Cheap place to get BIG aquariums?

[Homeslice]

I want a big one. I see 125's on sale at Petsmart for like $750. But bigger than that it seems like they go up into the thousands of dollars, which is nuts. Anywhere to get 150s, 200s, 300s, even bigger at a decent price?

Thanks!!!

 

[Bwood22]

I want a big one. I see 125's on sale at Petsmart for like $750. But bigger than that it seems like they go up into the thousands of dollars, which is nuts. Anywhere to get 150s, 200s, 300s, even bigger at a decent price?

Thanks!!!

Aquarium club Facebook groups, craigslist etc.

 

[MasterPython]

Definitely look for used equipment. People move or get out of the hobby all the time and get rid of tanks.

 

[RayClem]

Remember that large aquariums contain large quantities of water that are very heavy. Even a 90 gallon aquarium will weigh over 1000 pounds when filled. Thus, large aquarioums have to be expertly constructed of high quality materials. Ten gallon aquariums can be cheaply made of thin glass. Large aquariums require either very thick, heavy plate glass or expensive tempered glass.

Just remember that if a 200 gallon aquarium shatters it can do thousands of dollars in damage to your floors. not to mention the loss of hundreds of dollars of livestock that might be in the aquarium. Thus, make sure that you are not "penny conscious but pound foolish".

 

[86 ssinit]

Wise words from RayClem!! Been there done that!! I only buy acrylic now. Nothing worse than a tank leaking or breaking!! Yes you will pay for new but in the end it may be cheaper than used .

 

[TClare]

It is much cheaper to make one.....

 

[Thunder_o_b]

Remember to reenforce the floor. You are dealing with the weight of a small car in a small space with the aquarium, sub straight, filters, lights, and water.

Our 150 tall is in a corner very near the foundation. I still reenforced the floor with 4"x6" timber and a floor support pole.

 

[emeraldking]

Remember to reenforce the floor. You are dealing with the weight of a small car in a small space with the aquarium, sub straight, filters, lights, and water.

Our 150 tall is in a corner very near the foundation. I still reenforced the floor with 4"x6" timber and a floor support pole.

That's one of the good things in our country. Most houses are constructed with concrete floors. And hard materials for walls like concrete, brick and so on. That holds much more than wood.

 

[MrMuggles]

The $750 at petco includes a stand but it is not a very nice stand. I won’t trust my home to a stand built by penny pinching big brands. A better stand can be built cheaply with dimensional lumber.

The tank footprint is long, narrow, not very deep partly because it allows them to use less glass.

when you get up to the 200-300 gallon range you can start to see savings by building a plywood tank with glass viewing panels.

 

[Homeslice]

Thanks everyone. I'm definitely thinking about putting this big-one-to-be outside. We have a real big covered porch area so it can stay out of the direct Houston sun and what not.

Not opposed to a plywood tank with front viewing glass only - where is a good place for those on the cheap. Or not on the cheap LOL.

Cheaper to make my own? Where would I buy glass sheets strong enough to hold the pressure from whatever 300 gallons of water?

Thanks!!!

 

[Redshark1]

Plenty of builds on Monsterfishkeepers.com

 

[TClare]

Cheaper to make my own? Where would I buy glass sheets strong enough to hold the pressure from whatever 300 gallons of water?

From a glass shop, they usually have glass up to 19mm thick or even more. Though of course the thicker the glass the more expensive it is. There are charts online where you can work out how thick the glass should be without any bracing for a given safety factor. With a top frame and braces across the top you can use thinner glass for the same safety factor. Glass shops will cut the exact sizes you need, finish the edges and deliver. Just as an example, we have been making a tank with a volume of about 223 gallons. We used 10mm glass, the total cost of the glass including delivery and 3 tubes of silicon was $220. We bought one 6m length of aluminum angle to make the frame and braces, this cost $30. It is at least a two man job to make the tank so you do need help.