Buying Used Tanks?

[ICanSpeakWhale]

So I am slowly starting the process of setting up a fowlr tank. Since I am a high school student I don't have a ton of extra money. What are your opinions on used tanks? Are they alright to use?

[shaginwagon13]

Ya you can find some good deals with people getting rid of old tank. Personally I wouldn't buy a tank thats been used for more then 2 years but thats just me. If a tank is taken care of it will last a very long time.

If you plan to buy a glass tank, make sure you thoroughly inspect all the seams and angles where the glass meets to ensure that the silicon is not starting to bubble or come off. This weakens the integrity of the tank as a whole and a leak is possible.

You need 50 posts and 3 months of being a member here to view the classified section. I suggest you wait and grab one off here. People on here are pretty honest as sellers, and for the most part your getting good quality stuff for a great deal.

[TL1000RSquid]

I've used craigslist a couple times for buying tanks, as said above make sure the silicone is in good shape and if possible see if the seller is willing to have the tank filled when you arrive.

[mguiling]

The one I'm using now was built in 1984.

[bnumair]

personally i dont buy used tanks but thats just me, i am picky and i dont want scratches or bad seals and u just dont know how long will it last.

[spluchino82]

This is my first salt tank. And I bought it used on craigslist. I got an awesome deal, it came with EVERYTHING in closing livestock rock and coral. They helped me set it up AND taught ne the basics. So... It could be a good thong if you get the right yank and people selling it

[spluchino82]

I will also add.... You will be inheriting whatever problems they had/ are having.... Beware

[aandfsoccr04]

I'm using a used tank and can't complain. Just searched my local reef club for a few months until a good deal came up.

[SecretiveFish]

There is nothing wrong with used tanks, it is mostly a matter of personal preference. Like others have said, check for scratches and check the seals but otherwise, go for it.

Some of the notable advantages of used is that you get a decent price discount on the tank/stand and often get equipment you would need anyway with one. You can find used tanks with heaters, powerheads, sumps, return pumps, lights, live rock and sometimes livestock (although the livestock does not always survive the move :(). Although a notable downside is that there usually is a bit of cleaning/tidying up that needs to be done.

Three of the tanks I have running right now I purchased used and I have been happy with them. I would not hesitate to purchase used again.

[Shoryureppa]

just make sure to check for seams and sterilize the heck out of it. i just got an oceanic tech tank 120 for $250 :)

[JEC11718]

+1 on the inheriting a problem....that happened to me!