A good deal?

MyHouseIsAZoo · 01/22/2018, 12:45 PM

I found a tank for sale on Craigslist.

$400 OBO

55 gallon, with enclosed stand.
-10 gallon Sump
-Instant Ocean SCPS-100 SeaClone Protein Skimmer - 100 Gallon
-ZFE Aquarium Filter Holder for 4" Reef Tank Sock Bag
-Autoaqua Smart Automatic Top off System
-Fluval 406 Aquarium Canister
-Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light, 36-48" plus tank mount bracket
-Tunze 6045 wavemaker
-2 of Hydor Koralia Nano 425 Aquarium Circulation Pump, 425 GPH

Is this a good deal?

heathlindner25 · 01/22/2018, 12:58 PM

I would not want that tank or any of the equipment.

OldReefGuy · 01/22/2018, 01:00 PM

Not a great deal, but OK if all you want is softies or FOWLR

Hydrus · 01/22/2018, 01:05 PM

I wouldn't

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mcgyvr · 01/22/2018, 03:10 PM

Another vote for PASS on it..
Thats a horrible tank size (dimension wise too shallow front to back for a reef tank) and mostly the cheapest equipment

billdogg · 01/22/2018, 03:27 PM

I don't really want to rain on your parade either, but....

^^^What they said^^^

on the spot · 01/22/2018, 06:41 PM

That one and 20 just like it in our area.

Is it the footprint, the volume, or the price you find most attractive? This is the place to ask questions - these guys are quite helpful.

and welcome.

MyHouseIsAZoo · 01/23/2018, 08:03 AM

Thanks for the responses everyone!! I really appreciate your honest opinions. I'm very new to this!

On the spot...The price is what is appealing. Being so new to the saltwater/reef tank world, I am a bit intimidated by all of the extra pieces that go into a tank. In the freshwater world we are used to being able to just buy what we need off shelf, set up and go about our business.

It looks like our current freshwater tank is about to be empty and we are toying with converting it over. It is a 29 gallon on a custom stand. We shall see what happens there. I still want a big set up, but hubby is telling me to be patient and see how we do with the first tank (isn't giving into my argument that bigger tanks are a little easier because water quality doesn't change as fast...yet)

nereefpat · 01/23/2018, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyHouseIsAZoo

The price is what is appealing.

It's a bad price, I'm.

A used 55 isn't worth more than 50$.

The equipment is mostly cheap/poor stuff as well. Seaclone skimmers are among the worst skimmers. Lights are cheap and can't grow any but the easiest corals. Etc.

We can help you piece together a better system than this, for less than 500 bucks.

I guess it does say "OBO," so you could offer much less, I suppose...but I wouldn't want it.

MyHouseIsAZoo · 01/23/2018, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nereefpat

It's a bad price, I'm.

A used 55 isn't worth more than 50$.

The equipment is mostly cheap/poor stuff as well. Seaclone skimmers are among the worst skimmers. Lights are cheap and can't grow any but the easiest corals. Etc.

We can help you piece together a better system than this, for less than 500 bucks.

I guess it does say "OBO," so you could offer much less, I suppose...but I wouldn't want it.

I offered $75 initially because it was up as "Make me an offer"

I'm probably getting ahead of myself with already wanting a big tank. We started our first ever saltwater on Sunday (14g Biocube). We will likely covert over our current 29g Freshwater to saltwater too. Is it worth having 2 nanos?

pfan151 · 01/23/2018, 02:50 PM

I’d look for a 90g. Pretty common size to find used and you can keep a decent variety of fish happy in a tank that size. Not too big to be much of a hassle and expense to care for and has a much better footprint than a 55g

billdogg · 01/23/2018, 06:56 PM

Using up the same amount of wall space (4') but a little more actual floor space, much better choices would be a 75, 90, or 120. I'd go for at least the 90 if not the 120 if it were me. Especially used any of them are going to go for less than 1/2 retail for the tank alone, so maybe start there. What you want to keep (think end game to save some $$$ down the road) will determine what you'll need in the way of lighting and other equipment.

Let us know what you decide and we can offer options!

hth!

MyHouseIsAZoo · 01/24/2018, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfan151

I’d look for a 90g. Pretty common size to find used and you can keep a decent variety of fish happy in a tank that size. Not too big to be much of a hassle and expense to care for and has a much better footprint than a 55g

Thanks! I'll do that!

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

Using up the same amount of wall space (4') but a little more actual floor space, much better choices would be a 75, 90, or 120. I'd go for at least the 90 if not the 120 if it were me. Especially used any of them are going to go for less than 1/2 retail for the tank alone, so maybe start there. What you want to keep (think end game to save some $$$ down the road) will determine what you'll need in the way of lighting and other equipment.

Let us know what you decide and we can offer options!

hth!

