Which tank should I get?

[2ManyHobbies]

Well, I have decided it is time to buy a new tank. My dilemma is as follows: I met a guy who is selling a 20-year-old 55-gallon tank with rather thick glass (no cross beam in middle of tank). It comes with a heater, biofilter with power jet (no mechanical filter), a single 48” light, and a somewhat broken glass top. All for $100. I was also at the local fish store where they have a 55 gal setup (new design with middle cross beam and thinner glass), an attached filter, hood with 2 x 24” bulbs, and an assortment of other stuff for about $160. I am also debating about just buying an aquarium, hood, and adding a filter, heater, etc to my setup. Anyone comment if it is worth it to buy a self-inclusive kit or should I piece it together? What about the older tank? Any comments appreciated!

[NJ Devils Fan]

What brand of stuff comes with each, i.e., brand of filter, brand of heater?

[Nismo]

For 60 bux i'd go for the new simply becuase other one is 20 years old. And about the kits...there usually good deal pending on what you want to stock in the tank. Most of the time they come with things you dont really need or are not very useful. To be honest I would rather buy the tank and other things such as filters and such sepretly because I can choose what I really want...all up to you.

[Gumby7]

the used tank might have scratches that you only notice after setting it up. That and the silicone is a funky colour from all the meds.

I'd get the new one but don't put much value on the bundled "accesories" as they are usually junk.

Gumby7

[Orbitorly]

What are the brand of the stuff that comes with it.

If I where you I'd wait, they'll always have more stuff in the paper ect. You could buy this tank and then a few days/week/months down the road see even a better deal. So don't just on this deal, and also considering it's 20 years old - it's prob not in great shape.

[2ManyHobbies]

Thanks for the advice. I was also thinking that it would be a risk with the old tank.

I am currently leaning on the side of buying a tank and hood and adding a heater and filter to go along with it. Any suggestions on the heater and filter that I should use? I currently have a 29 gallon with a Whisper filter that seems to work just fine. Should I upgrade and go with a filter with a biowheel? I plan to make this another planted tank with CO2 and high intensity lighting. Does the bioweel interfere in any way with the growing plants? I cannot decide between the Penguin 330 and the Emperor 280. As for heaters are some better than others?

[Tempest]

For a planted tank, it is best to keep the surface agitation at a minimum.. I have a penguin 280 and a 170 on my 55 gallon but had to remove the biowheel and modify the output. I bought it before I knew what I really needed. If I had it to do over I would buy a canister for the tank and I may still do so later on.

[NJ Devils Fan]

An Emperor 400 would very good.
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I have 2 of them and they are great. No, the Bio-wheel does not interfere with anything. They are very good to have because they contain your Bio-load rather then a media sponge.

As for heaters, I would go with 2 150 watt Tronic heaters placed at opposite ends of the tank. Have 2 heaters is more efficient then 1.

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Good Luck