proudmomoftwins

I was talking to my brother and telling him I wanted to get an aquarium and he said he might have a friend who would be willing to sell his reasonably cheap. It's a 55 gallong tank or larger, my brother wasn't sure just knew that it was huge. Is it safe to use a second hand tank? What are some pros and cons? I know one pro is that it would be cheaper then buying new. My brother says that it's in excellent condition and has every thing except for an aquarium stand. How hard would it be to clean a used tank and how would I clean it? Is there any thing I would need to worry about?

Oh, I had to laugh... Saturday I went in to Petco to look around and to see what kind of aquariums they had and to see if any thing was on sale. One of the workers started talking to me, and I was asking him questions (I know, never take their word)... we got talking about the cycle, and I made a comment on it and he said "Well, you have to cycle your aquarium with fish or it will never cycle"... "after about six to twelve hours of adding water you need to add the fish to cycle". I wanted to tell him that he was wrong, but I just laughed it off...LOL. After doing a lot of research and after reading what every one here has posted, I know better then to cycle with fish.

Thanks for a wonderful website!!

Nate McFin

Good for you for doing your research!
Regarding a used tank- Cheaper as you said...a big draw. Possibly more for your money. The one thig I always look at is what type of set up is it. The tank is one thing but tanks are relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of the set up. What type of filter does it have, what type of lights, etc.
Will the filter actually be enough ?Most set ups I see used under filter. So if you have to buy a filter this may negate alot of the savings. I like plants and many "stock" set ups are under lit...so off we go to buy lights. I would almost always buy a new heater as well. I just wont trust a used heater after my last experience. It may have an undergravel filter which I wont use so I may be paying for something I dont need.
So add up what you will need to pay out of pocket and you may or may not end up getting as good of a deal as it looks like.
Cleaning isn't a big deal.
Leaks are....
Is the tank set up with water now? How old is it?
I WILL buy used next time myself but most "deals" aren't as good as they may seem. Just make sure it has what you want.
I have missed out on great deals with high quality filters,lights,etc. You may end up saving huge money if you find the right one!

agabr123

it can definitely be safe, i get used tanks all the time on craigslist however, know that you're getting what you pay for most of the time. i'd ask what kind of extras come with the tank and the exact specifications.

the way i clean used tanks (and actually the way i clean ALL my tanks) is to fill them up either outside or in the bathtub/shower (depending on the size of the tank) with a 1 part bleach 19 part water mixture (you can use vinegar instead of bleach but make sure you don't use both!!!). i add the bleach first so that it gets mixed in really well, then add all the water. fill the tank very slowly so that you can check for any leaks, and then leave it sitting for 24 hours (again to check for leaks). i always fill it right up to the very top just in case. then you'll want to drain the tank completely, rinse it thoroughly until you can't smell bleach anymore, then fill it up one more time with water and water conditioner (i use prime) and let it sit again. then drain the tank, bring it inside, and put it on the stand. again you'll want to fill it very slowly so that the floor has time to settle underneath the weight of the stand, and you'll want to add LOTS of water conditioner to make sure that all the bleach is gone.

as far as the equipment it may come with, i'd probably throw away any filter media that's been opened/used already, especially if you aren't taking the fish, because who knows what kind of diseases may be on it. i'd put the heater in the tank (don't turn it on though!) when you're doing the bleach/water mixture if you get one with it, and bleach or boil any decorations or anything like that that he gives you along with the tank.

GouramiGirl1221

I bought my 75 gallon tank used and have been very pleased with it. I did get a stand with it as well, which made it a better deal. As Nate McFin pointed out, you need to look at what else you'll want/need to get things going. Personally, I bought a canister filter, new heaters (2 since it's such a large tank), decorations and a new bulb for the light fixture because I love live plants, so that was easily another $200 on top of what I paid for the used set-up.

One word of caution - if the tank comes with gravel, rinse it VERY well. I didn't do a good enough job with mine and I paid for it for months afterward with the maintenance.

