75 used or new...WWYD?

I am torn about this decision and want to get a vote, or others opinions anyway on "what would you do" in my situation.

I have 14 tanks. And I am going to be doing and upgrade/downgrade. I am getting a 75 gallon and taking down a couple 20 gallons and a 10 gallon. I have to be frugal because I already have so many tanks and have put so much money into my MTS already!!

I found a used one on craigslist with the wood trim (so its an older one since I am under the impression they haven't made the wood trimmed ones for a while) And I can get it for $50. There is a photo of it with water in it and the person says that it "holds water with no problems".

But it is old and it is BIG...so any leaks or weakened/aged walls would be pretty devastating with that much water. I have had a lot of luck with used tanks...so far anyway!! I have a 55 gallon and a 29 gallon that were used. And I also had a 15 column that was used and a 40 long that was used. Not a single problem. But 75 gallons is large and it makes me nervous to go used.

So my debate is this....my local LFS sells 75 gallon tanks for $79.99. Is it worth $30 for piece of mind? A newer tank that would assumingly be sturdier and less likely to leak or have any cosmetic damage. My problem is I wanted to spend as little as possible. It would be nice to put that $30 savings towards a filter or LED light or something. But with a tank that big...piece of mind might really be worth $30! However, in reality...there is a chance for leaks with new tanks too I suppose.....but that should be really rare you would think.....

What would you do in my shoes? Used for $50 or New for $80?

 

I think I would risk the older tank, but I would still be a little unsure so I would add extra silicone to it.

 

I think I would pay the extra $30 for the peace of mind. I know new tanks could spring a leak as well but chances are less.

 

If it were me, I'd go with the cheaper option first. I'd contact the owner to arrange a meeting so that I could test the tank's seals and see if he/she is willing to put some sort of guarantee on the tank. Once I meet with the owner, I'd first do a careful visual inspection to look for any cracks. I would also remember to check the bottom pane.

If all checks out, I'd ask the owner to refill the tank again. If the tank holds water, then its probably safe. If not, then I'd probably ask the owner for a big discount, maybe 50% or more. If he/she agrees, I'd buy the tank and purchase some aquarium silicone sealant as well. At home, I'd strip out the old seals and replace.

A new tank does bring safety, but you might spend the rest of your life thinking, "What if..."

 

Charles556 I hear you and I agree with everything you said, but coming from someone who has sold tanks for very cheap on craigslist...usually when selling it for that cheap, you are doing it to avoid having to jump through all the hoops with the buyers. They just want the tank gone ASAP.

If you are trying to make more money on it....then you need to be willing to be more patient with the buyers. But I don't think this person will want to deal with all that,

It appears he wants it gone, he said he would part with it for $50 if I pick it up tonight. I AM SO TORN!!!!

I just got more info...I asked why he was selling it and what it had been used for. He said it had been used for saltwater when he bought it and he cleaned it up and used it for freshwater. Do I need to be concerned about the fact that it had been used for saltwater previously?

 

Not if he had used it for freshwater since.

But I'm with el337 on this one. 30 bucks for peace of mind that the seals won't give or won't during transport is worth it for me. Plus...30 bucks would be enough for me just to avoid the wood trim

 

Well my decision was made for me. The guy sold it.

 

oh well , the other tank is still a really good deal though.

 

A new 75 for just over a dollar per gallon is a pretty good deal imo.

 

oh well , the other tank is still a really good deal though.

A new 75 for just over a dollar per gallon is a pretty good deal imo.

I totally agree. I am glad this happened because I almost went through with the used one. I called the store and also was told that they have a lifetime warranty. That right there is totally worth it! AND I called another LFS to compare prices...they are selling 75 gallons, just the tank, for $179!! How can they be charging $100 more than another store just across town?

I did learn that I need to hurry with my purchase, because the store only has a couple left and when they are gone, the new price will be $99. So I am picking one up tonight or tomorrow. MY MTS IS OUT OF CONTROL!

But I am downsizing my number of tanks while upgrading my gallons.

Less tanks to clean YAY!!

I am so nervous about setting up another tank though. I am not sure if I have the energy to clean all the sand and decorate and all that. Along with tearing down a couple tanks. I am just really stressed about it all!!

This should be fun, not stressful!! But I am straight up stressed and feeling overwhelmed. Yeesh. Help me guys!!!

 

Lol don't be stressed. You are doing this for the benefit of your little parrot (how's he doing by the way..or she) plus you are going to have tons of room in there for you BGK who will appreciate the extra space.

It's more expensive but you could go with the petco sand if you wanted to. It's very clean and takes very little rinsing...but it's a whole lot more expensive

 

One thing to remember about the warranty. You have to use whatever stands they recommend or it voids the warranty.

 

One thing to remember about the warranty. You have to use whatever stands they recommend or it voids the warranty.

huh...good to know!!

No warranty for me then!!

 

Lol don't be stressed. You are doing this for the benefit of your little parrot (how's he doing by the way..or she) plus you are going to have tons of room in there for you BGK who will appreciate the extra space.

It's more expensive but you could go with the petco sand if you wanted to. It's very clean and takes very little rinsing...but it's a whole lot more expensive

I know I know. It will be SOOOO worth it in the end. I will be sticking with BDSBS though. I just can't afford that petco sand. I do like it a lot. I used it in one of my 10 gallons. But it's just too spendy for a 75 gallon.

I am going to need some aquascaping help with this one. I don't want it to look as blah and amateur as all of my other tanks!!!

The little parrot is doing well in the 29 gallon for now. Much better than he was in the other tank! He will love the 75. I'm sure!

 

Very exciting! Where's this one going?

 

Very exciting! Where's this one going?

On my bedroom dresser. It is a VERY solidly built dresser. I am not at all worried about it's stability. I hope I don't eat my words LOL

The dresser is longer than 4 feet. So it is plenty long. But it's depth is 19 inches. So the 75 will be pretty much flush width-wise....since they average about 18.5 inches wide. Right now it has a 20 gallon on it. That tank is being taken down.