Best Time/place To Buy A Monster Tank?

I currently have a 55 gallon tank that houses juvenile South America Cichlids but plan on buying a bigger tank due to them growing to around 12in. I have been looking around and it looks like monster tanks (125+ gallons) drastically increase in price from the 75 gallons and less price. I do know they use thicker glass on the bigger aquariums but the increase is crazy!

My question is, other than Craigslist (I'm not sure if I trust those tanks), when and where are the best places and times to buy a bigger tank? I would realistically like to get a 150, but if a 125 is significantly cheaper I'd go with the 125.

I know Petco has the $1 per gallon sale and only goes up to 75 gallons. Honestly, if I can't find a 125+ tank by the next $1 per gallon sale I will probably unwillingly settle for a 75 (at least temporarily). The way I see it, if I buy the 75 for $75 and can sell my 55 for $55 on Craiglist I have a good deal!

 

Well, there are other websites besides Craiglist, but the only way to get a brand new one is thorugh a LFS or a big chain pet store. As far as the $1 per gallon sale goes, it only goes up to 75, however 75s are rare. However Petco/Petsmart do sell 125s

 

Well, there are other websites besides Craiglist, but the only way to get a brand new one is thorugh a LFS or a big chain pet store. As far as the $1 per gallon sale goes, it only goes up to 75, however 75s are rare. However Petco/Petsmart do sell 125s

I preferably want a 125/150, but they are ridiculously priced. I was more so wondering if anywhere sells them for around $2.50 per gallon. Maybe even slightly more.

The cheapest I can find is $4.50 per gallon with no stand.

 

Wow, just checking around today I found a pet store selling a used 125 gallon with a metal stand for $200. I think I might move on that deal.

 

If you don't get that used deal... Black Friday at PetSmart is the way to go for a new tank. The discounts are ridiculous.

 

If you don't get that used deal... Black Friday at PetSmart is the way to go for a new tank. The discounts are ridiculous.

I know, I'm considering waiting for the PetSmart Black Friday deal. But what if I don't get it it they change the deal? I'm not sure what to do at this point. I need help lol

 

CAn usually find some good tanks on the 5miles App on your smart phone.
Facebook groups also have good deals

 

What do you think about this deal:
$560 for a 125 Aqueon with a stand, glass hoods, and lights

I'm nervous about buying used. I don't want to spend $200 and have the tank's seals break on me. I'd rather be protected buying brand new and with a warranty.

 

I bought both of mine (55 and later a 75) used. make sure to check the seals (no pealing or air bubbles) and even better be there to see the tank filled up.

 

Both my 55 and my 110 where bought used for great prices. If the owner has it filled with water as a lot around my area are on craigslist a quick presale inspection will tell you if it leaks. Also buying used you can get substrate, filters, and other accessories for the price. If the seller was really into fish keeping they will be honest with you about the condition of the tank, some of these guys get rid of them due to moving, health reason etc...

 

I found a screenshot of a new lower price, I'll see if they can price match it. I understand I can save money going on CL, but I think I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

That would have been the pricing they had for Christmas.

 

That would have been the pricing they had for Christmas.

Think they'll match? Lol

 

Think they'll match? Lol

it doesn't hurt to try

 

On used stuff I would pay about a dollar a gallon. But you can find some good deals out there if your patient. I acquired a 220g Tank, stand, glass tops, lights and three canisters for 200. I had to carry it out of the guys basement but for the price it was worth it.

 

FYI PetSmart will not match the old price

 

Petsmart right now.

 

Pet Supplies Plus (at least in my area) will price match. They may not have as big a selection as PetSmart, though.

 

I found a new 125 for $319. I think the best deal so far is for $560 at PetSmart. I have a 10% coupon so it'll make it alittle cheaper. Comes with everything I need plus everything is brand new. If I buy the $319 one it'll be over $600 after I buy the stand, hood, and lights.

 

I found a new 125 for $319. I think the best deal so far is for $560 at PetSmart. I have a 10% coupon so it'll make it alittle cheaper. Comes with everything I need plus everything is brand new. If I buy the $319 one it'll be over $600 after I buy the stand, hood, and lights.

Good luck! LOL when it comes to deals you want to take the best, I learned this the hard way when buying other things. One day it was $150 off and then I decided to wait and the deal went away and the $150 hasn't shown up for 2 months already. Good luck!

Also when you do buy it, set up a build thread and tag me in it!

