I am new to the hobby, i currently have a 40 Gallon Breeder up and running for about 1 month now. It is very possible I will be moving into a new home with a lot more space and was looking to purchase a tank that is 160 gallons or more. I have been checking craigslist everyday but is there any other websites that somebody could direct me to for used tanks or even brand new tanks that have great reviews.
Hello Everyone had a question about large tanks
- Thread starter kciN
- Start date
ReefsandGeeks
New member
You can try searching Ebay, and sort based on how close they are to you, but I haven't had much luck with this. A better option is to find local reef forums, and look for a "for sale" section. I've seen some massive tanks go for sale for next to nothing (reletivaly speaking). In Houston, TX I saw a 700 gallon reef tank, with stand and skimmer go for $2000. The skimmer alone was worth thousands new.
Also, patience is good depending on where you're at, there could be slim pickings for large tanks. Unfortunately that's the situation I'm in now and I want a 210
Also, patience is good depending on where you're at, there could be slim pickings for large tanks. Unfortunately that's the situation I'm in now and I want a 210
Sapelo
New member
The truth is that you are in a good area for used tanks. You might also check around at some of your LFS and see if anyone has anything for sale.
Like devastator007 said, patience is usually key.
Just a side note to be realistic about how many and what type of tangs you can keep in a 160. I have three in my 300 and wish I had one less.
Like devastator007 said, patience is usually key.
Just a side note to be realistic about how many and what type of tangs you can keep in a 160. I have three in my 300 and wish I had one less.
MondoBongo
Obligate Feeder Obsessed
you might also want to check out any clubs that are local, or semi local to you, often people breaking down their systems will post there first.
i think this would be your general region, there are several clubs in there:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=535
i think this would be your general region, there are several clubs in there:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=535
MondoBongo
Obligate Feeder Obsessed
One of my favorites. Make sure you have a very tight fitting lid though. I sadly lost mine when he jumped through about a 1" hole in the corner of my screen top.
tigersmith
New member
Google giant aquariums. There are some there.
ColoReefer970
New member
If you do end up rescuing a tank from Craigslist...be really careful cleaning them up....don't power wash palytoxin into your face (oops) ..and take extra care cleaning up them rocks...
Reef forums and clubs...people know what they have and care...so they want what it's worth...and you pay more, because they care, and it's worth it...
Find a crash on the craiglist, and you're gonna get a smoking deal, but you better be on top of things or you could ruin what you've already built with someone else's neglect
Reef forums and clubs...people know what they have and care...so they want what it's worth...and you pay more, because they care, and it's worth it...
Find a crash on the craiglist, and you're gonna get a smoking deal, but you better be on top of things or you could ruin what you've already built with someone else's neglect
Ron Reefman
Active member
The most common tank that is 160g or more is probably the standard 180g which is 6'x2'x2'. That's what I have and I have 3 tangs in it for 6 years now.
There are local clubs in Tampa and nearby. SWFMAS.com is SW Florida (Sarasota to Naples) and the website forum has a pretty active for sall or trade section. You don't need to join the club in order to post on the forum. However, you do need to be a paid member in order to sell on the forum.
There are local clubs in Tampa and nearby. SWFMAS.com is SW Florida (Sarasota to Naples) and the website forum has a pretty active for sall or trade section. You don't need to join the club in order to post on the forum. However, you do need to be a paid member in order to sell on the forum.
thelawnwrangler
New member
I have seen it go both ways (more in the direction of what you are saying). Some people seem more worried about who takes over stewardship of the system versus money. They also want someone that knows what they are doing and can come break it down cleanly, and take the whole thing. NJ Forum as an absolute steal listed. For the most part though I have some equipment that I really wondered if there isn't an extreme amount of haggling why wouldn't I want brand new for 10-20% more.
I would say, also, consider the tank size/configuration and the cost of water-movement devices and lighting. I have a 105 gallon deep wedge damsel reef which I could (because of shape) fit with a single Gyre 115 and a single Radion Pro, but a 160 long on my budget would either have to 'zone' the lighting, ie bright only in one spot (which can be done with corals, if you vary the species) and still have the problem of keeping water movement and gas exchange. I found with powerheads even at my size I could spend quite a bit and still not get great flow, so I went with something stronger. Tangs need good flow. THey're oxygen-hungry. Plan this into the budget along with the larger tank. If your new place has a basement or a closet offering you a chance to move the sump to an easily serviced place, ideally with a floor drain and utility sink, that would be a real plus.
