am i better off?

[Bazinga]

ok so up here in Toronto aquariums cost quite a bit.... that being said, i will give you a example the cheapest tank i can find that would fit my needs is a 180 gallon and it costs 700$ used... now im interested in building a tank out of plywood and im just wondering if it will be more cost efficient to build my own tank or buy a used one? the tank i want to build from plywood would be 315 gallons 7'x3'x2'

 

[kallmond]

Have you looked in surrounding areas? I had to drive about 200 miles to pick up my last tank, but the deal I got was worth it. Here's one from craigs list buffalo

180 gallon fishtank complete currently running - $500 (grand island)

Here's one in rochester, you could turn around and resell the 55 for $100 or so according to toronto craigslist pricing:
135 gal fish tank aquarium +stand +55gal and all you need 600 or B/O - $600


Most people's experience is that plywood is cheaper after about 300 gallons. With toronto's inflated pricing you might break even at 200 or 250 gallons, so if you build a 315 it would be cheaper than buying one that big.

 

[john73738]

I am building a 240 for under $400. I do not know what the lumber prices there are as well as cut glass. Baring craigslist which I have never been lucky enough to call fast enough to get a great deal on a tank, I think you can do ok on a 8x2x2 like I am doing.

 

[haynchinook334]

If you think about it, any amount under the original price of a new tank is a good deal (in my books). Building a plywood tank is cheap and sorta/kinda easy and less pricey, and you can build it to your needs. I think the most expensive things your going to have to think about is the filtration, the glass/acrylic, and time. If you could afford all of that, then I would say build one.

 

[crisper]

ok so up here in Toronto aquariums cost quite a bit.... that being said, i will give you a example the cheapest tank i can find that would fit my needs is a 180 gallon and it costs 700$ used... now im interested in building a tank out of plywood and im just wondering if it will be more cost efficient to build my own tank or buy a used one? the tank i want to build from plywood would be 315 gallons 7'x3'x2'

i would go plywood for sure, but why go 7x3 when a standard piece of plywood is 8x4 bigger is always better.