A site called bits for pets sell a clear seal tank which is 48l,18h,15w. It doesn't come with a hood or filter but I think I can get those from the same website. Would this be any good? Or should I get one with everything included? What kind of stand should I get for it?

Are those measurements in inches ?

Thats a nice size ... see if they do a hood for it with lights , then look for an Eheim Aquaball filter ..

Something like this :-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EHEIM-2212-AQUA ... Q_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

The clearseal tanks are available at just about every pets @ home store, the measurements are in inches, and they do have a separate matching lid available. My 90l is a clearseal.

To give you a shopping list of what you need to get, you'll need:
the tank
base mat
lid
condensation tray
light unit
light bulb
filter
subtrate
plants and/orr hiding places for the fish
dechlorinator
water testing kit & ammonia
gravel cleaner
net (always handy to have one - just in case)
2 massive buckets for when you perform your water changes
*aeration device depending on the filter you get
*heater (if tropical)
*thermometer (if tropical)


oh and give yourself at least 6 weeks for the water cycling before you get any fish

I've looked at some of the tanks on ebay and I'm not sure about whether they're any good. I found this one which seems to have a lot included is it any good?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dl ... e=VIP:Watchlink:middle:uk

It's a good size .....

Never heard of the brand before , but it looks ok and seems priced well ...

TBH you would struggle getting all the kit seperately for that much money. Looks like good value ...

Good size tank, tbh I always read the feedback if theres any negatives, but to be fair to the seller they dont look too bad negs if that makes sense

size upscaled a bit from a bio-orb on the op though

I've never heard of the manufacturers either, but found some info (albeit very vague) on them:
their web:
http://www.aquasstar.com/p2.html
company name Aquastar
they're based in India
I cant seem to find any stockists other than ebay that sell their stock though

this info can be necessary to know for warranty (if there is any)

Yeah it is a bit risky. I don't want to buy it just because it's cheaper and then something goes wrong and I have to buy another tank. But the fact that they include a stand makes it very appealing. More opinions needed please!

Very good shopping list there from complecs.

That tank looks like a real bargain. I was happy enough to get my second hand 200L tank & cabinet (no filter) for £170! Good size for goldfish. Only thing is whether the built in filter will cope, you'd have to keep an eye on it, but looks like you could use an external filter as an alternative if it was problem. I have a 97L tank which is the same sort of set up as that one, and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of space for media in the filter compared to an internal filter (although nothing like an external).

In fact I feel I need one of those tanks too ...

Excellent value tank but I think I can see some cost cuttings they've made in two areas.
1. 8mm glass. A tank that size should be 10mm glass. I'm sure the 8mm will hold - but my Rena 220L is 10mm glass and they're smaller individual panels than on that tank. It's not just for strength its also the surface area the sealant has to stick the edges together. There is a certain amount of reassurance to be had from knowing its slightly over rather than under the limit
2. The filter. Its not going to be great and should be suplimented with a nice external filter (eheim again). It will still be a good starter filter though while the fish are small and great for airation.

These are not show stopping problems, just be aware. Can do much better for the price unless you go second hand.

The clearseal tanks have 6mm thick glass for the 4'. Is that too thin? Also is there any risk of a big tank breaking for no reason?