Buying a used tank

sslater0679

sslater0679

New member
Im looking to get a 75g or 90g tank, I have been looking on craigslist, and have found a couple that have caught my eye. This 90g is a reef ready by Oceanic and is 3 years old, it come with a sump tank and stand. They are wanting 400 dollars for it. Just kinda want to know what everyones feeling are on buying used tanks. Is it worth it to save a couple hundred bucks?
 
I can't say anything about that tank, or that price, but I've purchased 3 used tanks, and all have worked out great. I'm very glad I bought used - it saved me hundreds/thousands of dollars, and gave me enough experience to know exactly what I wanted when the time came to design my own tank. So from the general perspective, I recommend buying used.
 
$400 for that used tank is a bit much, especially if all you are getting is the tank, stand, and sump. I imagine the sump is just a generic 30-40g tank? I'd shoot for under or around $200 for the setup as described.
 
Ok thanks for the input. Im just going to have to go look at this one in person. I guess i just need to look out for the obivious, leaks, scratched glass etc. It also has 100lbs of live rock, but it looks like it is covered in alge. I guess i will have a lot of cleaning to do if i buy it.
 
Alright, so it sounds like you would be getting more than the tank, stand, and sump. 100lbs of rock adds to the value. Even as dry rock, you'd probably end up paying $1/lb.

Does it come with anything else? Lights mayhaps?
 
lordofthereef said:
Alright, so it sounds like you would be getting more than the tank, stand, and sump. 100lbs of rock adds to the value. Even as dry rock, you'd probably end up paying $1/lb.

Does it come with anything else? Lights mayhaps?
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The only other thing that he said that it has is a fairly new mag drive pump. Could i post the link to the listing on here?
 
I'm not sure on the rules of posting the listing - clearly you aren't trying to sell, but it may still violate rules.

If that includes the rock (that's not in horrible condition), the pump, and everything else you mentioned I would say the asking price is right up around what things generally go for. He isn't GIVING it away by any means, so you could probably get the price down a bit.

Are you part of your local clubs? That is generally where you get the best deals. If you get your post count up, you can also look at the regional and buyer/seller forums on here. I buy everything used and a good 90% from RC, but I always wait it out for the best deal.
 
lordofthereef said:
I'm not sure on the rules of posting the listing - clearly you aren't trying to sell, but it may still violate rules.

If that includes the rock (that's not in horrible condition), the pump, and everything else you mentioned I would say the asking price is right up around what things generally go for. He isn't GIVING it away by any means, so you could probably get the price down a bit.

Are you part of your local clubs? That is generally where you get the best deals. If you get your post count up, you can also look at the regional and buyer/seller forums on here. I buy everything used and a good 90% from RC, but I always wait it out for the best deal.
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Ok, Thanks for all your help. I am going to look at it tonight. I will reply back with an update.
 
Well I pulled the trigger on that tank, looks like I will be picking it up some time in the next couple of days. The tank it's self is in good working order, it is is also full of water, and alge. Didn't see any signs of leaking. The stand is in good shape as well, I think I will sand it down and put a fresh coat of black paint on it. There are about 100lbs of rock that I will be getting also, every piece is covered in green hair alge. So the total bill is about 380.00 that's as low as he was willing to go. Now I can't wait to get started on it.
 
wait around for a 120g or 150g, you'll be much happier down the line. i see several each week on my local reef board for 500 or so for a near complete setup(without lights).
 
Did he say if it was a oceanic tech tank? If so you have staphire glass on the front and side panels if I remeber correctly. You got a super nice deal if it is. Only thing I'd be worried about is if it is a tech tank with the tech stand instead of one of their oak stands. I would switch it out those tech stands are made of fiber board and my friend had nothing but trouble with his.
 
I have had several used tanks spring leaks on me. If you plan on running the tank for more than a year I would say it is not worth the risk and the few extra bucks saved. I will always pay for the peace in mind of a new tank from now on. The tank itself equates to such a small percentage of what you will actually spend on your reef in the first year to me it's just not worth skimping on. JMO of course.
 
frankpayne32 said:
I have had several used tanks spring leaks on me. If you plan on running the tank for more than a year I would say it is not worth the risk and the few extra bucks saved. I will always pay for the peace in mind of a new tank from now on. The tank itself equates to such a small percentage of what you will actually spend on your reef in the first year to me it's just not worth skimping on. JMO of course.
Click to expand...

I agree with this one also.

Used equipment is just that....used. You don't know what trouble the previous owner had, you don't know how they took care of it, and you surely don't know the real reason why it's up for sale.

Buy anything new that you can....it's just that much easier. It may seem expensive up front, but you won't be thinking that when the $1000 skimmer you just bought for $500 breaks down....or the $1500 fish tank that you bought for $400 springs a leak....or the ballasts go out in the $1200 light fixture you got for $500.
 
I've bought all my tanks (8 total) used. Not sure that I would do it any other way.

The last two were a 55 gallon fresh water complete for $100 and a 75 gallon fresh water complete for $150. I then drilled the 75 and converted to salt water.
 
If the tank had water in it for awhile and then was dry for awhile, I have heard they are more prone to leaking down the road from the silicone drying out, but I am sure this depends on how it is stored too
 
Ethan Music said:
Did he say if it was a oceanic tech tank? If so you have staphire glass on the front and side panels if I remeber correctly. You got a super nice deal if it is. Only thing I'd be worried about is if it is a tech tank with the tech stand instead of one of their oak stands. I would switch it out those tech stands are made of fiber board and my friend had nothing but trouble with his.
Click to expand...

I just asked him if it was a tech tank and he was unfamiliar with that name. Is there a way to tell just by looking at them?
 
Ethan Music said:
Did he say if it was a oceanic tech tank? If so you have staphire glass on the front and side panels if I remeber correctly. You got a super nice deal if it is. Only thing I'd be worried about is if it is a tech tank with the tech stand instead of one of their oak stands. I would switch it out those tech stands are made of fiber board and my friend had nothing but trouble with his.
Click to expand...

I do remember that the overflow is in the center of the tank, as opposed to being in one of the corners.
 
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