inexpensive 10 gallon setup

F

fishinmt

Spiraling out of control
Jan 2, 2009
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MT
I would like to get a 10 gallon aquarium going. Eventually I want a 50 gallon tank and then use this 10 gallon as a quarantine tank but that is a little ways off. I bought the topfin kit from petsmart today and well - it looks really cheap. The filter has one pad that is mechanical, carbon and bio all together and it clips in to a plastic housing. The thermometer has a very touchy adjustment (directions say a small turn will adjust 3 to 5 degrees) and no temperature listed on it to help out.

What do you recommend for a 10 gallon setup that wont break the bank? - tank, heater, filter, etc that wont just make me give up on the hobby because the equipment is cheap and hard to use? I saw the Marineland 12 with built in biowheel but it's a bit pricey- how is that?

Thanks for any help!
 
I'd like to keep it all under $100. The topfin setup was $45 - but I don't think it will work for me.
 
I get my stuff at bigalsonline.com

I love my penn plax filter : http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19169/si1382693/cl0/pennplaxcascade100powerfilter

But currently on my new 10 I just set up im useing a canister filter:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp17290/si2074670/cl0/tomrapidminicanisterfilterc80
(This filter is VERY quiet)
Heres an easy to read heater:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...322/cl0/aquariumsystemsvisitherm100wattheater

Do you already have a light and hood?
 
Shipping costs become a problem for stuff like this - at least the aquarium part. What filter/heater is recommended so I can look around for it?

I would like to start with some low light plants (java moss, java fern, cabomba? )and do a fishless cycle. Then probably some neons and otos. And perhaps a couple of african dwarf frogs - I love those.
 
gotglock - thanks for the links!
 
Buy your tank locally. Check Craigslist.org for your area. There may be someone selling a setup.

I buy my supplies from Drs. Foster and Smith, but Big Al's is good too.

I recommend Hagen Aquaclear filters and Visitherm heaters.

You should be able to get your tank, top, light, heater, stand, filter, gravel for around $100.
 
I got the 10 gallon set up from petsmart too as a gift, and I wasn't super satisfied with the equipment. (seems horrible to say because it was a gift, but I've already upgraded). I got a Penguin 100 filter and hope to be getting a new heater soon. I've ordered from Dr. Fosters and Smith and they have some good deals going on right now, a whole lot cheaper than your LFS.
 
a ten gallon tank itself is usually around $10-15.

a good filter, such as those from Penguin or Aqua Clear, will be another 20

the heater will be around $15

and then there is the gravel, decor, etc. but that stuff is pretty inexpensive.

i wouldnt go with a penn plax cascade HOB. i can honestly say that i can't wait for mine to stop running. it was a pretty good little filter for the first year or so, but it got slower and slower while my penguins ran strong.
 
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