Cheap Tank

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micmike1709

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 8, 2008
252
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Washington, D.C. / Capitol Heights, MD.
I want to buy a bigger tank thinking about a 300 to 500 gallon. Does anybody know of any affordable places to buy one, or should I go the diy route. Please give me info and pros and cons for both. Thanks
 
Craigslist is the only way to buy a big tank without spending several thousand dollars and even the ones on craigslist will be a few thousand as well. Every once in a while a good deal comes along and you'll see a 300 for $200 or something but its not common. Also, check out the diy section. There are lots of threads of this nature over there.
 
With the recent disasters on the forum (2 members here had their 200+ gallon tanks bust within a week), it would be hard for me to purchase a large tank off CL. I did get my 180 for a steal, but anything over 200 gallons is worth spending extra on. That LAST thing you want is to spring a leak in a 300+ gallon tank. I would either spend the money on a reliably built one, or spend the time and put in the effort and make your own. Atleast then if everything goes bad, you have no one to blame but yourself.


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I've heard of many more diy tanks failing than craigslist tanks but to each his own. Most large tanks above 300 gallons are custom and if you have the money to order a custom tank you would probably want a quality tank. I'd be more worried about buying any old 120 gallon off cl because they are a dime a dozen and can really vary in quality. I've personally bought a very nice 300 off cl for $220 and have had no issues and I saved a few thousand dollars. The key is to not spend too much. Obviously if you spend $1000 on a used tank and it breaks then you're out of luck and $1000 poorer.
 
Also, most people keep very large tanks in their basements so a leak is a big deal but not as big as a 120 on the second floor that will leak through the whole house.:WHOA:
 
Try going to your local pet store and see if they can order one for you. Usually they can get tanks for cheaper from the supplier if they already have a relationship and can maybe cut you a good deal. Or else look for a wholesaler of fish tanks around you, they aren't always open to the public but some do open to the public on certain days. i wouldn't go the diy route as something that large can have too many problems go wrong unless you know exactly what you are doing. Spend a little more money and get quality.
 
Yeah a tank that size is worth doing correct.

I could never trust a used tank over 150 gallons.

And a homemade tank would only be kept outdoors.
 
I'm currently building an aquarium out of 3/4 plywood, 64oz fiberglass woven mat, marine grade laminating resin, 7.5oz fiberglass mat top layer, 98x36x36. Sounds crazy right? It'll be great, you'll see. I'll post pics of my progress. Yeah!

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Dimensions has changed to 98x34.5x30. Still, looking at it put together in person is impressive. I've always only had 55 gal aquarium so to me, this aquarium is huge. I start cutting out front viewing and access holes on Thursday. Ill take pics

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