Thank you for the advice! Now to set up alerts for 90 & 120 gallon tanks!

squeakymcmurdo · 01/24/2018, 10:59 PM

I’ve got two 75 gallon tanks for free off of classifieds. One with a bunch of saltwater supplies that came with it.

Valentini89 · 01/24/2018, 11:48 PM

Here's something to think about.. if you look online you'll pay a fortune for a tank new. Most places are custom deals and charge extra for everything. Then there's the stand. But, if you go to a LFS you just may get lucky enough to get a really good price on a whole package, tank, stand, sump, pumps, etc. A LFS is working with me on my next setup and since I'm buying EVERYTHING from them I'm getting a much better deal. Plus the tank is from the manufacturer they use. So they have experience with the tanks.

MyHouseIsAZoo · 01/25/2018, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squeakymcmurdo

I’ve got two 75 gallon tanks for free off of classifieds. One with a bunch of saltwater supplies that came with it.

That is amazing! I will keep watch for deals like this!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valentini89

Here's something to think about.. if you look online you'll pay a fortune for a tank new. Most places are custom deals and charge extra for everything. Then there's the stand. But, if you go to a LFS you just may get lucky enough to get a really good price on a whole package, tank, stand, sump, pumps, etc. A LFS is working with me on my next setup and since I'm buying EVERYTHING from them I'm getting a much better deal. Plus the tank is from the manufacturer they use. So they have experience with the tanks.

Good to know about LFS. We are planning to go to a few this weekend to check them out. Google tells me that there are a few local saltwater places that we weren't aware of, so we are going to try and visit them all.

We custom built the stand for our 29 gallon freshwater and have no problem doing that with a large saltwater (we also custom built a 48" x 62" L-shaped stand for guinea pig cages, a craft table, end tables and next up is a coffee table for the sister-in-law). The tank and systems are what we are watching for.

Jekerry · 01/25/2018, 07:43 AM

When I used to keep fresh water fish and subscribed to a magazine, they recommended bringing a few questions with you that you already knew the answer to. Ask those questions at the LFS to see if they were BSers or not.

MyHouseIsAZoo · 01/25/2018, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jekerry

When I used to keep fresh water fish and subscribed to a magazine, they recommended bringing a few questions with you that you already knew the answer to. Ask those questions at the LFS to see if they were BSers or not.

That's a great tip! I also try to seek out the employess who are in their 30s or older. I don't trust a high school/college kid with my tanks.

Cloudburst2000 · 01/25/2018, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyHouseIsAZoo

I offered $75 initially because it was up as "Make me an offer"

I'm probably getting ahead of myself with already wanting a big tank. We started our first ever saltwater on Sunday (14g Biocube). We will likely covert over our current 29g Freshwater to saltwater too. Is it worth having 2 nanos?

Actually, if you are new to SW, larger is actually easier to care for. I did start out nano-sized but only because I cannot keep a larger tank in my apartment, I would suggest going 90g or above. I would personally try 120g at the minimum if I were just starting out and had the room. You have so many more options to chose from in terms of livestock, and it is just easier to keep parameters in check.

d0ughb0y · 01/25/2018, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jekerry

When I used to keep fresh water fish and subscribed to a magazine, they recommended bringing a few questions with you that you already knew the answer to. Ask those questions at the LFS to see if they were BSers or not.

that is basic interrogation technique, used by FBI and police to find out if someone is lying.

on the spot · 01/25/2018, 04:30 PM

29's make a fairly cheap entry point for saltwater, the tiny one you already have notwithstanding. The "trouble" with them is similar to the ubiquitous 55 - poor surface area to volume. the next trouble is the length. @ 30 inches lighting can be spotty. Compare a 50 gallon breeder tank to either a standard 55 or 29. IMO it's the best value for new tanks - good volume and plenty of space.

The store in Lansing is a lot of fun - lots of displays and tons of options. There are a few here too.

MyHouseIsAZoo · 01/26/2018, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by on the spot

29's make a fairly cheap entry point for saltwater, the tiny one you already have notwithstanding. The "trouble" with them is similar to the ubiquitous 55 - poor surface area to volume. the next trouble is the length. @ 30 inches lighting can be spotty. Compare a 50 gallon breeder tank to either a standard 55 or 29. IMO it's the best value for new tanks - good volume and plenty of space.

The store in Lansing is a lot of fun - lots of displays and tons of options. There are a few here too.

We may have to drive out there soon! We usually go to VI Pets (cutlerville) and Blue Fish when we are daydreaming. We found a few more in this area that we plan to try and hit tomorrow to browse.

rocsec1 · 01/27/2018, 09:24 PM

No it isn’t a good deal. That and isn’t of good size, it would be be a good sump but not a dt.

