Buying Aquariums Online

CrystalClear · 12-07-2008, 06:08 PM

This is my first post so take it easy on me

I currently have two freshwater aquariums, a 55 and a 75 gallon. and I am looking to get something larger, much larger. I want no less than 220 gallons.

I have one local aquarium shop and a local PetSmart. The PetSmart doesn't carry anything over 150G so I am left with on place to go. So far, through checking online, once I pay for shipping it would be about the same as buying locally. They have a 220G (anything larger is special order) with glass canopy, cheap flourescent light, and stand on sale for $1400.00 + tax. This setup is normally $1669.00 + tax. Does this price sound in line or can I do much better online?

To be honest, I'm nervous about ordering something like this online, so I wanted to hear from some of you.

This tank will more than likely be an African Cichlid tank, but I am undecided. My 75G has African C. and I really like them. About the biggest I can fit would be 400 gallons. Please give me any pointers, I'm open to anything right now.

Thanks...

sombunya · 12-07-2008, 11:18 PM

I bought what I think is a very decent, brand new 100 gallon tank for $159 plus tax, and I picked it up so there was no shipping charge. I'm guessing it weighs at least 150 lbs.

Not sure what a 220 gallon tank weighs but I'd think it would be 250-300 lbs. Shipping would be big as well.

I live in the Los Angeles area.

Lotus · 12-08-2008, 12:29 AM

I'd say the deal on the 220g isn't bad. The larger tanks are, the cost goes up almost exponentially because of the glass thickness and construction.

Usually, the fancier stands are more expensive. But, if you're going to spend a big chunk of money on a tank, you may as well get something that's attractive.

A special order might be worthwhile if you can get the tank you really want.

I don't think I'd order a tank online. Especially with the economy the way it is, you risk losing your money if the company goes into liquidation. I did see an account on another forum where a buyer paid the full cost up front and was left with no tank and no refund when the company went out of business. Just be aware that it's a real possibility.

TMony · 12-08-2008, 12:10 PM

If you aren't opposed to a used tank. You can find some nice used tanks on sites like craigslist. You can go and check them out and pick them up yourself, saving the shipping costs. There are a lot of good deals out there. Just a thought.

Lone Wolff · 12-08-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMony

If you aren't opposed to a used tank. You can find some nice used tanks on sites like craigslist. You can go and check them out and pick them up yourself, saving the shipping costs. There are a lot of good deals out there. Just a thought.

+1. Depends on your location. There's a 150g tank, with stand, canopy, pumps, filter for $450 about an hour away from me. If I had more room, that'd be my Christmas present for sure.

CrystalClear · 12-08-2008, 06:17 PM

Thanks for your opinions. I called my local aquarium shop today to get some prices on a 300 gallon and it is $1,000 cheaper for me to get the tank online form Glasscages.com.

I would cost me $2163.00 w/ 7% taxes for a 300 G locally.

I can get that same tank online from Glasscages for $890-990. Any word on this online dealer? I could probably arrange to pick it up since they are only around 3-4 hours from me.

I have checked Ebay and Craigslist, not much over 125 G in my area.

TMony · 12-08-2008, 07:33 PM

Sounds like a decent deal.

CrystalClear · 12-09-2008, 11:06 PM

A ton of mixed reviews about glasscages.com online. It's about a 5 hours drive from me, but I just don't know if I should trust them. They have good reviews on Ebay.

Kalavek · 12-10-2008, 12:17 AM

I would be cautious. What would it cost you to drive for ten hours? Is there nothing else at all within that range?

skratikans · 12-10-2008, 03:26 AM

I have brought from them..and LOVE them, some of the mixed reviews about them that I have heard is that they dont seem friendly or may not
be curtious..but honestly if Im saving this much money, I dont care as long as I get a good aquarium in the end..I say go for it!!!!!

