thoughts on a used tank???

[geckoejon]

hello,

i am currently trying to plan a fish / anemone tank for my next build. an 84" 265g would be perfect for my build.

do any of you have thoughts on starting with a used large tank, such as a 265g? i found a used one in apparently decent shape for a fraction of the cost of a new tank. the money i save would go a long way towards the equipment.

any experience or special considerations when dealing with used vs new?

it seems like most of the tanks that i hear leaking and failing are mostly newer ones. i'm not sure how this would effect a used tank since i would build a new stand. most stock stands are way too short for my taste.

if i were to go new, any suggestions on a tank brand that would be least likely to fail and hold up long term? i know that some lfs manufacture custom tanks. i don't have any experience with them though.

thoughts???

 

[kris101]

I just built a Marineland 300 DD that I got used and have no issues. It has some minor scratches but that's to be expected. obviously inspect it and look at all the seams or for chips on the glass. Be careful moving it as tanks that big can "tweak" a little while moving them.

I saved a ton a money.

 

[savethereef]

Nothing wrong with buying used.do look for any areas that look resiliconed . Check bulkhead areas fir cracks and chips.

 

[ycnibrc]

I always ask if the used tank has been dry for a long time and stay away from that. When the tank is dry the silicon dry up and easy to crack and create seam leak down the line. Especially now a day everybody love those wave inside the tank and that create extra stress on the seam.

 

[julie180]

Another problem is etched glass. It will look hazy and you think it just needs a good cleaning, but its microscopic damage to the glass that can't be repaired.

 

[ca1ore]

I tend to steer clear of used tanks, particularly big ones, unless I know the prior owner and am absolutely sure of history. Frankly, you can get ML tanks on sale for close to half off full retail. I bought a 265 last year for less than a couple of used ones that were for sale at the time (and they were 'insulted' by my 'lowball' offers .

Trouble with used is that often the person selling is not the original owner and the actual age of the tank becomes speculative. For example, last year I saw a tank I had previously owned for sale and it was represented as being 4-5 years old. Reality was that the tank was actually 20 years old. Not saying the seller was intentionally misrepresenting the age - he just didn't know so guessed based on appearance (which can be deceiving, obviously). I guess my point is that what seems like a deal, may be less than you think.

 

[tom obrecht]

I'm not against used equipment except tanks. I always buy new with displays!

 

[Coelli]

Another problem is etched glass. It will look hazy and you think it just needs a good cleaning, but its microscopic damage to the glass that can't be repaired.

+10000000

I'm upgrading from a tank I only set up a few weeks ago - it wasn't until it was set up and lights on that I noticed the haze and it's not removable. Inspect glass VERY carefully!

 

[Reefer07]

Theres usually a tag on the bottom of every tank saying who made it and what year and quarter. Whether it's there or was ripped off is another story.
FWIW I just got a 90 a couple months ago from 2000. No problems so far. Like someone else said the most important part is how long it's been dry for, if at all. And I would replace any bulkheads or additional hardware to be safe. They're cheap enough and its a good opportunity to re-silicone.
I will say it's also hard to see scratches on a tank without water or light in it. Make sure you take a little extra time to check for deep scratches. Run your fingers/nails around to feel for em'