01/22/2018, 12:45 PM	#1
MyHouseIsAZoo Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Caledonia, MI Posts: 81	A good deal? I found a tank for sale on Craigslist. $400 OBO 55 gallon, with enclosed stand. -10 gallon Sump -Instant Ocean SCPS-100 SeaClone Protein Skimmer - 100 Gallon -ZFE Aquarium Filter Holder for 4" Reef Tank Sock Bag -Autoaqua Smart Automatic Top off System -Fluval 406 Aquarium Canister -Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light, 36-48" plus tank mount bracket -Tunze 6045 wavemaker -2 of Hydor Koralia Nano 425 Aquarium Circulation Pump, 425 GPH Is this a good deal?

01/22/2018, 03:10 PM	#5
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Another vote for PASS on it.. Thats a horrible tank size (dimension wise too shallow front to back for a reef tank) and mostly the cheapest equipment __________________ Who me?

01/22/2018, 03:27 PM	#6
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I don't really want to rain on your parade either, but.... ^^^What they said^^^ __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

01/23/2018, 06:56 PM	#12
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	Using up the same amount of wall space (4') but a little more actual floor space, much better choices would be a 75, 90, or 120. I'd go for at least the 90 if not the 120 if it were me. Especially used any of them are going to go for less than 1/2 retail for the tank alone, so maybe start there. What you want to keep (think end game to save some $$$ down the road) will determine what you'll need in the way of lighting and other equipment. Let us know what you decide and we can offer options! hth! __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

01/24/2018, 10:59 PM	#14
squeakymcmurdo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Star Valley, Wyoming Posts: 139	I’ve got two 75 gallon tanks for free off of classifieds. One with a bunch of saltwater supplies that came with it. __________________ 75 gallon reef with 10 gallon sump 125 gallon waiting outside and functioning as my kids’ swimming pool until my husband helps me lift it onto the stand.

01/22/2018, 12:58 PM	#2
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	I would not want that tank or any of the equipment.

01/22/2018, 01:00 PM	#3
OldReefGuy Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 542	Not a great deal, but OK if all you want is softies or FOWLR

01/22/2018, 01:05 PM	#4
Hydrus Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Minnesota Posts: 98	I wouldn't Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

01/22/2018, 06:41 PM	#7
on the spot Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Michigan Posts: 1,010	That one and 20 just like it in our area. Is it the footprint, the volume, or the price you find most attractive? This is the place to ask questions - these guys are quite helpful. and welcome.

01/23/2018, 08:03 AM	#8
MyHouseIsAZoo Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Caledonia, MI Posts: 81	Thanks for the responses everyone!! I really appreciate your honest opinions. I'm very new to this! On the spot...The price is what is appealing. Being so new to the saltwater/reef tank world, I am a bit intimidated by all of the extra pieces that go into a tank. In the freshwater world we are used to being able to just buy what we need off shelf, set up and go about our business. It looks like our current freshwater tank is about to be empty and we are toying with converting it over. It is a 29 gallon on a custom stand. We shall see what happens there. I still want a big set up, but hubby is telling me to be patient and see how we do with the first tank (isn't giving into my argument that bigger tanks are a little easier because water quality doesn't change as fast...yet)

01/23/2018, 02:50 PM	#11
pfan151 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: FL Posts: 1,897	I’d look for a 90g. Pretty common size to find used and you can keep a decent variety of fish happy in a tank that size. Not too big to be much of a hassle and expense to care for and has a much better footprint than a 55g

01/24/2018, 11:48 PM	#15
Valentini89 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Bay county, Fl Posts: 624	Here's something to think about.. if you look online you'll pay a fortune for a tank new. Most places are custom deals and charge extra for everything. Then there's the stand. But, if you go to a LFS you just may get lucky enough to get a really good price on a whole package, tank, stand, sump, pumps, etc. A LFS is working with me on my next setup and since I'm buying EVERYTHING from them I'm getting a much better deal. Plus the tank is from the manufacturer they use. So they have experience with the tanks. __________________ I have 1 1/2 years experience in this hobby. Take my advice with that in mind. Current Tank Info: 26g bowfront QT tank, -- 150g tall = http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2671045

01/25/2018, 07:43 AM	#17
Jekerry Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 205	When I used to keep fresh water fish and subscribed to a magazine, they recommended bringing a few questions with you that you already knew the answer to. Ask those questions at the LFS to see if they were BSers or not.

01/25/2018, 04:30 PM	#21
on the spot Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Michigan Posts: 1,010	29's make a fairly cheap entry point for saltwater, the tiny one you already have notwithstanding. The "trouble" with them is similar to the ubiquitous 55 - poor surface area to volume. the next trouble is the length. @ 30 inches lighting can be spotty. Compare a 50 gallon breeder tank to either a standard 55 or 29. IMO it's the best value for new tanks - good volume and plenty of space. The store in Lansing is a lot of fun - lots of displays and tons of options. There are a few here too.

01/27/2018, 09:24 PM	#23
rocsec1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Medina oh Posts: 1,782	No it isn’t a good deal. That and isn’t of good size, it would be be a good sump but not a dt.