Fishkeeping on the cheap

Que

Que

I wish I was a fish I wish.
Feb 15, 2007
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Southern Berkshire county, MA
Real Name
Ken
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So in another thread Bahney told us how he managed to get his tank and accessories for very little money. I have been getting the feel that many of us here have done well to get our stuff on the cheap or free and some are even good enough to make what we need to get out set-ups working to their best. So how about some posts of your great deals, trades, builds or whatever and show some pics of the final project. I spent waaaaay too much just to get my 46 going and I'd like to hear what you've done to pare down the cost of starting up your system.

Q
 
My personal favorite, yard sales. As long as you're in no hurry, you can find just about anything during yard sale season. Tanks, filters, pumps, hoods, you name it. I picked up my 30' Python a couple of years ago, plus a bunch of other fish stuff (heater, air pump, powerhead, there was some rock too but I didn't want it) at a yard sale for... six bucks I think. And for those who are able, sometimes you can find a slightly damaged item (like your dream tank with a crack in the glass) and get it for next to nothing. Add a little glass and silicone... Ta Da!!! Instant $300 dollar tank. For almost free!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: Yeah OK, it doesn't happen real often but you know, it's the idea.
 
I'm definitely not the person to ask about this. I've spent way too much on my modest little 10 gallon. Here's a pic of it, though:

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I've always had good luck buying second hand stuff from my LFS, a family run business. I've bought canopies, air pumps, impellers and other small stuff. It is not out on display but if I ask for an item I'm looking for, and ask to buy used it usually happens.
 
Usually message-boards for used stuff works out nicely - I bought two 40g tanks for next to nothing. Same with filters (got new sponges for half the cost) and lighting. Livestock too - you get a network going and it's far cheaper than going into a LFS - plus u get better quality.
 
Yeah, I got some things at the local family run fish store. They were selling some smaller tanks off and moving to larger ones and didn't have the room. I bought a 29G from them (but no hood).
 
I always see good deals on www.kijiji.com (kijiji.ca for me). I like kijiji because you can search stuff locally, give the seller a call, work out a deal and pick it up, all right away. I haven't bought fish stuff, but there are always people selling that sort of thing on there.
 
freecycle.org is the best! got a free 55 gallon stand off of there, never been used. Had to clean it off and then put it together (all hardware was still in the plastic bags!) and POOF! Gorgeous stand.

Craigslist.org is also great. Got my 10 gal, hood, lights and thermometer off of there for $10, only 3 months old! Had to buy a new filter but hey, can't complain. Also got my boyfriend's 55 gal complete with filter, hood and lights for $100.
 
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