its up to u. i got my 75gal for $160 and it is wonderful imo. but it only came with the tank, stand and light. i had to buy everything else, but i think that all that for $150 is pretty sweet.
on NY craigslist theres plenty of 55g tanks for $70-200 but the problem is almost 99% come with the iron stand/crappy or no filter/ crappy or no light.
Nothing wrong with Whisper HOBs, I have 2 60's, a 40, 2 20's and a 10. Inexpensive, works well. Easy to replace the media with nylon stocking (pantyhose) over the frame for cheap mechanical filtration. Imagine makes replacement media with carbon that's cheaper, non-messy, and IMHO works better than whisper brand.
thank you to all for the great advice so far given in this thread. i really appreciate it.
im in buffalo, ny.
im still not sure though...its alot of money for me at this point and with school looming in august, i think i might want to home in on that target...but well see!
The picture looks like it could be in a basement. Two or three months in a basement without water in the tank could have caused leaks. Check the tank really well. Fill it with water if you can, before you decide to buy. Good Luck!