How good are the "complete" aquarium kits?
- Thread starter b.greene
- Start date
How good those Walmart kits are depends on what you're keeping and what your preferences are.
I don't like them because:
*the openings in the back of the hood are too big, so evaporation is quick and fish have lots of room to jump out and die.
*the heaters are All-Glass heaters which are no good in my experience. Mine wouldn't let my water get below 82F no matter what I set the dial on, the heater was very hot to the touch, and fish that get stuck behind it get burned if not killed.
*I'd rather buy a bare tank and pick out better quality equipment to put in it, because if you're much of an enthusiast, you will replace it all in the long run anyway.
I don't like them because:
*the openings in the back of the hood are too big, so evaporation is quick and fish have lots of room to jump out and die.
*the heaters are All-Glass heaters which are no good in my experience. Mine wouldn't let my water get below 82F no matter what I set the dial on, the heater was very hot to the touch, and fish that get stuck behind it get burned if not killed.
*I'd rather buy a bare tank and pick out better quality equipment to put in it, because if you're much of an enthusiast, you will replace it all in the long run anyway.
this is true..many times they come with not the best quality..but it is enough to get started and you can add on or adjust later.
the tanks themselves are fine.. I have had no issues with the heater nor the filter..regular maintenance is performed and things are fine..
I did add more filtration and replace the cheapie plastic hood which many tanks seem to come with.
the tanks themselves are fine.. I have had no issues with the heater nor the filter..regular maintenance is performed and things are fine..
I did add more filtration and replace the cheapie plastic hood which many tanks seem to come with.
I bought the walmart 55 set up, and added 2 sponge filters. Works fine. The heater doesn't overheat, and the lights were adequate to grow a few bulbs and an amazon sword. I use no-name similar size filtration refills from petsmart, rather than hunting down the right brand etc. A lot cheaper that way.
So, I'd definitely recommend that for starting. You can always upgrade later.
So, I'd definitely recommend that for starting. You can always upgrade later.
