need advise/opinions on a used tank

[tom91970]

I have found a used 75 gallon tank for $200. I just got off the phone with the seller and here's some basic info he gave me:


- 8 years old

- includes filters/pumps (HOB and a UGF...will toss out the UGF)

- powerhead

- dark and light blue gravel (don't intend on using this either)

- has not been used in a year

- does not leak (but has not been set up for the last year)

- includes a solid wood, two-door stand

- hood/lights


I figure the tank and stand alone is a good deal for $200. I would replace the filter with some Hagens, possibly. New lamps will be bought, of course.

The last used tank I bought was a 30g with oak stand for $50 back in February and so far I've had good luck with it.

So, is $200 reasonable, or too much?

 

[Orion]

Going on what I've often seen at other hobbyist, that's a little high. I've seen 75's go for around $100 quite often.

Then again, I paid close to $400 for my 75 tank and stand new. So looking at it from this way, $200 aint a bad price at all. If it holds water, glass is in good shape and the stand is in good condition then it might not be bad.

 

[tom91970]

Well, I've always heard used tanks go for about a dollar per gallon ($75). Add in the stand (which is said to be a nice stand) and some additional equiptment it seems to be a good deal. I priced new stands a few months ago and I think they were around $250 or more.

The owner said someone offered $75 and he replied that he'd rather take a hammer to it and toss it in his driveway for that much.

 

[Orion]

Yeah no doubt, a good stand is almost always high. But normally worth it. I know when we got our setup at lest $250 of it was for the stand.

lol, sounds like you might not want to haggle with the owner too much.

 

[Dino]

It's a good deal, compared to what I find around here.
My last used purchase was 33 tanks and equipment a 5 hours drive away.

 

[tom91970]

I just called Petland. Wooden cabinet stands sell for $229.99. I'm still trying to decide to buy a new tank with hood and lights from Petsmart for $218.00.

I'll still be paying twice as much as the used tank and stand but at least I get a warrantee and peace of mind that I won't have 75 gallons of water on my laminate flooring. Ohhhh...that's another $2,000 to worry about. Yikes!

 

[MadridKid]

Orion is right! On craigslist where I live I might be getting a 60gal including fish and everything! Only for 100 dollars...

 

[Lotus]

I'd say it will depend on the quality of the stand. The cheaper ones are basically particle board or other "cheap" wood. If it's a nice stand and won't need sanding/staining, it's probably a good deal.

With any used tank, fill it up outside or in the garage (on a level surface) and leave it for a few days to check for leaks before you set it up inside.

Get yourself one of these for when you're doing tank maintenance, it will keep your floors nice and dry from any drips or splashes while you work on the tank: Aquarium Maintenance & Cleaning: Drymate Aquarium Cleaning Mat

 

[fishcrazy][]

just a tip dont use those ****ty undergravel filters even if their cheap buy power filters their more clean last longer and you know just good right...
ps. i may suck im only 11

 

[sweetpickles7]

Idk, it sounds a little pricey to me. I think you could probably look around and find a cheaper one.

 

[tom91970]

Idk, it sounds a little pricey to me. I think you could probably look around and find a cheaper one.

Yeah, that's what I told myself. I never got around to calling the guy back. I figured I would eventually find a better deal on a used one; it's not like I'm in a major hurry or anything.

Besides, rather than buying a 75g I ended up doing a 14g planted tank. We'll see how that turns out. I also bought an extremely huge tank: 2.5g (to be used for fry)