 

Good luck! LOL when it comes to deals you want to take the best, I learned this the hard way when buying other things. One day it was $150 off and then I decided to wait and the deal went away and the $150 hasn't shown up for 2 months already. Good luck!

Also when you do buy it, set up a build thread and tag me in it!

I have began thinking this way my dude! I'm 25 and spend very conservatively. All of my friends spend money like millionaires. I think it might be time for me to treat myself. I have been in this hobby (again) for only a few months and I've been loving it! I had a tank that my dad ran for 20 years prior, the biggest tank being a 29. As you probably already think, he thinks I'm crazy after my 55... Wait until he sees the 125!

I called PetSmart today and the multiple employees said this setup up goes on sales 3 times per year. Black Friday, Christmas, and now. If I sleep on this I'll regret it for 7 months. Also, who knows what the Black Friday deal will be this year.

I will definitely make a build thread if/when I get the tank (90% sure I'm getting it). I have a YouTube channel too. I'm sure I'll make a video about it on there too. It's by no means a big channel. I just do it for personal fun. If it grows it grows!

Novel over...

 

Well, do share the name of your channel

Hey, when it comes to the aquarium hobby, treating yourself(paying more, LOL) not only benefits you but the fish. Plus when it comes to the money, if you buy a bigger tank and better high quality equipment you will save the regret later on when you want more fish or your equipment breaks or causes trouble.

But yeah when it comes to deals, sometimes you can't wait just take the best deal.

 

Well, do share the name of your channel

Hey, when it comes to the aquarium hobby, treating yourself(paying more, LOL) not only benefits you but the fish. Plus when it comes to the money, if you buy a bigger tank and better high quality equipment you will save the regret later on when you want more fish or your equipment breaks or causes trouble.

But yeah when it comes to deals, sometimes you can't wait just take the best deal.

I like the way you think! Lol

 

Tank purchased! I got an incredible deal from PetSmart. Since the tank is so big, they don't ship, so they'll match online prices. I had a 10% coupon on top of that. After tax, I paid $426. In my opinion that's an incredible deal. Tank, stand, lights, canopy... Can't go wrong! I'm extremely happy with this.

The only issue I have now is, how the **** am I going to pick this up?!

 

Rent a truck from U-Haul, they have Pickups, if you don't have any friends with one.

 

Tank purchased! I got an incredible deal from PetSmart. Since the tank is so big, they don't ship, so they'll match online prices. I had a 10% coupon on top of that. After tax, I paid $426. In my opinion that's an incredible deal. Tank, stand, lights, canopy... Can't go wrong! I'm extremely happy with this.

The only issue I have now is, how the am I going to pick this up?!

That does sound like a great. Price. I too am in the market for a 125g with stand. Thanks for the thread and info.

 

The tank is finally in my basement. This thing was a PAIN! I needed to basically lift it vertically to fit down the stair. I checked everything out and the seals look great and nothing looks compromised.

My one question is, what do you think the best way of moving this would be? I want this tank in the same spot where my 55 currently stands. Any suggestions? I thought the best way would be to empty the 55, put the fish in a storage container (like a big plastic tote), move the 55, fill the 125 after moving it, use some water from the tot and the bottom of the 55, set up the tank, add the fish.

Doing anything wrong? Any ways to do this more efficiently?

 

The tank is finally in my basement. This thing was a PAIN! I needed to basically lift it vertically to fit down the stair. I checked everything out and the seals look great and nothing looks compromised.

My one question is, what do you think the best way of moving this would be? I want this tank in the same spot where my 55 currently stands. Any suggestions? I thought the best way would be to empty the 55, put the fish in a storage container (like a big plastic tote), move the 55, fill the 125 after moving it, use some water from the tot and the bottom of the 55, set up the tank, add the fish.

Doing anything wrong? Any ways to do this more efficiently?

That should work. When I upgraded I filled a plastic critter tank with my decor a fish that I could fit safely then I emptied the tank into buckets (putting all other decor in them too) and keeping the dirty water. I the. Scooped tye substrate and swapped tanks. Places it all back in and topped it off with new water and added the old filter side by side to the new one. It instant cycled and it was just like I did a big water change!

 

The tank is up and running! 3 Aqueon 75s. I even added a juvenile Firemouth. I will post a link to the YouTube video when I have it made.

 

The tank is up and running! 3 Aqueon 75s. I even added a juvenile Firemouth. I will post a link to the YouTube video when I have it made.

Pics?

 

Video is up!

I have had some big updates since the completion of the video. I will post a picture in this thread after everything is set up.

I'm not the best aquascaper lol but practice makes perfect!