Just starting out

[Mark687]

I was wondering if it was ok to buy A reef system already set up? for example off Craig's list.

 

[Humuhumunuku]

Welcome to our addiction!


Of course, but buyer beware. Never buy something like that without inspecting it in person. If you meant already set up as in it has animals, then be careful. There are threads you can find on here about moving existing systems. It is difficult, but possible.

 

[izzy123]

+1

And find a local expierenced reefer who can come along with you (if you know someone like that offcourse)

Most of us are more than happy to get someone else addicted to this hobby.... :beer:

 

[8-ball]

if you buy a tank off craigslist I would always recommend change the sand bed. A lot of times ive seen Tanks crash after these kinds of moves because of old sand beds being disturbed during the move.

 

[jerseygurl]

Lots of good advice here. But yes, CL is a great way to start. We've set up lots of really expensive tanks for people who just lost interest and were sold on CL very cheap. I would hire someone that knows what they're doing to help you with your purchase, the move, and the set-up.

 

[kingevil]

nothing wrong with buying from cl. just NEVER pay asking price. also, make sure you have full knowledge on how to care for the system before buying.

 

[Mark687]

Thank you all for the good info. I think I'm going to get a tank and start slow, not get one already set up.

 

[wolfador]

you could buy a tank someone has already taken down but I would avoid one that is still running, the time during the cycling process when you start a tank allows you to learn a bunch of stuff.

 

[Reeferz412]

Inspect every nook and cranny of the tank you are about to purchase, look at the equipment, the way it is setup, the wiring, just about everything. You want to have a successful system, the first thing to do is make sure your housing isnt cracked, leaking, not levelled, etc. etc. You can get godly deals on CL but you can also get shafted if you do not inspect what you are buying.

 

[Sk8r]

You don't say where you are. Check out our list of clubs (far down under the forums, a blue band you have to click to expand) and see if there's one near you. If there is, contact them and you'll have help aplenty.
Second suggestion: start by reading the stickies up atop this forum: we have detailed stuff on how-to, equipment, what you need and don't. If you do get a fullblown setup with corals and fish, definitely you need to be right back to us about how to care for them. Corals aren't hard at all, but they have definite requirements re lighting and water quality. A ro/di filter is a good thing to own for any tank above 20 gallons. All this info is available in the stickies above.
And welcome in!