Good deal? would you buy it?

[Iggypop]

was at my LFS a couple weeks ago and this tank caught my eye, 180g acrylic w/ corner overflow and stand. Price at the time seemed way too much 1250$. I've been looking to purchase a new 180 glass tank with stand and have been searching the past couple weeks as well and the best price I'm getting is about 680$ for the set with tax maybe about 730-740$ at a different LFS. Stopped by to check out LFS #1 today for a sale they're having and the acrylic tank/stand is now 1100$ for this weekend only, good deal or not? Someone talk me into it or out of it lol! I know there's deals on some used tanks that pop up every now and then but my record with used tanks is 0-2 right now lol, had a used 55 a long time ago bust on me in the middle of the night and a 100g acrylic I bought used had a leak after a couple of days so some of you might understand as to why I'd want to purchase new. Plus the wifey would probably kill me if I brought in another used tank lol , especially a 180g! So would spending another 350-400$ to get the acrylic tank be worth it to some of you? Or would that money be better spent on filter/stock? Here's a pic I took when I saw the tank a few weeks ago.

 

[rodger]

I think I would go for it, but I would try and get them to throw some extras in with it. I would ask for some fish credit simply because there is a higher margin on livestock, so they aren't giving that much more away out of pocket. I would wait till near closing time to try and deal with them. If it was a slow day they may be more willing to negotiate.

 

[MonsterMinis]

What would you put into it? w/ only 1 overflow box you get limited on current... my concern would be only having a single overflow vs 2.... and instead of spending over a grand on a 180-220 I spent a few hundred on a 1k intex pool and diy filters lol... so that would be my advise.

 

[Iggypop]

Good tips rodger I may do that if I decide to purchase.

Monstermini I hadn't really thought much about the limited current, 1 vs 2 overflows. Last tank that I owned had a center overflow and that only lasted a couple days so I didn't get to tinker much with that and the sump ( that was used tank #2) as for stock I was planning on growing out a jardini in there and hopefully get lucky with one thatd withstand some bottom dweller tank mates. Love the intex pool idea though but wouldn't be the right time for that just yet lol

 

[SickSauce]

Im always on Craigslist and for 300-500 you can get a Great 180+ tank with Extras. For A $1000 You can get 2 tanks or something 300G+ I would just wait for a deal on CL

 

[MonsterMinis]

I would think as long as you don't intend on having a huge bio-load ( aka overstock it) you wouldn't run into issues and the overflow being on the one end you could always add a koraline ect if you needed more water movement at the other end w/out having to worry about actual filtration. I always go with.. if I like it and "I" think its a good deal I buy it.. because at the end of the day if I'm happy then every penny is worth it. If you think its worth it get it.. if not... then wait until the right deal/tank comes along.

x2 what rodger said.. and ask to talk to the manager/owner if you decide too from the start. ask them every question you can think about for the set-up... but tbh I wouldn't ask for anymore of a mark-down.. just hem 'n haw abit and see if they sweeten the deal.. if something is already on sale when I use to work it was downright offensive if someone outright asked for "more" but if they sat on the fence abit we'd always sweeten the deal to make the sale Maybe mention why you want the tank ( to get a jardini... can they get them?) they might take a few bucks off the fish then. also depends if this is a lfs you frequent often and want a friendly relationship w/ ect and if they've been good to you ect.

They need to make some money, and you need to not get ripped off. idk how much I've saved in feeders, food, ect from my regular shop because I deal fairly with them, and they deal fairly with me. If they are trying to swindle you.. swindle them back by all means.. but the honest lfs are hard to come by and many go out of business because people don't respect that they need to make a profit. I always play hard but fair. But that's also me

 

[krichardson]

I bought my 180 set up a few years ago for just over nine hundred brand new and they threw in the lighting so I'm not sure about that sale price.I have never had acrylic or built in overflows on my tanks so I really can't speak on any value they may or may not ad to the set up...I'd consider one of those other options you mentioned.You could then pick up some equipment or decor with the difference.

 

[poppalina]

With the single overflow on one end you will probably want additional filtration like an FX5 so you have to figure the cost of the sump, pump, canister plus heaters and lights it adds up quick. With a 180 glass tank the weight is not that bad to justify going acrylic and you don't have to worry about scratches. However if you do want the tank I would ask if they could do better on the price if you paid cash, cash is king after all.