Sticker Shock

[Fastpage17]

Hello everyone: I mentioned in an earlier post that I have recently begun setting up a 55 gal after almost 20 years of absence from the hobby. I went to Petco and a couple of other stores recently to purchase a new reflector hood, filter etc. I could not believe the prices on some of this stuff. I found a good filter on sale but cheapest (and most cheaply made) hood and light I could find was $100. I realize prices have changed over the years but I started looking at the price of other equipment and got sticker shock. $419 at Petco for a wooden stand (and not that well made either) for a 30 gal aquarium? Anyway, the gist of all this is not to whine but rather to see if anyone can recommend an online source or warehouse company that is both reliable and somewhat cheaper. I see several when I search but know nothing about any of them. Thanks.

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. I'm not sure where you're from, but if you're in North America then i will reccomend bigalsonline.ca or bigalsonline.com I have personally ordered from there. For the Canadian site, shipping is free with orders of $35 or more. I know there are other sites, but i don't know them. Others will post them soon i'm sure.
When i bought my aquarium last October i bought the aquarium itself (55gal) with the lids and lights for about $160 Canadian. The filter (Penguin 350) was $64, and a 300W heater $44. I built a stand myself from 2 x 4's and plywood for about $100. I've noticed some of those hoods with expensive lights do get very expensive. I am not into keeping live plants so i just went the inexpensive route. There are also some used equipment sites that you might be able to find a deal on some used equipment. Hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[Fastpage17]

Hello everyone: I mentioned in an earlier post that I have recently begun setting up a 55 gal after almost 20 years of absence from the hobby. I went to Petco and a couple of other stores recently to purchase a new reflector hood, filter etc. I could not believe the prices on some of this stuff. I found a good filter on sale but cheapest (and most cheaply made) hood and light I could find was $100. I realize prices have changed over the years but I started looking at the price of other equipment and got sticker shock. $419 at Petco for a wooden stand (and not that well made either) for a 30 gal aquarium? Anyway, the gist of all this is not to whine but rather to see if anyone can recommend an online source or warehouse company that is both reliable and somewhat cheaper. I see several when I search but know nothing about any of them. Thanks.

Thanks very much. Should have mentioned where I am from (South Dakota) so these should work well.

 

[valleyrich]

I'm going through something very similar. I've decided to go DIY on everything I could. The biggest money saver was the stand. We spent about $80 on wood. We already had screws and what-not. It's a beautiful stand. Much nicer than pet stores carry. Solid pine. And will grow with my tanks. Right now it's just a nice little shelf around the tank. It will hold a 125 eventually. And it is very sturdy. Many LFS stands are kind of wobbly. If you find any good resources for used equipment please post.

 

[itsmedeanna64]

Good stromy afternoon from middle Ga!

I just bought a 55 gal setup from PetSmart a couple of weeks ago. I am not fortunate enough to have a good LFS like most of you, so it was either PetSmart or online purchase for what I was looking for. I went to PetSmart because I also have a good friend that works there and I got her discount. I like the bowfronts but didn't care for the bowfront stands I had to choose from, so I wound up with the 55 gal setup kit they have with the tank, filter, heater and hoods for $129. The stand I got was $149 which isn't what I really wanted but it will do for now. I got a couple of other things and I spent $300. My friend's discount was about $50. Now I am in the process of looking for a better filter or probably what I'll do is just add another filter. I am happy with it for the time being but of course I want BIGGER. It's been cycling for 2 weeks now. Can't wait till I can add some fish but I am being patient! I want to go slow in decorating and fix it like I want so I'm adding a little along.

I did find a couple of used tanks locally but they didn't not meet my satisfaction.

Good luck finding what you want!

 

[cujoho78]

I am not fortunate enough to have a good LFS like most of you, so it was either PetSmart or online purchase for what I was looking for.

I bought my aquarium and filter from Petsmart. In my opinion, buying an aquarium and a filter from Petsmart vs. anywhere else only comes down to price. The Topfin aquariums they sell are of good quality, and a filter of the same brand is going to be the same in any store you visit.