Starting a 55 Gallon (buy used or new?)

Shooter311

There is a local guy selling a 55 gallon tank it includes-
-Metal Stand
-Glass tops
-he said something about a strip for it. I guess a strip light?
-Penguin 350 filter
- 2 20 gallon heaters (is this normal?)
- All the rocks needed
-and 2 Cichlids (not sure what kinds I know they are large).
this is all for sale used for $150.
I'm just wondering if its a good deal or if I should just go with a wal-mart setup for $150 and build my own stand. Any info would be great. I dont have many LFS to compare it to. I only have one and they are rip offs (55G freshwater setup for $1000).
Also I heard not to have under gravel filters in bigger tanks is this true? Thanks A lot for your time.

Rue

If you're sure the tank is sound...and all the equipment is in good shape, I'd say it was a very good deal!

Nothing wrong with used stuff if it's in good shape!

Shooter311

I talked to him over the phone and he said it was in "Great Shape".
I was just wondering what the "Glass tops" look like. I have seen them online but cant find a pic. of them on the tank. are they pretty cheap? also the two 20 gallon heaters is that normal? And what about his setup is better than the wal-mart setup? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm a broke college student who loves fish and I don't have much cash. Thanks for the quick response.

scottysgirl

I feel your pain about being a broke college student and loving fish! :) Used is definitely the way to go! We got our 29 gal tank/stand/filter/heater for $40. Tank sounds like a pretty good deal, as long as everything looks OK/works, I don't know about the two heaters, may not be enough?

Rue

I don't know why he has 2 smaller heaters...but for now, one on either side of the tank will likely do...ask for a larger heater for your birthday or next present! :D

One thing about being a college student...are you going to be moving a lot? Taking a tank down and setting it up again is a big pain...

TaiyedDreamland

I use 2 smaller heaters in my 55 gallon tank. I've found that it helps keep the temperature more stable throughout the tank. My tank is 4 ft long, so if there were only 1 heater, I'm thinking the water surrounding the heater would be at a higher temperature than the water on the far end. Maybe if you put the heater in the middle... but I like them on the sides, more out of the way. It just seems that with a larger tank, it'd be easier to keep a stable temperature with 2 smaller heaters.

Unrulyevil

Make sure there is no leaks and that the filter pump is working the way it should, otherwise good deal.

Shooter311

Thanks for the help but someone bought the tank out from under me. I'll prob end up buying the wal-mart kit. Thanks again.