Dragon King Aquarium in toronto had (as of last weekend) a 8-10" ST for like 500 (i really don't remmber the price). I'd jump on that first if I was in TO.
I would buy the IT if i were you, i've bought all my dats off that guy. Amazing quality and you'll never meet a nicer guy. He's grown most of his dats from 1" and everyone of them is healthy