what is the cheapest fish tank build that you have ever done?

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CichlidFins

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Feb 26, 2020
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Jay
Cheapest tank build is a puny 2.5 with pvc pipe decor with a single guppy. Holding tank I guess.
 
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Amazoniantanklvr

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Feb 26, 2020
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We gave away a 90g tank on the stand, nothing wrong with it except it was taking valuable garage space. There are more empty aquariums around too.

Unfortunately I don't think anyone's close.
I wish I lived close to you! lol
 

neontetraking

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May 16, 2020
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nice
 

turtletank

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Feb 12, 2017
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i had a 72g bowfront with a 40g breeder as a filter.. just paid for plexiglass, pvc pipes and some shop tube lights. the 72 was given to me.. the 40g i had, everything else i had.. plants were given to me from clippings of a friend, pump i already owned, so setting up everything was literally buying plexi, some pipes to cut down as a dock and the bulbs for the plants. the tank was crystal clear the entire time i owned it until i had to move and couldnt take the setup with.
 
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fishorama

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Jun 28, 2006
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I've been gifted tanks, fish & equipment several times, including from a LFS, & I've given sometimes as well, karma, baby! A big stash of "fish stuff" in the garage, I've paid nothing for a tank or fish a few times :) & a few times just for special fish I wanted from hobbyist breeders or LFS. My best "purchase" was probably a custom 40g long rimless, a 10g & equipment for $5. I just happened to be on a walk & saw a garage sale...It helps to have room to store "treasures" until you need them...& to belong to clubs, I almost never buy plants. There are many generous people you just need to know them...
 

roundcubeten

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Oct 2, 2020
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Building your own fish tank is not only very rewarding but can save you a pretty penny as well. It may seem very complicated, but in reality, if you are armed with patience and motivation there isn't an easier task.
 

FreshyFresh

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Jan 11, 2013
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You for sure tend to accumulate enough gear to create "free" setups as time goes on.

I have paid retail for some smaller tanks over the years, with my 75gal being one of them, but most of my 55's and under were purchased during $1/gal sales. I tend to re-use gravel and decor and I haven't paid for a plant in years.

The only fish food I buy somewhat regularly is for my oscar and severum. A bag of hikari bio gold+ lasts about 3-4 months for them. I buy large cans of omega one flake or dry foods and keep what I'm not using sealed and in the freezer.

Probably the lowest tech and least expensive setup I had for a year or so was a ~2.5gal bowl, with one of those utility clamp lights above it with a 75w equivalent LED bulb and a sponge bubbler filter for filtration. I kept red cherry shrimp and eventually some guppies in there. It was loaded with java moss and had some natural colored gravel in the bottom.
 
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