Getting back into the hobby.

[xloguex72]

Looking to get back into the hobby after being away for some years. Just looking for suggestions on where are the best places locally and online to get equipment (tank, sump, skimmer etc..). I appreciate any input. Thanks

 

[acer]

Welcome back. How large/small of a system are you trying to put together, new or used, etc.?? The local club is now called Three Rivers marine aquarium society - we have a new Facebook page.
https://m.facebook.com/3RMAS/

 

[xloguex72]

Welcome back. How large/small of a system are you trying to put together, new or used, etc.?? The local club is now called Three Rivers marine aquarium society - we have a new Facebook page.
https://m.facebook.com/3RMAS/

Thank you. I'm looking to start out with a fowlr tank and progress back from there. I was looking at the 135 gal (36x36x24) rimless but still doing homework on the rimless. Not opposed to used if the right equipment is available.

 

[acer]

I would make a thread that your looking for used x,y,z Equipment here and on the Facebook page. I know Elmer's, and other local stores do have used gear. Craigslist as well. Look for seller threads here on RC and other websites.

 

[xloguex72]

Any suggestions on where to look at for a good aquarium? I would like to have it pre drilled.

 

[acer]

I got a custom 150 SCA about 18 months ago. I have been pleased so far. They actually took my custom plan and are now making it as a standard option on the 150 tanks. You can check it out on my build thread.

 

[xloguex72]

I just looked at the SCA website. They definitely are reasonable. Did you go with just the tank with them or did you do one of their packages?

 

[JaimeAdams]

The local stores are The Reef Gallery, Aqua World, Elmer's, Wet Pets, Odd Ball Pets. As far as used equipment Aqua World sells used stuff. Elmer's has a used sale once a month, the second Saturday of the month, but be an hour early for it. Buying a tank, I would buy new. Equipment I might buy some thing used, but 95% of it all has a useable life and you might be buying something at the end of it's usable life expectancy.
Personally I try to buy my stuff new and I buy it from a local brick and mortar store.
Ted's SCA is nice, I have read on the forums of other people having issues, but have also seen people who have been satisfied.

 

[acer]

I got a package form SCA- stand and canopy with the custom aquarium built to my plan specs. Yep, as Jaime said - there are always good and bad from every manufacturer- local and used is always the best for the money - if your can find what your looking for. Now that we have a local builder that does new glass aquariums- I would certainly give them first shot if you decide to go new/custom. I did not have that option 2 years ago when deciding on my setup.

 

[xloguex72]

Who is the local aquarium builder?

 

[acer]

I believe Adam ( owner of the Reef Gallery) is planning on starting to build glass tanks.