NEW 125 GALLON TANK Complete Setup How Far UNDER $1,500?

Рет қаралды 5,841

8 ай бұрын

How far UNDER $1,500 can we go? Set up a quality tank for less money! Setting up a new large tank can be very expensive, but we want to save money while getting good stuff. Let's go through the buying process getting everything we need for a successful 125 gallon tank setup -- for African cichlids, American cichlids or just a tropical community tank. Can we do this in under $1,500? Let's find out!
Cichlid Charmer is dedicated to sharing the joy of keeping African cichlids and American cichlids and sharing information about them. Much of my content is not cichlid fish specific, however. It also pertains to all tropical fish aquariums. I will share what I have learned about cichlids and other fish, and everyone is welcomed to comment with their own experiences and information about fish and aquarium practices in general.
Special thanks to Northfin and Ron's Cichlids for sponsoring this channel.
Here's how you can help this channel:
1. Smash the "like" button
2. SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell for notifications
3. Comment on this video! This helps a lot!
Get 10% off your entire order of food and fish at Ron's Cichlids! Apply the code "CichlidCharmer10" at checkout!
Ron's Cichlids: ronscichlids.com/
My aquarium equipment (If you click on the links and make a purchase, Cichlid Charmer may receive a small commission from Amazon)
FILTERS:
Fluval FX6 Canister Filter: amzn.to/3GHPDeS
Fluval FX4 Canister Filter: amzn.to/48gTonj
Fluval 407 canister filter: amzn.to/3RLhOjH
Fluval 307 canister filter: amzn.to/47Pa4md
Seachem Tidal HOB 110 Gallon Filter: amzn.to/3t8FXqY
Seachem Tidal HOB 55 Gallon Filter: amzn.to/3GLhwmE
Seachem Tidal HOB 35 Gallon Filter: amzn.to/3NsRWq8
BREEDER BOX: www.amazon.com/dp/B07THHY7YP?...
WAVEMAKERS:
Uniclife wavemaker 120-300 gallon: amzn.to/3RsjzAT
Uniclife wavemaker 60-120 gallon: amzn.to/3tlM0sg
Uniclife wavemaker 30-60 gallon: amzn.to/48lo3Qn
HEATERS:
Eheim Jager Aquarium Heaters: amzn.to/3toJYY8
TEMP CONTROLLER:
Inkbird ITC306A: amzn.to/3RJc4H0
Inkbird ITC308S: amzn.to/3RnvFuY
SICCE Ultra Zero Submersible Pump: amzn.to/484mirq
LIGHTS:
AI Prime Freshwater Light: amzn.to/47XEdQp
AI Prime Flex Arm: amzn.to/3v3sWiT
Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 59 watt: amzn.to/3v8UkvJ
Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 46 watt: amzn.to/4anPEm4
Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 32 watt: amzn.to/3v7CZTT
FOODS:
Northfin Jumbo Formula: amzn.to/48dFN00
Northfin Fish Food 3 mm Sinking Pellets: amzn.to/46Z4NaC
Northfin Veggie Formula 3mm: amzn.to/3tiWGI1
Garlic Guard: amzn.to/48loBFV
VitaChem https: amzn.to/4aooPOm
LANDEN RIMLESS AQUARIUMS: amzn.to/3tkZlRw
LUBE FOR FILTER GASKETS: amzn.to/48g5sW2
BREEDER BOX: amzn.to/3TriI5X
Check out this playlist:
• African Cichlid Genera...
#cichlidcharmer #aquariumhobby #aquarium

Пікірлер: 76

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Always get what you want the first time, but if you're on a budget, this build will work for you and these are quality pieces of equipment that I have used (except as mentioned the Sun Sun filter). I still have an Aqueon tank (75 gallon) that I've been using for four years now and it's fine, although I would definitely make my own stand before using the Petsmart one. I would do a leak test in the garage before adding it to my home, but you should do that with any tank. Do you recommend any tanks or equipment? Let us know!

