At least you had cardboard. My store removed that as well.
While I was there I saw a 29 gallon kit from tetra. Tank, LED top, heater, filter, pump, thermometer....for 129, I think I will watch for those to go on sale and pick one up as well.
I am itching to build a filter for an aquarium using K1 media, or equivalent, but need a source for small quantities. I only want a gallon or two.