the budget aquarist

[OrandaMan]

Everyone knows (and I have learned, to my chagrin) that there's a lot of cheap crap out there as far as tank equipment goes. But there are a few inexpensive things I've found that I don't regret buying.

So other than DIY stuff, what have you guys found that's saved you a few bucks but has done better than you expected?

[76dragon]

filter media from where John gets it. Hancock fabric I think. Cheap and works great. No need for cleaning , just cut to size and use a new one every time

[mark razmandi]

hmmm i gotta say getting glass cut for lids at biswanger instead of buying lids has saved me alot of money....but i dont know if this falls in the category you were talking about

[lilmissruffcountry]

My husband works for a glass company, so he has built a few of my growout tanks...not to mention I have 20-100 gal grow out tubs I use as well for the guppies and the plecos.

[OrandaMan]

Wow. Awesome. These are perfect.

Anyone else?

[Mzungu]

I've really been thinking hard about this...and the only thing I can really come up with is - USED expensive, brand-name equipment!

Sure, there's the occasional Odyssea fixture or two, and bulbs like Gro-Lux, but all in all, alas, that expensive equipment works. :(

[fshfrk]

I've got a few ideas. But you have to show up for the meeting on the 24th to find out. I can't explain it. you just have to see it.

[OrandaMan]

Well, here's something I was thinking about: nighttime illumination.

The cheapie brand Marina sells this little hub. Separately, you buy LED lights that you plug into the hub (up to three). The blue is perfect for nighttime viewing. Both the hub and the lights have suction cups on the back. The hub is stuck to the outside of the tank and the light can go outside or inside. It's best inside as you can angle it how you want. The LED illuminates just enough to give you a peek without disturbing anything. And it's really pretty, too.

[OrandaMan]

I've got a few ideas. But you have to show up for the meeting on the 24th to find out. I can't explain it. you just have to see it.

lol... Is that something like blackmail? :P

Where's the information? I'd love to come if I can.

[Mzungu]

Where's the information? I'd love to come if I can.

http://houstonfishbox.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=31021

:) You should definitely try to make it! Lots o' fun.

[OrandaMan]

Awesome. Thanks.

[fshfrk]

led night light made a couple of them to show you.

[OrandaMan]

Nice. I really hope I can make it. And I hope to see plenty of goldies.

[fshfrk]

Africans only but do keep some goldies cycling my 350 gal pond out back.in the winter.

[OrandaMan]

Standard or Comets?