Has anyone had any luck getting their tank and supplies from a chain store?

wartooth

wartooth

New Member
Since I am just starting out, would it be wise to get my supplies/equipment from a chain store (ala ***** or walmart) instead of a specialty shop and then later "upgrade" to the good stuff once I have a feel for the basics?
 
wartooth

wartooth

New Member
Mostly because my brother in law is a manager at a local wal mart and he can bring bring home anything I may need while I'm away at work :)
But also for the same reason's one wouldn't buy a Ferrari for someone who is about to learn how to drive... if you get what I mean.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
I have purchased quite a bit from Walmart....BUT they do not carry a lot of the "major" brands of equipment that is best to be used in SW tanks
I would not buy cheap now and then better later....why waste the money doing that?
 
wartooth

wartooth

New Member
Yeah you have a good point... I'm just worried about any noob mistakes I will probably make and would feel less worried about it if only a few hundred dollars were at risk instead of over a thousand.
 
slice

slice

Active Member
Do your research, decide what equipment suits your intentions the best, then buy wherever you find the best price.
DO NOT rely on salesfolk at any store, rely on YOUR OWN research.
said another way, do as Florida Joe advised...
 
monsinour

monsinour

Active Member
"Buy nice, or buy twice"
It applies to just about everything you can purchase. I got my tank and stand from a chain store as it was too good a deal to pass up. I go to specialty stores for livestock and food. I go to online stores for other equipment and some livestock. I wont be going back to a chainstore for anything anytime soon.
 
al&burke

al&burke

Active Member
I think everyone on this forum has bought a tank from a chain store - anything up to a 40 or 55 gallon. I think the quality really matters when you get into the big stuff, walmart or petsmart or ***** don't sell really big tanks (100 gallon plus). I bought a 40 breeder at ***** at the dollar a gallon sale - I have it now set up for a fuzzy dwarf. It all depends on what you are looking for and want to spend. Personally the tank is the cheapest part of this hobby, lights, live rock, sand, skimmers, controllers. It is like when you fame a house that is the cheapestes part - it is what you put in it that costs.
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
The thing to remember when buying a tank is to thoroughly inspect it for cracks, silicone coming undone, and any blemishes.
 
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