Is it true about tank kits!?!?!

[corykid]

Hey guys i was wondering i have heared many people talk about getting fish tank kits at there local fish store and them being just trouble and having to take them back or ending up having to buy all new parts becasue the ones that came in the kit are not right for itssize.

I am thinking about in the future getting a larger tank in the 30-50 gallon range ( will decide after lookin at prices ) will buying a tank kit at my local fish store BIG ALS be a mistake? or can i trust that it will be of good quality because i am buying it from a well known fish store like BIG ALS??

Thanks guys i would really like ur feed back so i do not waste my money.

 

[plah831]

I usually buy tank kits because they're cheaper, and end up replacing all the equipment. I keep the original ones as backups, though. They're good for that

The thing with the included equipment is that they're usually cheap so don't work too well. I've used some of them for a couple years, though, and they work alright but not as well as I'd like. I take REALLY good care of my stuff, though, so they probably last longer than the typical cheap-o equipment life.

For example, the heaters you get in kits are very cheap (the kind you can get for usually less than $10) and don't shut off when the water is warmer than the set point. So in the summer, I had the heater set for 76 degrees, but it was still turning on when the water exceeded 80. Blasted thing. I turned it down to 72, same thing. It's like it was designed to work on a timer, and not to do with temperature at all!

that's my experience. I don't mind keeping the cheap stuff for emergencies.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

the things with kits is for me its ever what i want and cheap stuff. i wouldnt trust any of the no name brand stuff for my tanks. i would buy the tank and stand together. maybe the lights if i was looking for a non planted tank. to me its worth the extra money to get everything how i want it.

 

[ara35]

do you think this is true for a 10G tank?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i think its almost true for everything. some kits might have good stuff and what your looking for maybe at a lfs.

 

[corykid]

Hey guys i checked in with my local big als and looked closer at the tank kits and everything is brand named they are yes more expensive than usual but atleast i now know i will be gettin good quality parts.