@ibbjamin 7 ай бұрын

Used is the way to go! Setup alerts on marketplace is my suggestion and be patient. The right deal will come along soon enough. I just setup my first mixed African 125 gallon. $600 total got me the tank, two FX4s, 2 heaters, lights, stand, substrate, and driftwood. It cleaned up perfectly and does not leak. I also got a 90g a few months ago and have an aggressive American tank. $100 and it came with lid, lights, heater, and beautiful wooden stand.

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

That sounds great! I will have to make a video about buying used tanks here in the future. I might be selling a setup in a few months. If I do, they also will be getting a heck of a deal. Thanks for telling us all about your wise spending!

@daddykiller5835 7 ай бұрын

Buying a used tank? Yes, it is a crap shoot! I was going to go that route, but after seeing some tanks burst and seeing that disaster, made me buy a tank with a 3 yr warranty. But yes, I totally agree when people have to move and won't be able to set up their aquarium. That's a score!!

@ibbjamin 7 ай бұрын

@@daddykiller5835 knock on wood, I have had zero issues with my used 250, 125, 90, and 10. My thought with the 12( was that even if the tank was crap, at least I got two FX-4s out of the deal. That and a lot of people are honest. Selling a bum anything is actually more rare than I would have thought.

@elimherr1 3 ай бұрын

Nice video. I picked up a free 55 gallon with stand, lights, heater on FB MP. Also got an FX6 for $75 that looks almost brand new. This is a 3rd tank for me but wanted something for the upstairs office that wasnt to big. Eventually Ill upgrade to some 125-240 tanks once my guys geow out

@CichlidCharmer 3 ай бұрын

Nice!!

@dadthings167 7 ай бұрын

Awesome as usual...I have 6 display tanks and still watched to learn and get additional options for products. The only thing I would add is...when shopping at PetsMart or PetCo the major holidays will always be a win. I just picked up a Fluval 407 for 110 bucks off to go on my FOWLR tank. Congrats on 10K!

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Thank you and that’s a huge savings. I checked Petsmart on Black Friday for deals on Fluval filters, but there were none. But I don’t think they usually post those.

@user-ey5dw4bj1o Ай бұрын

Thank you very much! Very practical, very helpful.

@CichlidCharmer Ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@jeremymoore450 7 ай бұрын

Cichlid charmer, I saw that 125 and stand setup on Black Friday it was around 700 bucks or so. It is a lot of money to shell out on another tank 😢😂I would love to have a 6 ft tank. But family and kids come first than fish. lol.

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Family first? Even before fish?? 😂😂😂

@stefanosahretis5075 7 ай бұрын

Very helpful video for those who are looking at buying a bigger tank in the 6ft range

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Thank you, and good to see you back here 🥰

@pollylewis9611 7 ай бұрын

Thank you, I really enjoy this kind of presentation to see what other's are using and get any helpful tips, I also enjoy seeing your beautiful fish. I have gone with SunSun filters for all of these years I just find that you need to size up when figuring out what size you need for the tank and also, I had to replace seal rings a couple of times but other than that their pretty good. Funny I was just thinking I really would like to size up from my new 40gal and shoot for another 125gal then my family just about threw me out the door, OK I get it family I get it, I need to stop and remember I enjoy the space now in my small house, sigh!

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

So you’ve had experience with the Sun Suns. Good to know! I just like looking around at aquariums and equipment so this was fun. So you’re thinking about a 125… sounds like you’ve decided against it though. At least for now. 😂 thanks Polly!!

@joshreagan1487 7 ай бұрын

This is a great help

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Glad you stopped by - thanks for watching and for leaving some feedback, Josh 🥰

@davidvaughan3771 6 ай бұрын

You can put a small 1" bed in a 125...6 bags... I did it, I have some shells and things to add

@dascudder 7 ай бұрын

I got the wifi version of the inkbird controller. Good for my OCD and keeping an eye on it/alarm on phone etc

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

You have to be kidding me Paul -- I didn't know those were made. Now I need to get some! I also need a nanny cam on my boys now.

