Buying used aquariums is a bad idea

Aquariums by being large and somewhat fragile are more vulnerable to damage than other goods.

And even with a used aquarium you still have to cycle it.

 

I disagree a lot of times they are a lot cheaper and come with better equipment than store bought.
Secondly cycling is not that hard.

 

I disagree too...allot of my MTS came from used tanks...much cheaper I agree you have to cycle all tanks...but you can just keep extra media in your current tanks to have that taken care of fast

 

95% of my 200 aquaria are used. To have bought them new would have cost me 10 times what I paid for them.

If you have other tanks running with filters, getting a new tanked cycled is fairly easy.

Moving aquaria just takes planning and forethought. I have moved aquaria from 3 states and 250 miles instate here. Several in excess of 200 gallons. With no issue.

Sorry to be so negative, but blanket statement are rarely without error.

 

I've gotten quite a few free aquariums from places like freecycle and used ones from craigslist and thrift stores. Even if they did have any problems, you could make it into a terrarium or try to fix any leaks with some silicone. making lemonade out of lemons.

 

So far the biggest tank that I have bought new from a store was a 5.5 gallon

 

Well, I found a small chip in an aquarium I bought used. And then I discovered that I could buy a similar sized kit including a hood for less than what I'd have to pay for a hood for this used aquarium.

Annoyed, to say the least.

The chip is on a joint and is contained it appears, but the fact that it is on the bottom worries me. And I can't return it to a store, I have to rely on a private seller

What else could I use this thing for? I might try a half-filled terrarium (wouldn't trust putting a full load of water on it in case it cracks)

 

I have bought 8 out of 12 tanks used and saved a lot of money.I check them throughly before I buy them.

 

I have bought two used Aquariums for a lot cheaper than the Pet store. No complaints here.

 

My 29 gallon was bought used, it's been up and running for 4 or 5 years now.

 

I got a 29 gallon for $20 that come with absolutely everything. It has worked great! I got a 55 gallon for $175 that came with everything and even some nice sand. I've been very happy with it. Both my tanks came with stands too!

Thoroughly check used tanks before you buy them... Also, there's usually room to talk people down.

 

I will agree that lately people want gold prices for them. I have been looking for a bigger tank and everyone is crazy on prices lately.

 

Cichlidnut...any advice on what specifically we newbie fishkeepers should look for if we find what appears to be a good deal on a used set up to avoid getting burned? I can't imagine being able to talk a seller into filling a 55 gallon just to prove it holds water.

croaker...I noticed the same thing. There are dozens of people around here selling aquaria on craigslist for more than they cost in the store (Aqueon 29 gallon Deluxe kit was recently selling for $59 with all the goodies, hood, light, heater...and on CL people are asking upwards of $150 not including stands.

Do those of you that have purchased used aquaria hand been happy with it find tag sales or craigslist are better?

 

Cichlidnut...any advice on what specifically we newbie fishkeepers should look for if we find what appears to be a good deal on a used set up to avoid getting burned? I can't imagine being able to talk a seller into filling a 55 gallon just to prove it holds water.

croaker...I noticed the same thing. There are dozens of people around here selling aquaria on craigslist for more than they cost in the store (Aqueon 29 gallon Deluxe kit was recently selling for $59 with all the goodies, hood, light, heater...and on CL people are asking upwards of $150 not including stands.

Do those of you that have purchased used aquaria hand been happy with it find tag sales or craigslist are better?

Usually if you buy a used tank on a site like craigslist, they'll require you to pick it up. You can go and check it out yourself. Some people have already established tanks and will include the fish and most accessories. Some people have empty tanks that they don't use anymore which can potentially leak and/or have cracks. Most sellers will warn you if it has any problems. Even if you get a leaky tank or a cracked tank, you can re-silicone it, turn it into a terrarium, etc.

I've also seen those kind of situations. Some people don't really know the value of their tank I guess

I think you're asking if sales at the LFS or craigslist is better for aquariums?
If you are, then it really depends on the situation. Craigslist is used and is generally cheaper. A LPS like Petco has great sales on aquariums. Their "dollar per gallon" sale is great. However, it is only the tank itself. You have to buy all the other accessories like filters, heaters, etc. So it all comes down to the situation.

 

Check it for cracks really good. Also, I would think people selling large tanks would fill it for you. My 55 gallon already had water in it before I bought it.

Before you even go over, ask to have it filled. If they are opposed there is probably something wrong. Also, if your meeting somebody from craigslist, try not to go alone. Can never be too careful.

 

Check it for cracks really good. Also, I would think people selling large tanks would fill it for you. My 55 gallon already had water in it before I bought it.

Before you even go over, ask to have it filled. If they are opposed there is probably something wrong. Also, if your meeting somebody from craigslist, try not to go alone. Can never be too careful.

