I'm from Baton Rouge too. Depends on how big of a tank you are trying to get. I got a 55g, which was sadly sold before I started fishkeeping, on the side of the road. Someone had just thrown it out.. It didn't leak and we just bleached it out. Keep your eyes peeled and check garage sales, classified ads wouldn't hurt to be checked either. The Advocate usually has a good number of ads for fish.
As far as supplies like Bio-Spira, I'd check out Mark's Marine on Cedarcrest right off of Coursey. It's an awesome shop but doesn't open until noon. It was the only place I could find the Bio-Spira.
Good luck. :hang: Hang in there.