@muhammadsharif7561 7 ай бұрын

You should try the ITC-306A, controllable through the app and comes with two heater plugins. I was able to get it for under $40 during Black Friday sale. So much easier to set up the range. During water changes I can kill the power to the heaters.

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

I’m looking into it - thank you!

@nandhubt90 7 ай бұрын

Perhaps you should try doing DIY stands. I did one for my 65-gallon tank, inspired by the King of DIY. It gives you a whole lot of new experience and satisfaction. Of course you can't match the pro level finishing, but someone on a tight budget can try.

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Excellent recommendation! My stands are actually made using the plans from Joey, the King of DIY. Very sturdy.

@WatsonsAquatics 7 ай бұрын

Very useful information for people who are on a budget but would like a big tank! I’ll be going to a 125 in about 8 months

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

What a difference the extra two feet make from a 75!! Thanks, Dakota.

@WatsonsAquatics 7 ай бұрын

@@CichlidCharmer it’s either going to be a 125 or a 150! I haven’t decided yet! I believe there’s a 6ft 150

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

@@WatsonsAquatics I think there is also 🥰

@angelaa4954 7 ай бұрын

There is a 6ft 150. It's the same footprint as a 125, but taller. (27 inches iirc?) May or may not be worth it for you depending on what kind of fish you're stocking it with. The extra height makes it hard to reach anything on the bottom of the tank.

@WatsonsAquatics 7 ай бұрын

@@angelaa4954 I don’t need to reach anything at the bottom, I keep sand and use wave makers on top of keeping geophagus they keep everything clean currently, been 6 months almost and haven’t cleaned substrate one time

@sierrag1985 7 ай бұрын

Good day my name is wiz I've watched quite a few of your videos and I must give you 5 out of 5 thumbs up us bald LOL I like the color of African cichlids but I prefer central, South American and other fresh water fish. however, you can't go wrong with the beautiful starry night/black diamond cichlid. Have you ever thought about keeping a Jaguar cichlid, datnoid tiger fish or a flag tail prochilodis? Sorry about your wet pet loss but I'm glad you are still in it. Sign off wiz

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Well thank you, Wiz! Yes, I have thought about a jaguar. In fact, I was researching them last night. I am planning on getting a large SA or CA tank in the next few months, and I’m trying to make a good list of inmates 🥰

@thebestfan7774 7 ай бұрын

Really enjoy your channel....On the other end of the price spectrum...Have you had any experience with Pro Clear Aquatic Systems? I'm considering getting a complete system.

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! I haven’t had any experience with them. I am planning on a Custom Aquariums tank for my next one.

@thebestfan7774 7 ай бұрын

@CichlidCharmer I see. A local shop owner recommended Pro Clear to me when we said we wanted a higher end tank and stand. What size are you planning for the new tank?

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

@@thebestfan7774 Thanks for asking, but it's a secret for now. Big enough that whatever I get won't feel cramped in there. My standards for swimming room are a little on the high side.

@BudgetFriendly215 7 ай бұрын

I was praying you gave us some cheap fish options for people who have a low budget but want something bigger

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

I hope this helped. My heaters and controllers are wonderful and surprisingly inexpensive.

@eccentricsmithy2746 7 ай бұрын

Aqueon, TopFin and Marineland tanks and stands are made by the same manufacture in the same facility. They just slap different stickers on the glass. Its mind boggling that people swear by one brand and trash the other brand when they are the exact same tank.

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Never heard that. I just googled it and couldn’t find anything to that effect. How did you come across this info?

@thenelsonbruhs722 7 ай бұрын

I actually didn’t know this but it’s also not surprising considering how low quality all the stands are

@DanieL-by6xs 7 ай бұрын

Aqueon and Marineland are definitely not made by the same mfr. Two different companies. TopFin is a private label brand from Petsmart....do not know who the mfr is.

