[Mike16576]

Hello everyone,
As some of you may know, I am starting a fairly large betta Rescue operation, but I am having trouble finding cheap aquarium kits to suit my fish. At the moment, it would cost me an average of 67 dollars to start up a 10 gallon tank, without tax or the cost of running it.

I am very passionate about this, so I want to take the best care of my betta fish. (I already have 5). I need a kit with a filter, heater, thermometer, lid, and decorations. If a kit does not contain one of those items, you could also tell me where I could find one.

I have done extensive research on sites like Kijiji, and people are selling kits but some aspects are missing, meaning I have to buy those missing pieces new. This lightens my wallet significantly.

Thanks for everyones help in advance. If you have an unwanted fish, culls, or know someone that does, PM me and I will he more than happy to take them out of your hands (I will pay shipping). Thanks again!

 

[LittleBettaFish]

Why not just use clear plastic tubs with lids, and then use sponge filters, which can all be run off the one air pump? Then all you really need to buy are heaters for each tub.

This method seems quite common for breeders of guppies, and I imagine it would prove much more cost effective than going out and purchasing aquarium kits.

 

[Mike16576]

Why not just use clear plastic tubs with lids, and then use sponge filters, which can all be run off the one air pump? Then all you really need to buy are heaters for each tub.

This method seems quite common for breeders of guppies, and I imagine it would prove much more cost effective than going out and purchasing aquarium kits.

I like your idea, but what I'm getting at is I want the whole deal. Including the filters and heaters all together for 1 price...

 

[LittleBettaFish]

I have to say, almost all the aquarium kits I have seen, have either been of low quality, haven't included a heater, or have a filter that is grossly inappropriate for a betta and requires a separate power point to run. Basically, the majority seem overpriced for what you get.

You can pick up plastic containers for very cheap, sponge filters can be purchased extremely cheaply compared to any other kind of filter, and some places will offer them in bulk. Sponge filters are ideal for bettas, and have the added benefit that multiple filters can be run from one central air pump, meaning you are only using one power point to filter your entire fish room.

PVC pipe or terracotta pots make for cheap decorations, and there are certain live plants that are always very reasonably priced as well. Really it's only heaters that would be your biggest expenditure, and they always seem to be in this hobby.

 

[Donder]

I have to agree with LittleBettaFish on this one.

One of the biggest price tags we pay for in our day to day lives is tied to convenience. Finding the parts yourself (and sometimes getting a little creative!) can save you a LOT of money.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you're running a rescue, your tanks don't have to be showroom pretty - they just have to make your bettas happy and comfortable during their stay.

 

[Strawberry12]

I've also seen people making DIY sponge filters and they run very successfully.