davehead86
New member
What's wrong with getting a used skimmer then replacing the pump at some point? Or buying a used tank or stand? Some things wear out like pumps and motors or ballasts, but some things don't. Rock is another good example. You can buy it online or from a store and pay a lot more than you can find it for on craigslist, plus then you don't have to pay for shipping either. I'd rather put a little effort into some of these things and save hundreds than blindly believe that new is better.
I do agree that some things at better off not messing with, like lighting and pumps, but even then there are some benefits to buying used in some situations.
If you know exactly what you want, plan on keeping that same equipment until it fails, do not plan on upgrading, and expect there to be no changes in the technology to make things cheaper, better or more efficient, then yes I can see how you would think that buying new for longevity is more cost effective.
It really depends on how deep you think about stuff.
I bought used Radions and upgraded them, still cheaper than new lights. Bought a used tank for the first one, upgraded and bought a brand new tank so that it would last longer and have no scratches. You just have to really think hard about if it is something that can last a long time.
I bought a used Tunze ATO. Then the motor in the pump started dying and the power pack was going bad. I bought a new Tunze at that point. Had i just done that in the beginning i would have saved $100 bucks. Bought an old reefkeeper for a steal and that thing wont quit for a long time.
As to the original question: Ive spent in the neighborhood of 3,000 and have had a 20 gallon and now a 65 gallon with a 40b sump. Im having issues not just clicking buy on a few thousand worth of corals right now tho. :lol: