probably the most annoying question

[Pryce11]

Hello, i am new to the forum and the hobby

i am a bit of a review catastrophist, usually spend months in a spiral and then give up, but i really want to get this right as i believe this is and will be a great hobby for me.

i am looking for a 50-90L tank, around £200 maximum (Tank Budget, not stand), i want a lid with it and would like to plant live plants etc.
i was liking the fluval flex, but i believe its not the best for corys as its more square than rectangle.

alot of the the reviews i see on all in ones are fish getting stuck in filters so would like to avoid that as well!

From the uk so would need to be a tank/equipment i could get here.

also my Wife and i have to keep her happy has only agreed to this if we can get a nice cabinet for it to go on, which i do try and tell her that alot wont hold the weight, which materials when looking should i avoid? Chipboard is one i am guessing. but any other usual suspects that i should steer clear from.

i thought the Fluval Roma was a winner, before she scoffed at the stand.

Looking forward to any help, or if you want, ...'not another one of these questions responses'

 

[GaryE]

I'm afraid that wasn't an annoying question...

I take a different view in that I rarely buy system tanks. First for me is footprint, Then, I like to assemble the pieces I need. I think a first tank should have space along the front glass, and not be too deep.

I dislike integrated filter and heater systems because filters break and heaters fail.

Beyond that, I cease to be helpful because what you get becomes a question of what you want to see. I'm without brand loyalties, and find that unless it's an ultra-budget tank with thin glass, a tank is a tank. Stands are an issue - if your tank is not above 200 pounds in weight a sturdy piece of furniture is probably better than a bought stand. Real wood is stronger than the glue and sawdust options made for aquariums.

 

[Essjay]

i am looking for a 50-90L tank, around 200 pounds maximum

I had assumed that was "£200 maximum"?

Does you wife want a particular style of cabinet or a particular colour?

 

[MattW]

i am looking for a 50-90L tank, around 200 pounds maximum, i want a lid with it and would like to plant live plants etc.

My current 90L cost me £89.99 last year from January sales. It has 8mm thick glass and is 60cm X 40cm X 40cm. However, it did not come with an integrated filter, lid, or cabinet. Luckily I had an old oak TV stand that could hold the weight well. I made a DIY lid with 3D-printed holding brackets and a polycarbonate sheet. Overall including the light, lid, canister filter, foam mat, and heater I probably spent around the £180 mark. But that does not include the cabinet price. The tank has been set up just under a year now, and no issues have occurred.

60cm Ultra Clear Glass Fish Tank - 90L

Ultra clear, low-iron glass aquariums have minimal green tint providing excellent views of tank inhabitants. With a 90L braceless and rimless design for a modern look. Available to buy online with free UK delivery.

www.allpondsolutions.co.uk

Another option for a cabinet-less tank is this one - https://aquacadabra.com/products/superfish-scaper-90-aquarium - Includes light and filter too.

For a £200 budget, your chances of what you're looking for are slim IMO. Secondhand is always an option too. And then spend some money on a good quality and nice looking stand. The cheapest brand-new aquarium with included stand I could find was £299

Another option for a wooden stand could be local charity shops of BHF ? Could get some decent-quality stands from places like that. Plus if you have the time and patience available you could decorate the stand to what your SO would like.

 

[Pryce11]

i probably should add that the 200 is just for the Tank, cabinet does not come under the price limit i have set myself as she will split the cost for that

thanks for suggestions so far

 

[MattW]

That does give you more options then