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

@@thenelsonbruhs722I’m not sure this is true. I couldn’t find anything to that effect.

@thenelsonbruhs722 7 ай бұрын

@@CichlidCharmer oh yeah. I just looked into it and it doesn’t appear to be true. Can’t find anything on it Maybe they both just use a couple parts that were manufactured in the same place or something, like cabinet hinges or sealant or something

@jeetboy8410 7 ай бұрын

Which fish you are getting for your 125 i recommend getting mbuna

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

I was just going through pricing and how I would equip one. I was planning on possibly putting one in our extra bedroom, but it looks like that won’t be happening.

@daddykiller5835 7 ай бұрын

Good video, but I don't think that tank comes with a lid? My 45-gallon breeder tank didn't come with a lid. I think I paid $100.00 for the glass lid. Oh yeah, BIG tanks weigh a TON!!! My 210-gallon Eurobraced tank is almost 5/8" thick 72"×28"×24" Weighs around 500lbs. empty!!! I gotta hire a moving company to pick it up and put it on my 40" tall custom stand from Alufab. Right now I'm over $7,000.00 for my tank set up. And still no fish, that's another $1,500 - $2,000 for 30 male African cichlids.😢

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

That’s a great tank setup! I have a big custom aquarium coming too, eventually. 600 lbs or so. I think that Petsmart tank did have a lid though.

@claytonshocklee9429 7 ай бұрын

I’ve bought 4

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it 🤩🤩

@philhare7851 7 ай бұрын

just ordered a 240 clear for life at petsmart....

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Oh man is that your biggest tank yet? It’s so awesome. Have you had acrylic before? If not, you should watch my video on keeping the scratches down. I’ve learned a lot with my 240 that is all scratched up, and my 180 that I bought after I made my mistakes is almost scratch free

@philhare7851 7 ай бұрын

i have 180...two 125s...150 and i got a good deal last year on mkt place and got a 135 clear for life@@CichlidCharmer

@thenelsonbruhs722 7 ай бұрын

I was so close to buying the 125 ensemble for 750 but decided I probably shouldn’t spend that much money right now 😭

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

It’s WAY better to wait until it isn’t a financial burden - you are very wise. Better to do it when it won’t be so stressful. And you’ll appreciate it even more after the wait 🥰

@ray63456 7 ай бұрын

trust me i know its a little gross butt geting a nice used aquarium without leakes is the cheapest i got my 120 for 500 and did the whole setup under 800

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

I don't think that's gross at all. My first 75 was a used tank (although the guy sold it to me as a 90 gallon, and I didn't have a clue at the time). Thanks for watching and sharing that with us!

@evilnewbie11 7 ай бұрын

Try doing that for an acrylic tank…

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Good idea!

@joeader6046 2 ай бұрын

I recently purchased the combo for the 125 from PetSmart yes to stand is very cheap so what I did is put two coats of Thompson's waterproofing on it

@CichlidCharmer 2 ай бұрын

It’s a beautiful tank isn’t it?

@joeader6046 2 ай бұрын

@@CichlidCharmer yes I absolutely love it I am putting Mbunas in it so far I'm enjoying it very much

@fatfishdesignzllc 7 ай бұрын

my next tank will be a 100 to 150

@CichlidCharmer 7 ай бұрын

Sure is nice once you jump up from the 75 range. You’ll love it if this is your first big tank 🥰

@fatfishdesignzllc 7 ай бұрын

@@CichlidCharmer have a 75 set up now stocking it w community fish, kinda a dark water theme, fish in another tank in quartine, more fish on the way, have a 40 gal shell dewller tank, got a 60 im setting up to move my shellies, add some calvis and transcriptis. them making a spot for the new 100 to 150, w custom stand made by myself, fat fish designz llc, gonna stock that w trophious from tanganikya, i have hard water and seem to enjoy the cichlids more than most others