Cheapest place to buy a large aquarium and stand?

[IIFFOFRDB]

Go to houstonfishbox.com. Go to buy/sell/trade. Do not buy a new tank for turtles. You should pay about $200.00 or less for a used tank and stand. Used tanks are selling for less than .10 on the $. You will need to change the water 1 or 2 times a week. You do not need a $1000.00 filter. You need to start a thread on HFB and get some good info. PM me with any questions. I know about tanks, filters and fish. Turtles not so much, but they are what got me started in this aquarium hobby years ago.

[GymRat]

I’m kind of at a lost over why you won’t consider a used tank from craigslist myself. You want to pay well over a thousand compared to a few hundred? A lot of people drop some serious money on an impulse purchase, then realize six month later that a large aquarium does require a little maintenance, and they don’t won’t to be bothered with it anymore. I have seen beautiful aquariums with stands selling for easily less than a third of what they would cost brand new. Let’s face it, the economy is “F”ed up, big ticket items are a buyer’s market right now.
With regard to filtration, like someone else mentioned, spending a grand is way too much. You can buy a under gravel filter and four powerheads for just $125 dollars or so brand new. My tanks look just as pristine and with less maintenance than tanks that have thousand dollar canister filters. I have bought used tanks with canister filters and thrown them away.

[texxanguy]

There is a place on Fountainview between 59 and westheimer names Aquarium world. I have not
walked throught the door, but the building looks like it holds a lot of merchandise.

[pyramider]

Originally Posted by GymRat

I’m kind of at a lost over why you won’t consider a used tank from craigslist myself. You want to pay well over a thousand compared to a few hundred? A lot of people drop some serious money on an impulse purchase, then realize six month later that a large aquarium does require a little maintenance, and they don’t won’t to be bothered with it anymore. I have seen beautiful aquariums with stands selling for easily less than a third of what they would cost brand new. Let’s face it, the economy is “F”ed up, big ticket items are a buyer’s market right now.
With regard to filtration, like someone else mentioned, spending a grand is way too much. You can buy a under gravel filter and four powerheads for just $125 dollars or so brand new. My tanks look just as pristine and with less maintenance than tanks that have thousand dollar canister filters. I have bought used tanks with canister filters and thrown them away.

The problem with used aquariums you have no idea how they were maintained. Some people clean their aquariums with toxic cleaners. Cleaning agents often leave some residue on the glass and then you inadvertently poison the residents.

Also, you do not know if it leaks. A new aquarium can be returned and exchanged for another, used ones cannot.

[Jusanotherdude]

Why buy a new tank when you can buy a used one for penies on the dollar and you would not be able to tell the difference anyway? FAR much less risk involved with a used tank/stand than a new one. Especially since it is just for turles. If nothing else buy the tank used and the stand new if you're that concerned about it. No place is going to be "cheap" no matter where you look for the size you want.

So long as they are not chipped or overly scratched you'll be fine..... A thorough cleaning (which should be done with new tanks also) will take care of any potential residue you think could be there.... And as far as leaks, repairing a standard aquarium for leaks is insanely easy.....

JaD

[IIFFOFRDB]

Originally Posted by Jusanotherdude

Why buy a new tank when you can buy a used one for penies on the dollar and you would not be able to tell the difference anyway? FAR much less risk involved with a used tank/stand than a new one. Especially since it is just for turles. If nothing else buy the tank used and the stand new if you're that concerned about it. No place is going to be "cheap" no matter where you look for the size you want.

So long as they are not chipped or overly scratched you'll be fine..... A thorough cleaning (which should be done with new tanks also) will take care of any potential residue you think could be there.... And as far as leaks, repairing a standard aquarium for leaks is insanely easy.....

JaD

Yes Sir, I've resealed dozens. With these turtles the tank will only be 3/4 way filled. They need a place to sit like a flat rock or a log. I guess they are redear sliders.

They are nasty and if she has had them for a few years they are big. Like a small dinner plate BIG. They are messy and would clog a big ehiem 2060 or fluval fx5 in a couple of days. Forget a cannister.
Powerheads and a continuios water change is the way to go. 50 gals a day is were I would feel comfortable. Plumbing it is the trick.
Are you going to put a canopy on the tank? You will need special reptile lights they like to soak in the sun while they lounge on the rocks.

[IIFFOFRDB]

I like how this guy has mangroves sucking up the nitrates. Best filter you can get. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ-9ibMpR3k Notice those DIY continuious air assisted drains(pvc) flowing down to a sump, wet/dry,filter. I'm sure.

Brooke before you buy, do your research. If I had the money back I wasted on the aquarium hobby in the last 15 years. I could get me 75 or so GOOD massages.

[IIFFOFRDB]

Did you notice how the turtle in the tank had his right hand bite off. Probably happened when he was a little squirt.

Take some of this with a grain of salt. They want you to spend (waste) money. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74kQG...eature=related

[GymRat]

Originally Posted by IIFFOFRDB

Yes Sir, I've resealed dozens. With these turtles the tank will only be 3/4 way filled. They need a place to sit like a flat rock or a log. I guess they are redear sliders.

They are nasty and if she has had them for a few years they are big. Like a small dinner plate BIG. They are messy and would clog a big ehiem 2060 or fluval fx5 in a couple of days. Forget a cannister.
Powerheads and a continuios water change is the way to go. 50 gals a day is were I would feel comfortable. Plumbing it is the trick.
Are you going to put a canopy on the tank? You will need special reptile lights they like to soak in the sun while they lounge on the rocks.

Yep, couldn’t agree more. Powerheads are the way to go in almost any circustance. I just can't embrace those expensive canister filters.
On another note, I live on a lot of acreage covered with beautiful St. Augustine grass. Every spring for a couple of weeks, it’s not unusual in the morning to see either a red eared or snapping turtle plowing up my yard to lay her eggs.