You can get a bare-bones empty 2.5 gallon tank pretty much anywhere. Our LFS, Petco, and Petsmart all carry empty tanks. I don't know what small stores are around you, but Pet Warehouse, Pet Supplies Plus, and Burton's Pet Supplies all sell empty tanks. Trust me, you'd be much better off paying $6 for an empty 5 gallon tank or $30 for the 5 gallon kit with a filter and hood.