I'd also add that you have to do your research before you even respond to an ad on CL. Check different stores for what you're looking for and know exactly what it would cost you there. That way you know right off 1. the value of what the CL seller is offering and 2. what is reasonable if you want to try to bargain for price. Being an educated consumer makes the experience more pleasant for everyone.

 

Usually if you buy a used tank on a site like craigslist, they'll require you to pick it up. You can go and check it out yourself. Some people have already established tanks and will include the fish and most accessories. Some people have empty tanks that they don't use anymore which can potentially leak and/or have cracks. Most sellers will warn you if it has any problems. Even if you get a leaky tank or a cracked tank, you can re-silicone it, turn it into a terrarium, etc.

I've also seen those kind of situations. Some people don't really know the value of their tank I guess

I think you're asking if sales at the LFS or craigslist is better for aquariums?
If you are, then it really depends on the situation. Craigslist is used and is generally cheaper. A LPS like Petco has great sales on aquariums. Their "dollar per gallon" sale is great. However, it is only the tank itself. You have to buy all the other accessories like filters, heaters, etc. So it all comes down to the situation.

Thanks for the feedback Legures. I wasn't quite asking if LPS/LFS are better than craigslist...I meant that around here, people seem to think their used equipment is worth more than LPS/LFS sell their new stuff for. I was more curious about if you all had better luck buying from tag/garage/yard/estate sales or from craigslist...and come to think of it...which method you have found better for negotiating the price.

Thanks cichlidnut and divanina. I troll CL and the local tag sales...as well as checking the store ads (in fact one lfs even has an optional text notification list for specials...this weekend is 20% off all food except the live foods).

I e-mailed a CL ad person one time and asked about the tank being filled and they told me it would cost them too much to fill it because water and sewer fees are expensive. Gave up on that tank really quick. I got my 10 gallon and stand for free off CL because there was a bottom tank in the stand that was crack and needed to be removed. Five minutes work and I have a great setup that cost me some elbow grease.

 

Used aquaria on their own are hit or miss as far as value. Having to buy a new stand and hood for the tanks can be expensive.
However, buying a stand/aquarium or aquarium/hood together is almost always a good deal, as long as you check over the aquarium for cracks and leaks.

 

I have bought and sold used tanks many times. The most important things to look for are cracked frames and chipped glass in my experience.

Any time I sell a tank, I am honest and won't post a tank for sale as a fish tank unless I know it holds water. If it doesn't, I sell it as a terrarium only.

Hope this helps.

 

I bought my 29 gallon, with hood, light, and nice wooden stand for $75 from someone on CL. Would have costed me several hundred in a pet store. It did come with a few nicks and scratches, but overall a great deal!

I also think buying the furniture to put a tank on from CL is a good idea too. You can get good used furniture for next to nothing. And then you can go buy a new tank and filter you are certain is leak free and good to go!

But the best advice I can give you, is to check it out before making a committed offer and don't let your excitement cause you to buy something that's broken! Be patient, and wait for the perfect opportunity to arise!

 

Let's steer this conversation back to the OP's question. I think it got missed.
Everyone's MTS is flaring up. LOL

What else could I use this thing for? I might try a half-filled terrarium (wouldn't trust putting a full load of water on it in case it cracks)

What size is the tank?

 

OMG Lucy, you're right. Sorry Taiwwa! You could make it a reptile home if you're willing. I like the terrarium idea too. DO you have a place where you could take it outside and fill it and let it sit for a while to see if it leaks at all?

 

Well that's why it is important to check things out before you actually hand the money over

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That includes checking around for pricing, it's important to know how much something is worth *before* you buy it

I'd also recommend a terrarium. What you can put in it depends on the size of the tank.

 

OMG Lucy, you're right. Sorry Taiwwa! You could make it a reptile home if you're willing. I like the terrarium idea too. DO you have a place where you could take it outside and fill it and let it sit for a while to see if it leaks at all?

Well, i'm not a big fan of housing a majestic reptile in such a small place. I was thinking maybe a minI greenhouse or a paladaurum (half land half water)

 

Those both sound like excellent options. You could do a lot with those kind of set ups.

 

You could also check out some non-aquatic frog species and see if it would be a proper home for them

 

You could also check out some non-aquatic frog species and see if it would be a proper home for them

Right now this is what I'm thinking:

fill it halfway with soil

plant grass in it.

let grass grow tall

insert gerbil or hamster (whichever likes to tunnel more)

 

That is an interesting idea. How would you clean up the mess they leave behind with all the grass and soil? Any waste would soak into the soil and start stinking.

 

What's the tank size?

