Is it cheaper to build or to buy

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
A

Agression

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 16, 2011
11
0
0
United States
Hi im new here and to the hobby and i got a couple of questions........ i want to get started in having a SA cichlid tank and the fish i want to put are:
1 midas
2 oscars
1 jag
1 wolf
1 largemouth bass
whats the minimum size tank should i get?
what cheap filtration system do you guys recommend for the tank?
would it be cheaper to buy a whole tank already made or to build one?
If i was to build one would it be hard?
What type of glass and glue should i use?
How much would building one cost?
Thanks
 
Hi, others on this forum with more knowledge than me might have other ideas, but I have personally found that when I had Oscars they were pretty messy....much less the fact of growing VERY LARGE so you will need to plan for that. I have always had very good luck with sponge and canister filtration systems. Good luck
 
I think your probably going to be aiming for a tank of at least 180 gallons. bigger is always better. Also lots of decor or no decor at all is a must for those ciclids.

No decor = no territories to defend
Few pieces of decor = Fish fighting for that "Good Spot"
Lots of decor = Happy Fish :)

Soon someone that has had numerous ciclids for numerous years will chime in.
 
From what I've read here, it's cheaper to buy up to about 240g. After that, it's a bit more cost effective to build. Most people don't start building until about 500g.

There is a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) section in the forums section that will give you all the info you need on building tanks, filtration systems, the whole nine yards. That area should be able to answer your questions!
Good luck!
 
EastBay;5134989; said:
From what I've read here, it's cheaper to buy up to about 240g. After that, it's a bit more cost effective to build. Most people don't start building until about 500g.

There is a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) section in the forums section that will give you all the info you need on building tanks, filtration systems, the whole nine yards. That area should be able to answer your questions!
Good luck!
Click to expand...


Definatly agree. I built a 400 gallon for around $1500-2000 wood/glass tank to have a plexi one built for me would of cost me well over the $3000 mark to $6000 a guy quoted me.
 
You would need at least a 180 gallon, but i would go with at least a 7X2X2... 220 i believe?

Probably better to buy used on CL and make your own sump.
 
well thanks guys i think im getting a built 200g tank and ill get the decor from around my house (ill be sure to clean it thoroughly) hey where can i go fish for snakeheads in florida anyone know?
 
large mouth bass get huge we are talking about a 2'+ fish weight 18+ lbs and the dovii about 2' but weight is about half . so that large mouth is going to make a ton of poop. those will be the two biggest fish and so with that i would say a minimum of 300gal and use a sump in combination with a canister i have found that this works best for big tanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom