I didn't realize I'd need a bigger tank so soon...

[botiaboy]

Last year I got a 55 gallon loach tank to buy me 5 years or so to save up for a 120 gallon tank for it's largest-growing inhabitants, 3 clowns and a common pleco.Apparantly, the tank hasn't bought me as much time as I hoped for. My pleco has gone for 1.5 inches to nearly 6 inches since I added it last spring. My clowns have also grown a little bit, about .5 inch.
I only have $20 saved!I checked ebay but it's hard to find stuff locally, and I don't think I'll have enough before the clowns and pleco(or at least the pleco) outgrow the tank.How can I solve this?

[crazy loaches]

Have you heard of craigslist? There are tons of aquariums around here on it, just depends on your location. Check out www.craigslist.org select your state and nearest city, then use the search feature for both "aquarium" and also "fish tank". I just bought my 150G tank from someones listing on craigslist.

Another option for a new tank (especially for a 120G tank) is www.glasscages.com they have a standard sized 120G tank for $275 which is $50 cheaper than even petsmart (petsmart being the cheapest 120G tank locally I have seen), and shouldnt have to pay tax either. However, shipping is a killer so its only a good option if they will be at a show or something in your area (they have a listing of locations they will be at).

Just thought I would offer a couple alternatives.

[peacefulfishie]

I would trade the pleco in on a smaller variety of pleco, like a bristlenose or a clown. I just had to do that myself. I bought 2 common plecos that almost tripled in size in one month, so I took them back for store credit. My Clown loaches haven't grown that fast at all.

[botiaboy]

The .5 inches was recent, my fish always get growth spurts whenever I buy new fresh food.By the way, How big do yoyo loaches gt?I couldn't find it on their species profile, and i'm planning on moving mine from my 26 to my 55,and if their gonna get huge on me too, maybe I should wait untill I figure out what to do with my pleco.How much store credit would a 6 inch common pleco get?

[sophie]

How much store credit would a 6 inch common pleco get?

you might have to pay them to take him off your hands

[botiaboy]

Thanks for the advice!I checked craiglist and found an entire 120gallon tank with all equipment and stand for $150!It even has a fluval canister filter(for the record, I have been in love with fluval filters since I got one for my 26g-does an awsome job!)My mom said to get some info and then we can talk(probably since this costs less than my 55 gallon kit).

[crazy loaches]

Good deal. But remember your buying something 'used'. It might not be in prisitne condition. Make sure to ask lots of questions. Like Imentioned above I just purchased my 150XH tank form craiglsist, and was a bit dissapointed. The main thing being that the center brace across the top of the tank had been removed. But easy enough for me to fix, but I should have talked the price down a bit more.And I found a sticker on the bottom that said made in 1990, and the tank more or less shows its age. Good look with your purchase! SOunds like a good deal to me with all that it includes.

[botiaboy]

I made a mistake cliked the wrong state(silly me) but i'm still looking.Still,thanks again for the advice!

[crazy loaches]

Oh well, it may take some time to find a good deal, especially if your not around a larger city. Make sure to search for both aquarium and also fish tank... some people just use one of those or the other sometimes. I searched for 'aquarium' for about a month not finding anything I was interested in, then I did a search for 'fish tank' and found a month old listing for the 150 tank. Good luck!

Also, when planning on getting a big tank dont forget when you get to about 120G and up that alot of floors can't support the weight so plan accordingly (I think a 120G tank weighs around 1400 lbs when full).

[botiaboy]

I know,luclily my dad's an engineer.I'm planning on putting it once i get it across from my 55 in the basement