If the tank from your brother's friend doesn't work out you might want to also check craigslist. That's how I found my tank, and with the economy right now there are a lot of people selling their large tanks for extra money. Best of luck!

pinkfloydpuffer

Used is definitely the way to go, IMO. I've picked up tanks for a quarter or less of the new price. You will need to do a little work cleaning and such, but I say it's totally worth it!

wtbarfield

I just finally bought my 55 gal. It was used. I looked on ebay and got attached and at the last minute was out bidded. Then I hit craigslist which to my surprise was extremely helpful and the prices were awesome. However, my wonderful husband told me about the paper called the "Trader"?. Which I had never heard of ot knew of its existance.After calling a few locally, and price driving an hour or two, I found one a lil more than I wanted to pay but when I saw it, I was in heaven. The couple sold due to too many animals and she had taken a new job that would lead to 90% travel. Since the tank was hers, he didnt know anything about it or up keep or the fish that were in it. So they thought selling verse something dying. Great for me... and bad for me. The wife was gone on a buisness trip and everything came with. The husband said there were 3 fish... I saw two.. once i started draining the water to move this tank tadah not 1 but 2 fish appear... Great im thinking. Except I did not recgonize some of these fish. He calls wife and cant get in touch... I thought of course not... But I love these fish. And did I mention HUGE.. 1> pleco which is 12-14 inches long. I thought he is gonna get bigger and he needs a 100 gal tank. ThenI see this pretty blue long fin that to me looked like a cross of a Jack Dempsey chichlids and hump oscar. And thanks to this site I think the other two are large Corey Cats or some other kind of catfish/ pleco mix. Dont Laugh. So the heater is nice and works well needs a new holder to stick to the glass. And I dont like the filter so im gonna purchase one im more familiar with. The Stand is a nice home made wooden one. Lots of room for supplies. The only problem I can see is the purpose of buying a tank this size is I have a aover crowded 35 gallon tank and they desperately need to have more room. So I have no idea of what to do with the new fish. But for what I pay for all the extras which is more then what will fit in the stand. I think I stole this tank. Lucky me. So if anyone knows or has any ideas on some fish let me know. I have been told that one of the local pet stores might take what I dont want off my hands, I was hoping I could trade for a filter. Who knows. So Yes I encourage you to do your homework and and shop around.

pepetj

To proudmomoftwins: I got my six footer second hand. Few regrets honestly, I love that tank. I think it was a good deal considering prices and lack of availability where I live. I rather get a new tank over an used one just for the peace of mind it brings me. You seem well informed.

To wtbarfield: What filter brand/model you ended up with? Some old filters are pretty good, and some not-so-familiar brands might be useful as well.

Instead of throwing that filter out consider using it for back up or for a hospital tank running 24/7 (I keep 2 hospital/quarantine tanks, always handy).

A huge pleco might be a problem for stocking your tank. I would consider finding a new home, even if that means a new owner. Personally I don't know many fish that would be safe with a large pleco in the tank.

As for the heater, I suggest you get one of those plastic covers to protect your fish, they usually come with fairly good suction cups.

Is your 35gal that overstocked?

Wish you could post a pic of the cichlid fish that looks like JD with a hump (a new thread in Fish ID sub-forum should get this case solved). Your description makes me think of Vieja species... or maybe one of those huge Africans?

BTW Welcome to Fishlore, make yourself at home proudmomoftwins and wtbarfield!

Pepe
Santo Domingo

wtbarfield

I have tried and tried all the ways I know how... and nothing works on adding pics. If you could tell me how to add pictures I would love to ..

As far as the huge Pleco .. I agree he needs a new home he way too big for my tanks.
And yes my fish and I are out growing the 33 gal.

As far as the filter goes when I tested it the motor wont come on .. and my hubby and I tried and Tried everything we know to do and nothing .. It is the kind with the rollors on it in front. Not sure the name of it ...

I agree on the heater.. It has the protector on it just cant get the suction cups to stick to the glass... so im thinking about using it for me quartine tank.

wtbarfield

Ok scratch that i got some of them uploaded.. now to post them here ... Give me a moment ... Im sure i can figure it out...lol

wtbarfield

Well i wanted to be able to put it in this message... but if you click on the camera it will show some of them...

Jonah

just for you

wtbarfield

Jonah your my new best friend.. and I have a question is that a spotted cat in one of them a friend said the one i wasnt sure about is a african cichlid and the other was a spotted cat ... and of course the huge pleco...
I can not say thank you enough.... I just wish i knew how you did it