Does anyone know of some good sites online to buy from? Also, I want about 55 gallons, would you recommend a long tank, a tall tank? I am kinda new to all this, any input is greatly appreciated.
Looking to buy a new tank soon, where to buy?
- Thread starter jujubee
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I prefer long type tanks to tall ones. Easier for plants and easier to maintain since I can actually reach the bottom. I usually buy tanks from LFS though and get any accessories online. Shipping a tank gets prohibitive. I myself have a 50g long which is about 2.5" shorter than the 55g long. A shorter tank with lots of floorspace is really what I prefer.
Buying tanks is generally more economical if you buy it locally... The only way I can someone saving money buying online is if the tank is massive (along the line of 300gallons+), or the tank is of custom shape.
Like Hound, I generally recommend a tank with more surface area, rather than height. High tanks look nice, but when it all boils down, high tanks do not have the bio-capacity that a longer/wider tank does (thats why hex tanks are usually stocked lighter than a non-hex tank of simliar volume), and its harder to reach the bottom of a higher tank.
HTH
-Richer
Like Hound, I generally recommend a tank with more surface area, rather than height. High tanks look nice, but when it all boils down, high tanks do not have the bio-capacity that a longer/wider tank does (thats why hex tanks are usually stocked lighter than a non-hex tank of simliar volume), and its harder to reach the bottom of a higher tank.
HTH
-Richer
check out glasscages.com probably some of the cheapest tanks around. and its even free shipping if you meet up with them at the conventions they go to, will be in florida in july and august. if you want to wait that long. i would get a 240 from them but they dont come to the west coast.
classified sections here, reefcentral.com, myfishtank.net
and ebay
unless you want to pay retail....
and ebay
unless you want to pay retail....
No ideas about where to get a cheap tank but I do have a thought on the tall/long debate. A 75 is the same size as a 55 but deeper. It would likely fit in the same spot in the room but because of the extra depth and extra water would allow you more flexibility in the type and number of fish you get.
Just a thought.
Tom
Just a thought.
Tom
The extra depth/water of the 75, without any increase in surface area, really doesn't increase how many fish you can get into the tank comfortably. The 75E is a much better choice if you want a 75--different foot print, but more usable space with the increase.
Tall tanks are much harder to setup, clean, and filter, IMO.
Tall tanks are much harder to setup, clean, and filter, IMO.
The 75s I have seen do have an increase in surface area over a 55. By depth I was speaking of the front to back dimension not the height. Unless I'm wrong the 55 is usually 13" deep while a 75 is 18" deep. Both are 20" tall so that's an extra 240 sq in of surface area plus the extra 5" of turning room for a larger fish.
Of course if he really wants a 55 this is all moot
Tom
There are different sized among 75g tanks for certain, but I have seen the ones that are about 18" front to back and about 20" tall. The extra space there would be very helpful in setting up a tank especially if you are planting and want DIY lighting. You could easily fit 160 watts of flourescent lighting over the tank. That being said I would probably still check out LFS for either a 55g or a 50g long tank. The Walmart special isn't a bad option either, but you should take a careful look at what you want before you buy. When I was looking I knew I wanted a cannister filter so the Walmart package didn't really make sense to me.
Blitzen I thought glasscages had a stop in LA next month?
Blitzen I thought glasscages had a stop in LA next month?