How old of a tank to buy?

[Guygettnby]

Hello all! Long time and the itch got me again... coming back and have found out that my favorite size tank is no longer being made, which is a 120g 4x2x2 and happens to be the max I can get in my new house.

I can still buy a 90g, but have found a few 120g tanks used. Problem is the age of the tanks. I have almost always bought used tanks, but never too old. Maybe 10y max... the tanks I'm finding are all around 20 years old. This seems alittle sketchy to trust IMO..

How old would you trust? What's the oldest tank you have had?

 

[OrionN]

I think you are mistaken. It is easy to find a reef ready 120 gal aquarium.
Here is one
Planet Aquarium 120 reef ready

 

[griss]

Yep, Planet makes 120RR. So does Glass Cages and Seapora.

 

[Reefing102]

Welcome back!

As @OrionN mentioned, there are new 120’s available (and last I knew Planet is a great brand), they just may not be available/stocked by your LFS.

As to your specific question though, there are plenty of older tanks that are still around and doing great. I think for me, it depends on if the tank is currently running, and if not how long has it been stored empty, if the seller is willing to water test it, and also, perhaps if the brand is known (for example I know Oceanic tanks were built like tanks back in the day).

 

[OrionN]

I guess it really depends on how the tank was care for. They normally don’t dry out unless they sit dry for a long time. Looking at the silicone condition will let you know if you should buy a used tank or not.
Brief search new 120 deliver to your door about 6-700 and a reef ready 120 for about twice that much.

 

[Guygettnby]

This particular tank I am currently looking at has been up and running for a long time. It is currently still full and no leaks, but the owner says it is 20 years old. I can reseal it, but that just seems like a really old tank to me and worries me. I can buy this entire setup for $350 as he just wants it gone. Can no longer take care of it due to medical issues. The price is hard to pass up obviously.

 

[Guygettnby]

I guess it really depends on how the tank was care for. They normally don’t dry out unless they sit dry for a long time. Looking at the silicone condition will let you know if you should buy a used tank or not.
Brief search new 120 deliver to your door about 6-700 and a reef ready 120 for about twice that much.

Since last being in this hobby, the prices of everything have gone insane. At this point it looks like building a brand new tank is going to be out of my budget. I have always bought used in the past, luckily I have never had a tank failure. All the used 120g tanks I have found though have some years for sure.

 

[Reefing102]

If it’s up and running I would at least give it a good look on the seams and if they look good (no bubbles or similar), I probably wouldn’t have any issue using it

 

[griss]

If it’s up and running I would at least give it a good look on the seams and if they look good (no bubbles or similar), I probably wouldn’t have any issue using it

Agreed and, as someone who's been looking for a used 120 for a while, that's a fantastic price. Most in my area for sale are in the $1,500 - $2,000 range for an entire setup.