What to look for buying used?

big_aug · 01/31/2018, 09:59 AM

So I'm doing my research and looking to put together my first tank. I've been browsing craigslist/Facebook for tanks while I'm reading up.

What things should I be wary of? I have no experience and I'm worried about buying a big *** tank that is some how defective. Perhaps I'm paranoid. I buy used stuff all the time, but it's stuff I have a lot of experience with.

Any checklists or rules or thumb? For example, I saw a nice looking 125g tank with a nice wokd stand, sump, etc but id be scared to buy it. I'm not ready to buy yet, but I just want to keep my eyes open.

Thank you!

RobZilla04 · 01/31/2018, 10:05 AM

Right off the bat I would not buy a used tank without seeing it full of water. You'll never be able to tell if it is 100% leak proof empty.

big_aug · 01/31/2018, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobZilla04

Right off the bat I would not buy a used tank without seeing it full of water. You'll never be able to tell if it is 100% leak proof empty.

Thats what I wanted to hear actually. That was my fear.

Thanks!

RobZilla04 · 01/31/2018, 10:29 AM

If you have a LFS (local fish store) nearby, and they have used tanks, simply ask them their policy should you take it home and discover it leaks. If they are willing to refund that's obviously okay.

ALWAYS leak test any aquarium (new or used). Preferably outside. Should something catastrophic happen, you won't damage your house, office, etc.

crawlerman · 01/31/2018, 11:01 AM

I bought my 180g from craigslist. The main thing I wanted was to see it up and running with healthy corals and fish. I had a fear of buying a system that had copper in it. Also didn't want to buy someones neglected tank and deal with algae and nutrient packed live rock.

big_aug · 01/31/2018, 11:06 AM

Im only a couple hours from Aquarium Adventure in Columbus. Mayne I'll just everything there.

big_aug · 01/31/2018, 11:08 AM

I cant figure out how to edit my posts to correct typos...

big_aug · 01/31/2018, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crawlerman

I bought my 180g from craigslist. The main thing I wanted was to see it up and running with healthy corals and fish. I had a fear of buying a system that had copper in it. Also didn't want to buy someones neglected tank and deal with algae and nutrient packed live rock.

I'm close to you actually. Im in Wheeling, WV.

RobZilla04 · 01/31/2018, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_aug

I cant figure out how to edit my posts to correct typos...

Not sure if you need a post count but when viewing your posts in the forum, you'll see an "Edit" button right next to the "Quote" button on the bottom right of your single post.

big_aug · 01/31/2018, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobZilla04

Not sure if you need a post count but when viewing your posts in the forum, you'll see an "Edit" button right next to the "Quote" button on the bottom right of your single post.

Definitely a post count thing as I looked everywhere. I'll farm a few here

big_aug · 01/31/2018, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crawlerman

I bought my 180g from craigslist. The main thing I wanted was to see it up and running with healthy corals and fish. I had a fear of buying a system that had copper in it. Also didn't want to buy someones neglected tank and deal with algae and nutrient packed live rock.

Are there any good shops in Pittsburgh? I can't PM you because it requires 10 posts.

billdogg · 01/31/2018, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_aug

Im only a couple hours from Aquarium Adventure in Columbus. Mayne I'll just everything there.

JMO, but NO!!!!!

IME, they are overpriced to say the least. Check out Aaron and the folks at Rivers to Reefs at Morse and Cherrybottom in Gahanna.

big_aug · 01/31/2018, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

JMO, but NO!!!!!

IME, they are overpriced to say the least. Check out Aaron and the folks at Rivers to Reefs at Morse and Cherrybottom in Gahanna.

Thanks. Suggestions are needed. It will be a while before I buy anything but id like to have a lot of options when the time comes.

Ron Reefman · 02/01/2018, 06:49 AM

If you are careful about buying used you should be fine. If the seller isn't willing to fill an aquarium or plug in a pump, then walk away.

I set up a 180g tank I got used and everything I needed I got used or from 'going out of business sales' or our local club raffle! The only thing I bought new was a 1hp chiller, not many of them on the used market and the few that were out there were too far away or way too used!

ReefkeeperZ · 02/01/2018, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_aug

I cant figure out how to edit my posts to correct typos...

you have to be a member for at least 90 days and have over 50 posts, dont worry about it for now a lot of us are fluent in typo.

01/31/2018, 09:59 AM	#1
big_aug Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 10	What to look for buying used? So I'm doing my research and looking to put together my first tank. I've been browsing craigslist/Facebook for tanks while I'm reading up. What things should I be wary of? I have no experience and I'm worried about buying a big *** tank that is some how defective. Perhaps I'm paranoid. I buy used stuff all the time, but it's stuff I have a lot of experience with. Any checklists or rules or thumb? For example, I saw a nice looking 125g tank with a nice wokd stand, sump, etc but id be scared to buy it. I'm not ready to buy yet, but I just want to keep my eyes open. Thank you!

01/31/2018, 10:05 AM	#2
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	Right off the bat I would not buy a used tank without seeing it full of water. You'll never be able to tell if it is 100% leak proof empty. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

01/31/2018, 10:29 AM	#4
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	If you have a LFS (local fish store) nearby, and they have used tanks, simply ask them their policy should you take it home and discover it leaks. If they are willing to refund that's obviously okay. ALWAYS leak test any aquarium (new or used). Preferably outside. Should something catastrophic happen, you won't damage your house, office, etc. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

02/01/2018, 06:49 AM	#14
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	If you are careful about buying used you should be fine. If the seller isn't willing to fill an aquarium or plug in a pump, then walk away. I set up a 180g tank I got used and everything I needed I got used or from 'going out of business sales' or our local club raffle! The only thing I bought new was a 1hp chiller, not many of them on the used market and the few that were out there were too far away or way too used! __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

01/31/2018, 11:01 AM	#5
crawlerman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 503	I bought my 180g from craigslist. The main thing I wanted was to see it up and running with healthy corals and fish. I had a fear of buying a system that had copper in it. Also didn't want to buy someones neglected tank and deal with algae and nutrient packed live rock.

01/31/2018, 11:06 AM	#6
big_aug Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 10	Im only a couple hours from Aquarium Adventure in Columbus. Mayne I'll just everything there.

01/31/2018, 11:08 AM	#7
big_aug Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 10	I cant figure out how to edit my posts to correct typos...