Hi Connie,
Welcome to the hobby of African Cichlids. Warning, once you start,
you'll be hooked! I'm not in the Seattle/Tacoma area, so I wouldn't be
much help on that. But that's a large area, I'm sure someone in that
area is bound to have a "reasonable priced" tank somewhere. I can
understand most LFS (live fish stores) want an arm and a leg for tanks,
especially the size you're after, over 75G. I'd try your local
classified ads in the Seattle/Tacoma papers, or your local paper in
middle Washington. There is likely a classified box, for the selling of
tanks, etc. "Usually" you can often catch a great price from someone who
is moving, & just wants to dump the tank fast. As far as books, web
sites etc.. I'm a breeder, & rarely visit nothing but breeding sites,
dealers, & such, but your web search under "african Cichlids" will turn
up a bunch. Cichlid books can be obtained at public libraries, LFS,
Ebay, and most book stores. They (A.Cichlids) are not difficult to keep
in all honesty Connie, so enjoy, sorry I couldn't help more, but others
will certainly reply w/more help.