John is in Ireland Im pretty sure craigslist isnt international as of yet but you can still search the online classifieds over there im sure you will find some people selling used tanks.Puffernewbee said:
"Don't worry, you'll be fine"
- Thread starter johnsl
- Start date
Yes, unfortunately Ireland is not particularly well served by online suppliers. The local ones tend to be very expensive - and the UK based ones tend to slap on a good chunk of extra postage - which makes it expensive either way.
I've found a few shops that appear to have a good range of accessories and equipment and will visit over the weekend - my first online order didn't arrive this morning so I may have to double up on some of the basic equipment while I'm there rather than wait until Monday's post - unless I simply buy a fully kitted larger tank straight away and try to cycle it with the fish (which I gather is easier than cycling a smaller tank). And then the smaller tank and all its cheaper equipment becomes a quarantine/emergency set up - which is pretty much where I expected it to end up (once I began reading).
The real concern I have with the larger tank is that one which is really big enough is going to take a bit more planning because of the size and weight rather than the cost - though I'd not object if I could find a cheap one !
I'd be interested to hear opinions about whether it's better to start from a basic tank and add on the bits specifically for your target fish or whether the standard packages of tanks with all the extras fitted are worth considering.
Actually on second thoughts - rather than stick questions in this post I'll keep this as a general chat about what to do and I'll ask the specific qiestsion such as 'Buy a package vs roll your own' individually - it makes it easier for people to answer specific questions.
I've found a few shops that appear to have a good range of accessories and equipment and will visit over the weekend - my first online order didn't arrive this morning so I may have to double up on some of the basic equipment while I'm there rather than wait until Monday's post - unless I simply buy a fully kitted larger tank straight away and try to cycle it with the fish (which I gather is easier than cycling a smaller tank). And then the smaller tank and all its cheaper equipment becomes a quarantine/emergency set up - which is pretty much where I expected it to end up (once I began reading).
The real concern I have with the larger tank is that one which is really big enough is going to take a bit more planning because of the size and weight rather than the cost - though I'd not object if I could find a cheap one !
I'd be interested to hear opinions about whether it's better to start from a basic tank and add on the bits specifically for your target fish or whether the standard packages of tanks with all the extras fitted are worth considering.
Actually on second thoughts - rather than stick questions in this post I'll keep this as a general chat about what to do and I'll ask the specific qiestsion such as 'Buy a package vs roll your own' individually - it makes it easier for people to answer specific questions.
Love the Irish wit!
I'd check out the classified sections in your local rags, or possibly car boot sales (don't know if you get this weekends bank holiday over there).
Alternatively, you could build your own tank if you have the space, and time as I know little people take up loads. Perhaps make it a project with your wee people?
Would there be any cheaper shops in southern ireland, being part of the EU? Not sure which part your in.
Good luck!
I'd check out the classified sections in your local rags, or possibly car boot sales (don't know if you get this weekends bank holiday over there).
Alternatively, you could build your own tank if you have the space, and time as I know little people take up loads. Perhaps make it a project with your wee people?
Would there be any cheaper shops in southern ireland, being part of the EU? Not sure which part your in.
Good luck!
John-
the title of your thread reminds me of a saying I heard:
"Trust me, I'm from the Goverment!"
:dance: :thud:
the title of your thread reminds me of a saying I heard:
"Trust me, I'm from the Goverment!"
:dance: :thud:
John,
if you are asking if the 'package' set up are worth the cost or if you are better off getting the tank and items seperately.
it is more a matter of cost. the 'package' will generally supply the 'minimum' to get by.
the filters may be underpowered and they usually don't aupply the 'best' products.
but they can get you started and will get you by.
look in classified ads as suggested..there are a lot of good deal here (not sure about irelend)
sometimes places wil have sales on package set ups . sometimeds on tanks and accessories.
ultimately, if you purchase a package, will will most likely upgrade equiptment. some folks prefer to not go thru this upgrade and get good stuff from the get go.
it's all a matter of personal opinion.
atleast you are learning from this experience and making the best of it.
hang in there
if you are asking if the 'package' set up are worth the cost or if you are better off getting the tank and items seperately.
it is more a matter of cost. the 'package' will generally supply the 'minimum' to get by.
the filters may be underpowered and they usually don't aupply the 'best' products.
but they can get you started and will get you by.
look in classified ads as suggested..there are a lot of good deal here (not sure about irelend)
sometimes places wil have sales on package set ups . sometimeds on tanks and accessories.
ultimately, if you purchase a package, will will most likely upgrade equiptment. some folks prefer to not go thru this upgrade and get good stuff from the get go.
it's all a matter of personal opinion.
atleast you are learning from this experience and making the best of it.
hang in there
For someone just starting I'd say go for a kit. The only extra that you might need (in addition to the consumables) is another filter. A second filter in general is not a bad idea anyway. Hood and lighting are usually expensive to buy separately. Good luck.
That's useful, thank you.
It was the hood and lighting that were on my mind a bit as well - I'm aware that the filter may not be the best - but it should at least be servicable.
I've been looking at Jewel Tanks as they are the only complete packages I seem to be able to get here. But I may learn more over the weekend.
The plain tanks are readily available as are fittings, but there is not much choice in brand. I could buy online to resolve that. But, as above, the hood and lighting are not readily available.
John.
It was the hood and lighting that were on my mind a bit as well - I'm aware that the filter may not be the best - but it should at least be servicable.
I've been looking at Jewel Tanks as they are the only complete packages I seem to be able to get here. But I may learn more over the weekend.
The plain tanks are readily available as are fittings, but there is not much choice in brand. I could buy online to resolve that. But, as above, the hood and lighting are not readily available.
John.
