where do you buy your aquariums?

[FoBoT]

i am getting back into fish after a lengthy sebatical (about 7 years since i was serious) and don't know what all-glass bare tanks go for these days

i found what looks to be a decent local shop today (not a corporate mega-pet center) , the tanks were very clean, you can tell when they give a crap about their fish

there were 3 employees and either the manager or owner working on a saturday afternoon, all 4 asked if they could help me, so i think i found a winner

they have a 30 gallon standard for $67 (36x12x16) or a 38 gallon (36x12x20) for something like $83 , but they would have to order the 38 , they don't carry that size standard. they also had a 45 (36x12x24), i didn't ask the price for that, as it is a bit too tall for the stand/room i am putting it into

anyway, if you are into fish enough to either know local tank prices or if you know some online stores that list tank prices, the info is appreciated

:light:

 

[waggy]

wow sounds like a good place.

I have been thinking of getting a Salt water setup myself (have a extra 55gallon tank). But all the store's around here SUCK. The big one sucks. the guy only hires young good looking girls that know NOTHING about fish or anything they have.

 

[notfred]

I don't know... enough that I can't afford a 55 gallon salt setup

 

[bleeb]

I buy mine at local pet / aquarium stores. Forget PETCO, SCAMPS, etc...

 

[UglyCasanova]

Originally posted by: bleeb
I buy mine at local pet / aquarium stores. Forget PETCO, SCAMPS, etc...

Any reason, because I'm also looking into purchasing one I'm just not sure where. Do the local shops have better prices than PetCo, or is better quality or service?

 

[Jayczar]

I usually get the tanks, gravel, etc. locally and buy all my filtration
and access. from here.

 

[spacejamz]

Originally posted by: waggy
wow sounds like a good place.

I have been thinking of getting a Salt water setup myself (have a extra 55gallon tank). But all the store's around here SUCK. The big one sucks. the guy only hires young good looking girls that know NOTHING about fish or anything they have.

[/duece bigalow]can you get me some snails from the bottom of the tank? the water is colder down there[dueuce bigalow]

 

[FoBoT]

aw, i remember that fish place back before the internet, it was one of the major mail order aquarium suppliers
the other one i used to use was mail order pet shop , i wonder if it is still around
i need to get a copy of the fish magazines and see who is advertising in them

 

[bleeb]

Originally posted by: UglyCassanova

Originally posted by: bleeb
I buy mine at local pet / aquarium stores. Forget PETCO, SCAMPS, etc...

Any reason, because I'm also looking into purchasing one I'm just not sure where. Do the local shops have better prices than PetCo, or is better quality or service?

The latter... the prices at those super stores might be a bit better, but I really like enthusiests(sp?) who I can converse with on many topics... I find their advice, tips, techniques and stock quality to be the best.

 

[klein297]

I'd buy the tank and the and the initial supplies from the local store.
Always good to be able to get advice about the hobby.
Most chain pet store clerks wont be much help if you run into problems.
Some are pretty knowlegible, but don't seem to stay there for long.
Once you start needing to replenish your supplies the cheapest would be the chain store websites.
They have most stuff reduced 50% from their b&m store.

 

[freebee]

Buy the major parts at Petco, etc. Most sales on tanks are for $1/gal. Got my 55 gal at petco for $55. Stand and hood are separate. I got a conventional shape, so maybe thats why its cheaper.
Filters, supplies, etc can all be bought with the 20% offs they have sometimes, or the free shipping.

The actual fish, (and fish food...if you don't make your own) you should always buy at the LFS, the mass merchandisers usually have lower quality.

 

[Drizzy]

I built mine out of acrylic from stuff that I learned online. It was fun to make and a LOT cheaper.

 

[HiTek21]

This local pet shop in LA was selling a 60 gallon tank w/ Fluorescent fixture and stand for $180. I bought my old 60 gallon tank for 20 bucks used from this pet shop that was going out of business.

 

[zimu]

i got my 10gallon tank from a pet store for 10 bucks, including filter etc etc. plus about 20 bucks for decorations. about 20 bucks for water purifiers etc, and 50 bucks for the stand.

check drfosterssmith.com i think, or google dr foster smith- online pet store. pretty good, although somewhat pricey.