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I'm going to get a 150g. Would it be cheaper to get the aquarium at my lfs (about $350) or a chain pet store? If they are cheaper at a chain store-like petsmart- would the quality be the same?

I don't think the quality would be any different. My PetSmart tank is just as good as any other tank. =P

You just have to compare brands. For example, a 150 gallon Oceanic aquarium will cost more than a 150 gallon Perfecto. Why? Because Oceanic uses thicker glass, and has higher standards, and because they are Oceanic, and have the right to charge high prices for their tanks.

Chains differ. Some will have Oceanic, All-Glass, and Perfecto, others will have lesser brands. Just shop and compare.

Good Lcuk

My lfs is accually cheaper overall compared to a petsmart type place acording to there employees "The tanks are cheap because without them all the other crap in the store is useless".

"A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man" Simpsons

I think you will find the chain stores are cheaper because they buy bulk usually from suppliers who make cheeper quality tanks.

The LFS has to get usually both cheap and a better quality tank reason if you dont buy it there you will go elsewhere and buy it, and they want you custom also they want you to keep coming back.

Unless you can tell the difference between the qualities of glass it can be extremly difficuly. One quick method is to get down to the tanks level and a distance back look from a small angle to see if you can see any distorations in the glass. Also is it perfectly clear, crystal clear this is usually a sign of quality.

Finally ask how long is the gurantee and where are they made.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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