Nate McFin

Hi again!
Well I saw this on Craigslist this afternoon and was wondering what you guys thought. It seemed like a good deal on from the pics then I started picturing leaking tanks...lol.
Is there such a thing as a cheaply built aquarium? Any signs to look for? Particular brands?
This would be a big upgrade from my 20G and my Cardinals would sure appreciate the extra space.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
http://medford.craigslist.org/fuo/1206056014.html

Amanda

I've gotten all of my tanks from either Craigslist or Freecycle. I love it, I would never buy a brand new tank at full price.

Beth1965

Personally I think the price is a bit high. But it's hard to judge when it's someone elses money (yours).
It happens to look exactly what I have.
Beth

Nate McFin

If you dont mind me asking Beth, what did you pay? HArd to tell from the photos but it looks like a Tetra Whisper pump. I would most likely need to buy another Penguin to put with my current one and run two on that tank. That would add some to the cost there as well.

Beth1965

No, I don't mind, $50. but like I said, it's hard to judge, the economy, etc....people need money from people who have it to spend.
Mine came with anything I could want except the fish. Heater, filter, extra replacement filters, hood, lights (make sure the hood comes with it).
Did you check see what it's cost if you bought it from a store? I'd guess between $600-800. Maybe I'm wrong on that though

Lucy

I don't think 150 is too high for a 55 and I'm pretty cheap. lol
I wouldn't take the fish.

Edit: Beth, just saw your post. Wow, 50 bucks, not bad. But a good heater for that size tank will run you over 50. I'm not sure about filter prices.
So it may even out.

Amanda

I got my 55 for $30. Always try to haggle down the price.

Nate McFin

!!$50$!! sheeeeesh Nicely done!
The filter looks like a Tetra whisper. I would likely replace it if it is. Good point about the heater.

harpua2002

We paid $150 for our 120 gallon and stand. I'd try to haggle, but then again, I think that Craigslist prices largely depend on your area.

Nate McFin

55 for $50 , 55 for $30, 120 for $150. Great deals.
Maybe I need to wait or work the price down a little.

Amanda

Generally, I've learned, that if the tank site on CL long enough, the sellers begin to get more & more willing to haggle.

Nate McFin

Thanks everyone. I dont want to let MTS blind my judgement.

Beth1965

I don't mean to incourage or discourage but I've had terrible luck with CL. I very rarely get a response. Maybe you could email them and just see how it goes - just for starters, check them out.
Beth

Amanda

Nate, are you a member of Freecycle? I've gotten a 114, 20, (3) 10, and 5 gal. off freecycle.

Nate McFin

I am a member of freecycle but it is very lightly used in my area. Craigslist is much more popular.
I know what you mean about craigslist. The last tank I wanted to go look at I had to write the guy 4 times and still never got a straight answer.

Angel Fish

I've gotten all of my tanks from either Craigslist or Freecycle. I love it, I would never buy a brand new tank at full price.

I am currently looking for a larger tank and was wander what freecycle is about.

Nate McFin

Well, I went and looked at the tank today. Pros and cons-
Pros- 1.It looks pretty new and not a scratch to be seen.
2.There hasn't been any gravel in it so clean out would be a breeze
3.It comes with some decent air pumps- (also a con as I am not a big fan of bubbles)
4.It isn't plexi as I first thought but glass.
Cons-
1.The tank seems smaller than 55. I took the measurements and used a tank calculator and it is indeed 55 but it is very narrow. I plan on this being a planted tank with an emphasis on scaping. I am a little concerned that it is only 12 inches wide. Maybe looks are deceiving. I have seen plenty of 55's that look amazingly scaped.
2. The stand is very short! Perfect for putting in front of a chair or couch but I was surpised when I saw it that it was so small. I dont plan on having it in front of chairs or couches so this may be a drawback
3. The filter is a Topfin 60 and I would likely need to swap it out.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
One nice thing is that she offered it for $125 instead of $150. Hmmmmmmm.....what to do what to do. She said she could take the fish down to the petstore tomorrow. I am supposed to call her back this evening and let her know.

Beth1965

Nate, get it!
Beth

Nate McFin

enabler!!

Beth1965

Who, me? Not, me, I'd never do such a thing.
Beth

Lucy

Sounds like a deal! Go get it!
How cool, a new (to you) tank!