raptorsvt79

i'm thinking of looking for a bigger tank on craigs list...i would love to hear your experiences, good or bad and any recommendations, when buying on this site...

redlessi

I have found some really great deals on craigslist. Make sure you get to see before you pay. Communication is key, ask lots of questions. Keep searching until you see a deal with your name on it. You can find a complete set up if you take your time.

Patience is key...............

Good Luck

raptorsvt79

i saw a 50 gallon complete set up for 115.00....sounds too good to be true.

redlessi

Not really, with the economy many people just cant afford to keep fish. I got a beautiful 72 gallon bowfront with everything including an oak stand for $145.

I say go see it!!!!

flyin-lowe

Last fall I got a 120G with stand, glass tops, and lights for $200.00. It needed cleaned but it is ready to set up. The good thing about buying fish tanks is that they usually aren't shipped so you don't see a lot of fraud. Scam artist usually list small items to ship, get the money and don't ship. Most people selling tanks plan on meeting you face to face so it's usually a legit sale.
Around here I can find 55g's complete for $100 or less all day long. Shop around and don't be afraid to shoot people a low ball offer, once people are needing to get rid of a tank they will do anything to get rid of it.

aquarist48

Hello
I've moved your thread to General Discussion.
Thanks!
Ken

Amanda

I got a full 55 set-up for $30...
My 150 with stand & glass tops for $225.
I got a few free tanks from there as well

harpua2002

Hubby and I got a 120 gallon and stand for $150. We ended up paying someone to "dress up" the ugly stand so I guess we are at $250 for the tank and rehabbed stand. There are minor scratches on the tank, but nothing that stands out. If you keep checking and waiting for the right deal, it will come along eventually.

Momo

I had a good experience using Craigslist. I got a barely used tank with supplies. Don't be afraid to ask about it's prior use.
The bad part was going back on Craigslist after I made the purchase to see a similar set-up with a stand for the same price. Oh well, I got to pick out my own stand!


Waiting for the Blizzard of 2010

Tana

I also had a good experience from buying a used tank setup (sans heater) on Craigslist. I was patient in looking and when I found one, I called and asked a few questions such as how long has it been in use, does it have any leaks or scratches and why they were getting rid of it, etc. I ended up having to make two trips because it wouldn't fit in my car, but luckily the people were only 5 minutes away from my workplace and they were very accommodating.

Joined the ranks of MTS

jgon_

If possible, call them before hand to see if they're willing to take tank measurements. When I bought a tank off of craigslist, I called and they said "Its about 60-70 gallons, but my brother says its over 100, this thing is huge!"

I get there, it was only 35g, still cheap so I bought it, not sure if it was worth the hour drive though.

MissMTS

I know a lot of members (including me) have gotten great deals on craigslist. However, after my last experience, I won't ever buy an aquarium off of craigslist again (especially a large one).

I wanted to upgrade to a bigger tank, and because money was tight I though that craigslist was the way to go. Anyways, I ended up buying a 6 foot 118 gallon tank and stand. The guy filled it with water, we checked for leaks, and everything looked perfect. So I brought it home, stocked it with fish and was very happy for the first month. A month later, I came home to find about 10 gallons of water on my living room floor. The tank was leaking. I immediately had to pull all of my fish out, drain the tank, and somehow had to scrounge up the money to buy a brand new tank which was very expensive. After the whole experience was said and done, I had ended up spending more than I would have if I had just bought the new tank in the first place.

Something to consider: Old tanks have a greater chance of leaking than new tanks, especially if there is stress on the seams when you transport it. Large tanks also leak easier than small tanks because of the greater water pressure. If you buy a tank new, most tanks come with a guarantee, so as long as you use the tank properly and have it on an aquarium stand, if it leaks, they will replace it for you.

I don't mean to discourage you at all, but I just wanted to share my experience with you as a cautionary tail. Its possible to get great tanks on craigslist (I got my 80 gallon on there 2 years ago and its still holding up great), but there is no way of knowing for sure whether you will encounter problems.

Good luck with whatever you decide New tanks are exciting for sure!

AwNuts

i just found a complete aquarium setup 140 gallon with stand and accessories for $300
i am really really thinking of getting it.

David C

Get them to email you extra pictures before you make the trip to see it. Sometimes you can tell from the photo that what they're selling doesn't match the description or it is in such bad condition it wouldn't be worth your time. Overall, craigslist is awesome.

Dave

AwNuts

i agree with you david,

i found this add early this morning and i immediately email the seller to see if it was still available. I also request pictures of the tank, set up and stand. Within the email i ask the seller on how old was the set up that way i can have a better understanding of what i am getting into.

As of right now i have not received a reply so let see.
ill post up updates once i have any.

If everything is in great conditions i am really excited to purchase it and begin a new theme.

AwNuts

if not im off to buy another brand new set up like i did with my current one since i am very picky with furniture. I like the furniture to look very elegant to match the items that i have in my house.

raptorsvt79

yeah i requested more pics...he said i can meet up with hip and check out the tank...after i see the pics maybe i will

AwNuts

good luck raptorsvt79

WEPS4

Out of 6 CL buys only had one almost turn real bad. The promise of a like new 150 acrylic tank & stand for $200 cash for pickup at a storage garage during self serve hours at night almost got me mugged. But having been a Maritime Law enforcement officer in my career I was able to smell a bad situation and managed to leave in my vehicle just in time passing the welcome party.

Be sure you meet at a residence in an open garage with the item in full view or at a public place of an open business.

Take someone with you and if you cant be prepared. I always take along Dan, Smith, or Ruger in case I run into trouble.