12-07-2008, 06:08 PM	#1
CrystalClear Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 28	Buying Aquariums Online This is my first post so take it easy on me I currently have two freshwater aquariums, a 55 and a 75 gallon. and I am looking to get something larger, much larger. I want no less than 220 gallons. I have one local aquarium shop and a local PetSmart. The PetSmart doesn't carry anything over 150G so I am left with on place to go. So far, through checking online, once I pay for shipping it would be about the same as buying locally. They have a 220G (anything larger is special order) with glass canopy, cheap flourescent light, and stand on sale for $1400.00 + tax. This setup is normally $1669.00 + tax. Does this price sound in line or can I do much better online? To be honest, I'm nervous about ordering something like this online, so I wanted to hear from some of you. This tank will more than likely be an African Cichlid tank, but I am undecided. My 75G has African C. and I really like them. About the biggest I can fit would be 400 gallons. Please give me any pointers, I'm open to anything right now. Thanks...

12-07-2008, 11:18 PM	#2
sombunya Little Fish Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: So. Cal. USA Posts: 295	I bought what I think is a very decent, brand new 100 gallon tank for $159 plus tax, and I picked it up so there was no shipping charge. I'm guessing it weighs at least 150 lbs. Not sure what a 220 gallon tank weighs but I'd think it would be 250-300 lbs. Shipping would be big as well. I live in the Los Angeles area. __________________ The name is Joe. Member NANFA

12-08-2008, 12:29 AM	#3
Lotus Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 14,778	I'd say the deal on the 220g isn't bad. The larger tanks are, the cost goes up almost exponentially because of the glass thickness and construction. Usually, the fancier stands are more expensive. But, if you're going to spend a big chunk of money on a tank, you may as well get something that's attractive. A special order might be worthwhile if you can get the tank you really want. I don't think I'd order a tank online. Especially with the economy the way it is, you risk losing your money if the company goes into liquidation. I did see an account on another forum where a buyer paid the full cost up front and was left with no tank and no refund when the company went out of business. Just be aware that it's a real possibility. __________________ Lotus and Ecotank's tanks "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

12-08-2008, 06:17 PM	#6
CrystalClear Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 28	Thanks for your opinions. I called my local aquarium shop today to get some prices on a 300 gallon and it is $1,000 cheaper for me to get the tank online form Glasscages.com. I would cost me $2163.00 w/ 7% taxes for a 300 G locally. I can get that same tank online from Glasscages for $890-990. Any word on this online dealer? I could probably arrange to pick it up since they are only around 3-4 hours from me. I have checked Ebay and Craigslist, not much over 125 G in my area. Last edited by CrystalClear; 12-08-2008 at 06:21 PM..

12-10-2008, 12:17 AM	#9
Kalavek Little Fish Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 169	I would be cautious. What would it cost you to drive for ten hours? Is there nothing else at all within that range? __________________ 45g: Severely Understocked with 7 Zebra Danios, 1 Gold Spot Pleco 25g: Emptied for silicone replacement

12-08-2008, 12:10 PM	#4
TMony Medium Fish Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 400	If you aren't opposed to a used tank. You can find some nice used tanks on sites like craigslist. You can go and check them out and pick them up yourself, saving the shipping costs. There are a lot of good deals out there. Just a thought.

12-08-2008, 07:33 PM	#7
TMony Medium Fish Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 400	Sounds like a decent deal.

12-09-2008, 11:06 PM	#8
CrystalClear Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 28	A ton of mixed reviews about glasscages.com online. It's about a 5 hours drive from me, but I just don't know if I should trust them. They have good reviews on Ebay.

12-10-2008, 03:26 AM	#10
skratikans Large Fish Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: clemson,sc Posts: 819	I have brought from them..and LOVE them, some of the mixed reviews about them that I have heard is that they dont seem friendly or may not be curtious..but honestly if Im saving this much money, I dont care as long as I get a good aquarium in the end..I say go for it!!!!! __________________ 85g-1f krib,2 female bettas,3 gourami, angel 6 dwarf frogs,6 ghost catfish, badis badis, badis assamensis, sparkling qourami 65g-2 kribs+30 2month old fry, 2 plecos,1 platy 33g long-peacock gudgeons, goo obo gudgeons, badis buxar, whisker shrimp 20long whisker, neocardina, green cardina, ghost shrimp 3.3g badis assamensis fry and peacock gudgeon fry!