kit comes with an AquaOne heater which is probably undersized for the tank. I have a few of their heaters. Check the wattage of the heater, if it’s 100W AquaOne it won’t heat the tank in winter. To replace this with a more decent heater, say 150W Eheim, will set you back approx. $70

The filter most likely uses proprietary inserts which cost a fortune to run. From memory, the filter is rather streamlined, so not easy to convert it to suit your needs. Check that you can easily replace this filter with a “normal” HOB, i.e. ensure that the tank is designed such that it can accommodate any HOB, otherwise you’ll have to use an internal filter. If you need to replace the filter, a decent HOB will cost between $70- $100.

I was interested in this kit a while back as I rather liked the design of the sliding lids, but ended up buying separate items; 240L tank, 75G Tidal HOB filter, 200W Eheim heater, a better light. Total cost around AUD 450 without a stand. It sits on my table, so I don’t really need a stand.

 

[Colin_T]

The heater shouldn't be a major issue because it will only be on for 4-5 months a year. If it isn't capable of doing the job, they can upgrade and if the heater fails, it's got a warranty.

 

[elephantnose3334]

The heater shouldn't be a major issue because it will only be on for 4-5 months a year. If it isn't capable of doing the job, they can upgrade and if the heater fails, it's got a warranty.

I'm focusing on the original design of the Orinoco biotope again. The Juwel Lido 200 is too expensive for me, so the Aqua One Horizon 130 is more budget-friendly.

 

[MattW]

Always remember to look at 2nd hand tanks as well some good deals can be had with those. Some can even come with filters, lights, etc. I bet there are many marketplace sites and fish groups in the land down under