Wal Mart tanks

[TPIRman]

Originally posted by Cyclops
I plan on buying the empty tank from my lfs. Then buying filter and other accessories seperately. I'm going to do research on heaters and filters to see which ones are best and buy everything a little at a time. Thanks to everyone who responded.

Smart move buying the items separately rather than going for the "kit." However, I would do research on heaters, filters, etc., _before_ you buy the tank. Then take a list of what you want to the LFS and ask what kind of package deal they can give you. If you are buying a lot of equipment at once, you're in a better position to negotiate a discount. If you buy things a little at a time, you will end up paying often-ridiculous LFS markup (or rack up a ton of shipping charges if you buy online).

My LFS automatically gives a 10% discount on any equipment purchased with a new tank; they gave me more when I bought my last tank because I came with a spreadsheet listing every item I needed, right down to the suction-cup thermometer. Next to each item I put the price I had found online (with extra shipping charges for heavy items, to be fair). I got a great deal, much better than if I had purchased it all in dribs and drabs (and even better than online when shipping was factored in).

 

[happy]

tanks

Hey what about miejers. I just bought a 55 gallon tank for 54.00 dollars it doesn't come with anything but the price was right.

 

[snakeskinner]

where in Kansas are you? I found San Antonio you can buy everything at the LFS cheaper than wal mart, Petsmart or Petco. here in Oklahoma City, the LFS's are more expensive but they usually carry better stuff. I think you've definitely got a good plan there. a 29 will allow you a much better selection of fish later on. go to www.bigalsonline.com and check out their equipment. they are usually a lot cheaper but it just depends on your LFS. Kyle

 

[Cyclops]

I checked online for meijers and they don't have one in Kansas. I prefer not to say exactly where but I'm about 30 min. from Wichita. What is this San Antonio shop you're talking about? Does it have a website?

I found a 29 gal for $35.00 on http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=2 but that's not including shipping.

 

[Danimal]

I bought that 55 gal special at WalMart and it is a fine set up for a beginner. We have had absolutely no problems with the tank!

 

[snakeskinner]

is your LFS in Wichita? I just like to hit any LFS I can to see if there is something worth the trip. Wichita's not too far from me and we go there to the colliseum for antique flea markets from time to time anyway. The stores I went to in San Antonio were Alamo aquatics (lots of stuff for cheap, employees are rude), texas Tropicals had lots of odd fish, nice staff and pretty god prices, and Fintique had dirt cheap prices and excellent staff as well as loads of desireable fish. Kyle

 

[Cyclops]

That's a nice tank Danimal. I wasn't sure a 55 gal. would be good for a beginner but I might have to rethink it.

No, my lfs is in my small town we only have one. I've only been to one in Wichita so I couldn't tell you much about theirs.

 

[Danimal]

Thanks!! I'm a beginner, but a relatively well informed one. I spent a lot of time here and at fishgeeks.com lurking and learning. I didn't want to have a fiasco on my hands so I paid attention.