Let's talk cost: Pet Store vs. ANYWHERE else.

This is a post I've been meaning to make, more for my own curiosity than anything. I'm going to list the items I've bought so far and compare their prices with Petsmart. I'm almost completely ready for a beardie and I have yet to buy a single thing at an actual pet store. The closest I've come is ordering the UVB tube from a pet supply store on Amazon.com. I will list the Calcium and Vitamin powder, which I haven't bought yet, but will buy from Petsmart, since with shipping, it's just about the same price to order online.

• 40 Gallon breeder tank with locking lid: $50 on Craigslist ($110 at Petsmart)
• 24" UVB tube: $9!! on Amazon.com- it was a one time chance but still amazing ($50 at Petsmart)
• 24" Strip light: $9 at Wal-Mart ($50-$130?!! at Petsmart) 
• 75 watt heat bulb: $.45 at Target ($7-$30 at Petsmart) Though in fairness, I may shell out the $30 for a ceramic heat emitter bulb this winter.
•  Ceramic dome heat lamp: Free with tank ($12-$50 at Petsmart)
• Digital probe thermometer: $13 at Wal-Mart ($16 on Petsmart.com)
• Light timer : $5 at Menards Hardware ($11 at Petsmart)

• 2 18"x18" ceramic tiles: $4 at Home Depot ($9-$15 depending on what substrate you choose, not that any are actually appropriate for Beardies)
• Caulk to seal tiles: $1.50 at Home depot

• Styrofoam for Basking area/hide: Free (This one is tricky because there are so many types of wood or resin basking thingies and then you factor in hides so I'd say $25- $150)
• 5 lb box Non-Sanded Grout: $6 at Home Depot
• Mod Podge Non-Toxic Sealer: $5 at Hobby Lobby

• 2-3 food bowls: Free with tank ($7 each at Petsmart)
• Rep-Cal calcium powder: $9 at Petsmart
• Rep-Cal vitamin powder: $15 at Petsmart

Grand Total: $127 vs. $328-$600

As you can see, it pays to do your homework. Most items sold at the pet store with a reptile name brand on them have ridiculous markup. Not to mention all the items they want you to buy that you don't actually need like sand substrate or  a dial thermometer to stick on the side of the tank.
With a little creativity and a lot of research, you can find everything you need without ever setting foot in the pet store. Just cheat and order stuff online. :) But really, one thing I've learned since joining the Bearded Dragon forum is the hardware store is your new friend. Get to know it and you'll have a great relationship.

PS. I didn't mention food in here, which costs that other arm and leg. I'm currently caring for a starter colony of Dubia Cockroaches. They're your ultimate discount. Spend $50 on them now, let them get settled for a few months and start to breed and if you care for them right, you have an unlimited  supply of food for your reptile for the rest of its life!