WalMart Kits

HIPunch · April 9th, 2009

I was in Wal-Mart earlier with the little one and saw some tanks with kits for sale. Was looking at the 20 and 55 gal ones. I searched here and saw bad reviews for the Whisper filters (which come with the kits). Prices were roughly 115 for the 20 and 200 for the 55. Anyone have any thoughts?? Should I buy a "bare" tank and get a different filter?
Also, was looking at the 2.5 gal tank for a betta for my son. Also comes with a Whisper, think it is the 3i. Price around 35. Thoughts??

Aloha,
HIPunch

Kayin1470 · April 9th, 2009

hmm a 2.5 will probably be alright, but make sure that it's heated and filtered.

It would be better if you got a 10 gallon with a beta and a few small corydoras catfish. This is just my opinion though, of course.

Jonah · April 9th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by HIPunch

I was in Wal-Mart earlier with the little one and saw some tanks with kits for sale. Was looking at the 20 and 55 gal ones. I searched here and saw bad reviews for the Whisper filters (which come with the kits). Prices were roughly 115 for the 20 and 200 for the 55. Anyone have any thoughts?? Should I buy a "bare" tank and get a different filter?
Also, was looking at the 2.5 gal tank for a betta for my son. Also comes with a Whisper, think it is the 3i. Price around 35. Thoughts??

Aloha,
HIPunch

The wisper filters are not too bad, but most folks complain about the cost of the replacement media, but that is an issue thats easily solved by replacing the expensive cartridges with sponges from the $ store and filter floss from the craft store.

2.5 gals is the absolute minimum for a Betta, 5 is better and 10 divided 2 or 3 ways for multiples is better still.

I know from reading a few posts here before that some folks have found 10gal kits cheaper than 5's in wal-mart before now

aquarist48 · April 9th, 2009

I suggest keeping the Whisper as a spare. I like the Aqua Clear hang on back. Lots of room for filter media that you choose. For a 55g I would select the AC 70 or the next one larger. Good luck and have fun. Be patient when filling your tank and cycling. Do you have a test kit? API makes a good one.

Kayin1470 · April 9th, 2009

wow how could I have forgotten, Welcome to Fishlore =P

It says you know about the nitrogen cycle which is excellent, seeing as how now you won't start off on the wrong foot.

penance · April 9th, 2009

This is what I did, last week I bought a 55 gallon kit last week from petco, it was overall cheaper than buying bare because I needed the hooded light and those can run $50+ alone. I'm sure the walmart kits are the same where it comes with a heater so then if you're worried about the filter, just upgrade to a higher power one

HIPunch · April 9th, 2009

Thanks for the replies. Makes sense to have a spare filter. I am in no hurry to make impulsive mistakes (although the little one wants a fish like yesterday). Currently I have a 10 gal tank with a heater, filter and hood. Figure I will use this for the little one's room and buy a big tank for me.

Again thanks to all and will update my, our, journey

Aloha,
HIPunch

Kayin1470 · April 10th, 2009

sounds great, good luck and definitely keep us posted =)

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