Edit: If keeping a small animal like a gerbil or hamster in a glass tank, you will have to be religious about frequent cleanings. Otherwise, due to poor ventilation, ammonia buildup can cause sickness and/or death. Not saying it can't be done, but you can't slack

 

That is an interesting idea. How would you clean up the mess they leave behind with all the grass and soil? Any waste would soak into the soil and start stinking.

the point is that the plant life would consume any waste they produce.

At this point, my aquarium has so much plant life that it actually smells very nice

 

Yeah but even enough dog poo on the grass will smell after a while if you don't clean it up. That
Would be magnified in a small tank. I realize a hamster is small....but they still produce waste.plus you'd need to light it some how, and put a lid on it so he does not get out. He might over heat
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This is an awesome idea. Unfortunately, unless you're talking about a very heavily planted, large tank, I agree that the waste is going to overcome the plant life. Plants like ammonia/urea in small doses. In larger doses, it burns and kills them. Since you said that you don't want to keep a reptile in such a small tank, I'm guessing it's not big enough to set up anything like this.

 

I bought my 55 gal tank with stand light and filter for 140 delivered on cl about 6 months ago. only problem I had was the filter was really loud so had to buy an new one. for 75 Id say check it out and go for it.

 

IDK, ALL of my tanks are used... You get what you get for the price... A used item that might have little, or a lot, of damage, but is still in some kind of working order. And if you go to look at the tank, and you don't like it, you're not inclined to buy it... I recently bought a
20 gal tank with
hood
light,
filter,
gravel
AND
a 10 gal tank,
hood
light
filter
gravel
+ 10 fish

I bought ALL of this for $30. Now that's a price you CAN'T beat at a petstore. My thought on buying a used tank is this-
Make sure you look over the tank meticulously
ask questions about what it was used for, how long it's been sitting, any problems, etc.
stick to a certain price range. I never like giving more than $1 a gallon on used tanks. I once got a 10 gal. for $3, just needed cleaning

 

I bought my 55 gallon off craigslist. It was empty except for about an inch if gravel. It came with a stand and tank and a "suitable filter". For 50 bucks. Well when I got the tank home it smelled horrible so I filled it with water than did some gravel vacuuming. The gravel was filthy and each suck of the vacuum produced bubbles and 60 percent brown water. Need less to say I emptied it and got all new gravel. Next I looked up the filter. It was a cascade 100 hardly suitable for a 55 gallon with only 125 gph. So my aquarium that just needed lights need up needing filter lights heater gravel and decor. Now my next tank I got of CL was from my. Very very very good friends dad. For 200 bucks I got a 160 GALLON tank with a wood stained stand. Lights. Filters 2 emperor 400s heaters and a 160 gallon tank. For 200 bucks with. And he only wanted to go fishing with us this summer. So from my experience just make sure you can trust the person. If you buy off craigslist make sure you know what you are getting and for what I usually copy the ad when I go to pick it up if they want more money or something is not included I just tell them that. If they refuse and try to cheat you I would just leave. You never know with strangers. So just make sure you know what you are getting. And if the person doesn't know what kind of equipment they have I wouldn't buy from them

 

Also watch the clearance section at your LFS. I seen someone looking for a bowfront stand and text them that they had one on clearance at petco for 25. I got my 48" light fixture on clearnace for $29 cleapest one I seen on Craigslist was 100. I didnt need a light I just wanted a second one to put a blue light in for glofish

 

I got my first big tank (18gal high Eclipse with hood, filter, light, gravel and fake plants) at a local thrift store for $20 and it was in pristine shape. My next big tank (46gal bowfront with light, filter, and tons of extras) was $60 at a yard sale and it was beautiful (STILL miss that tank and wish I hadn't sold it!). My big tank after that (55gal just the tank) I got for free. The 55gal had a chip in the corner, the trim was cracked and it wasn't much to look at, but heck, it was free. To date, of the eighteen or so tanks I've owned, I have purchased exactly TWO brand new. One was my very first tank (a Marineland Hex5) and the other was my first 20gL (they're difficult to find around here used). The most I've ever paid for a tank was $60 for my 46gal bowfront. I paid $40 for my current 55gal (sold my other one with a wrought iron stand and AquaTech 30-60 filter for $50) and it came with a custom, solid wood stand.

You just have to be careful and check over the tank thoroughly before committing to buy it, especially if it isn't set up when you go to look at it.

 

I think we've pretty well determined that used tanks can be just fine, as long as you're careful about what you're getting.
Let's move on to the topic of what to do with a tank that is damaged.

 

Taiwwa...I have reread this thread and probably missed it again (and either my cell phone won't show your tank profile, or you still need to make it)...but, what size is this tank exactly? You said it was too small for such a "majestic animal" as a reptile but were going to put a gerbil or hamster in it...?

Also, I was wondering if it is possible to simply sell the tank, as is, to someone for exactly what you paid for it. You mentioned you could get one with a hood and tank for less so maybe that is the way to go.