Need another tank - buy a kit or just components?

[namukoby]

It looks like we need to separate some angel fish we were given before one gets killed (there are 3 - 4th one recently died, causing feuding). This was unexpected, so I don't really have much of a budget for it.

I'd like at least a 10g tank for a lone angel (now 3.5"), but would prefer a bigger one. I saw a 12g eclipse system at big al's, which looks tempting: http://www.bigalsonline.ca/catalog/product.xml?product_id=27175&category_id=2173&pcid1=2253

Would I be able to get a bigger tank for the same price if I get them separately?
Are the eclipse systems good systems, or should I just try to get a tank, and a good HOB filter - oh, and a heater? What would be a good filter to get? I've read about penguins, emperors, or whisper filters, but no manufacturer's claims measure up to personal experience.

Thanks for sharing your expertise.
namukoby

 

[FroggyFox]

Personally I'd look in the classifieds and hit some garage sales...used tanks are so much cheaper so you can get more bang for your buck. If you're going to get a setup, definitely check out everywhere, including walmart and bigals (which you already did) Tanks are expensive to ship though...

I think it totally depends on your preferences as far as whether you should get a tank with everything in it or buy your pieces seperately...a lot of people would prefer to buy them seperately because they're picky on the pieces from experience. Personally Whisper filters have worked just fine for me, I know a lot of people would also reccommend an aquaclear. For a heater a lot of people like ebo jager and personally I like hagen tronic heaters...so to each his own...you kinda just see what you can find for the best deal

 

[revfred]

Eclipse is a good system. You most likely can outfit a tank for less esp. if you are on budget. As Froggy said, check the newspapers. Unless you are in a hurry you probably could get quite a large tank for what you would pay for an E12

 

[NoDeltaH2O]

Ditto on getting a slightly used setup. SO many people kill their fish through neglect that they give up on the hobby and sell a complete setup at a serious discount just to be done with the memories of death.

Personally I can;t imagine life without aquariums now that I have really gotten into it, so the only way I'd sell my setups if I got a job that required a LOT of travel and it just became impractical to have tanks at home.

Buy used, especially in instances like this that are unplanned.

 

[Kuroshio]

ok, I got my 75 gallon and all necessary hardware and rocks for the same price as that eclipse. look in the paper, or even local free ads. in my area we have one called "the echo" that always has a few tanks in it. Also, my lfs sells 10-15 gallon setups used, everything except the heater, for 19.95. look at other options before buying a new small tank.
good luck,~tina

 

[NoDeltaH2O]

I cannot reiterate enough how it is BEST to just be patient and keep your eye open for sales and freebies. A couple months ago I got a free complete 45 gallon tank setup right here from someone who had a friend ready to leave the hobby.