Price for this equipment for 8ftby2ftby2ft help?

[fishfan91]

I'm just trying to find out my exact figures so I can save enough money before moving out of the house so I can get the tank and everything straight away, few of my questions are as followed :

1) What will roughly be the price I'll pay for 2nd hand 8ftby2ftby2ft fish tank?
2) How many heaters will I need for this size tank and how big?
3) How many filters will I need for this size tank and what type?
4) How much money will I roughly need for the lid/stand to make?

I want to be certain because I don't want the project to drag on and on and on for months on end, I really want to get it asap after a week or so of settling into the new place.:o

[secuono]

1. For just a used tank, it should be roughly $1 per gallon, so $240-280. But some people will want more, and/or it will come with other things. Some people try selling 55g tank setups for well over $800. So as long as you search diligently, you will find an unbeatable deal!
2. For Hydor Theo heaters, I know you can get 400watts and that will heat a 100g fine until temps are 60F or below in the room. But if it's a heated room, 400 should be fine. I'd say two 400watts and a 200 or 300watt. Hydor Theo 400watts are $35-40.
You should be able to find an online site for heaters & filters for cheaper than in stores. I hear Cascade glass submersible heaters are very good and cost less than most others.
3. Depends on what you want, sump, HOB or canister. I only do HOB since they are the easiest for me. I think the 110G AquaClear filter is the biggest/cheapest and best of all, most silent of filters. I use just one on my 130g until 5 goldfish moved in. You would want more filter power than actual gallons mainly because you will have fish, and lots which = poo galore! I got 2 used AC 110g filters for $40 shipped, new they cost about $90.

4. If you go with a DIY wood & cinder/concrete stand-wood would be about $2-5 for a 2x4 by 8ft. Blocks should be .88-$3 each and most blocks are about 8in high only. If you go just 9in off the ground total, I'd say about $26-30 minimum height. Add 2/3 of that price for each additional set of blocks to add 8in height.
Furniture stands can cost $80-500 for your size needed.
Lids can be bought ready made or you can make your own from plexi glass and things around the house. I'm guessing store bought would be about $150-200, while home made can cost half.

Total minimum about $500 up to 1k+, the more thrifty and resourceful you are, the better deal.

[fishfan91]

Alright thanks alot that is what I was thinking to about the stand it will be easier to make it myself (with other people) rather than buying one from the shop already done, shops are always more expensive.

How many heaters will I need though, 1 or 2?

The floor should be concrete or it might just be regular joists, since it is a long tank and the tank is spread evenly across the joists it will be okay to support the weight won't it?

Thanks very much for helping me.

[secuono]

I would try for two 400watt heaters, turn them on for a few days and see if they can properly heat up to 75F, if not, get a 3rd 200 or 300watt heater.

Good site about general floor strength.

http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article28.html

[247Plants]

I ran (2) 250w visitherm stealths on my 6 x 2 x 2 tank until I figured out that one will do the job just fine. I live in a sub tropical area so that might make a difference.

I would say a sump would be easiest and cheapest for filtration.

I spent about $300 or so building my generic stand. I way overdid it though. You should be able to pull it off for less than that unless you want to get fancy with what wood you use.

[fishfan91]

I ran (2) 250w visitherm stealths on my 6 x 2 x 2 tank until I figured out that one will do the job just fine. I live in a sub tropical area so that might make a difference.

I would say a sump would be easiest and cheapest for filtration.

I spent about $300 or so building my generic stand. I way overdid it though. You should be able to pull it off for less than that unless you want to get fancy with what wood you use.

if you dont mind me asking you got photo of your stand please?

and yeah i will need 2 i guess i dont live in sub tropical, i live in uk lol :iagree: