Q about second hand equipment?

[Fish Friend]

Hi,
i am just wondering about second hand equipment, if i was to buy a second hand tank and it came with second hand gravel,decor filter/heater and light.... would i be able to use the gravel, decor and filter ? because if i was to... could it not be carrying maybe old diseases on the decor, gravel and filter media ??? any ideas? *GOLDFISH*

 

[Orion]

I wouldn't put used gravel in a tank of mine, but thats just me.

Anything will be fine if cleaned enough.

 

[Zman16]

I wouldn't use it either. It just might have a disease or something and then all my fish might start dying.

 

[OCCFan023]

Id use second hand equipment if it was in good shape. I wouldnt risk anny of my fish to shaky equipment or questionable items. The lighting would be fine, filter needs a cleaning and new media, decor (id be surprised if it was what you wanted anyway?), and gravel Id get ride of like the others said, to me I just feel like I wouldnt be able to clean it enough.


as for the poll:

Ill use second hand if I feel its fit too (I chose the middle category)

 

[Lotus]

Just remember that you need to test the equipment before you use it. For tanks, it's a good idea to set them up on a patio or in the garage and fill them up, and wait a week to make sure they're not leaking.

I'd always put new media in the filter and clean everything well.

 

[Fish Friend]

yeah thanks guys... i had wanted to put another like vote thing but it wouldnt let me edit it...( called i dont f 'n' know !!!! ) lol would second hand real plants be OK ?

 

[OCCFan023]

well I would think it sup too you, because when you go to get them or look at them, youd have to see if they look healthy and not problematic (sorda thing if you were picking up one at a lfs.) Id just ask the guy you were buying from if he had any outbreaks of anything in the tank while the plants were in there, or if he treated the tank with anything.

 

[Flame]

You can use any used material if you take some simple precautions. Use one gallon of water with a level cap full of bleach. Mix well then flush what ever material you want through the mix. You can also use it in a spray bottle. Do not use more than the recommended amount of bleach. This mix will kill any bacteria, Virus, and all other little bugs that could effect your tank. After you have cleaned then rinse with RO/DI water berfore use. This mix works very well in your home as well

 

[fishbrain]

As others have said: clean well with bleach & water, rinse well with water & test equipment/tank for leaks & proper operation. Even live plant can (& some say should be) treated with a bleach & water mixture to kill off uwanted snail eggs & such (ratio of bleach to water should be very low).

I'd have to say about 50% of my equipment & stuff is used.

 

[Fish Friend]

ok thanks people, i now know if i ever want to because there is loads of second hand stuff advertised at my lfs !