Pros and cons to buying new vs used tanks, equipment... advice for a newbie

[JLorraine]

I’ve been searching Craigslist and FB for something used, I’m not picky about size of the tank but would like a stand for it. What are the pros and cons for buying new vs used? For buying used what should I look for?

Hubby and I have been casually looking into getting a fish tan, we are not in a hurry. He wants a larger community tank (he likes the 55gal size) I just want a betta and some snails in a 20gal. So having some conflict there... Hahaha

Also, can I post ads I find to see if y’all think they are good finds?

 

[86 ssinit]

Both of those tanks can be bought new each for well under a hundred. If buying used they should come with everything to run them for a hundred or less. Yes that with a stand.(used). Search long enough you’ll find somebody selling both . Not many people buy used tanks so they should be cheap. More than likely you’ll be the first to look at it. So they will want to get rid of it. Think that way when buying used. Look at how long the tank is listed and use that info to lower the price. Good luck

 

[DuaneV]

Honestly, tanks have become so cheap I wouldnt take a tank if it was free. Petco regularly has up to 40 gallon tanks for $1 per gallon and larger tanks 50% off (a 55 gallon is like $75 on sale, a 20 gallon is $20). I see people on Facebook and Craigslist asking MORE than a tank costs new. Theyre crazy. New equipment all the way for me. The TINY amount you MIGHT save buying used isnt worth the risk for me.

 

[Danny002]

Well with new tanks/ equipment obviously you'll be the first to use them and they'll be fresh an basically ready to use out of the box, although buying new can get expensive pretty fast. Used stuff will be a lot cheaper, but may have some issues with wear and tear, depending on how long the previous owner has had it and how well they took care of it. It may just be a basic scrub down to get up and running or you could have to reseal it yourself. I'd make sure the tank is full when you go to see it, I wouldn't trust the word of the seller in terms of leaks/ damage. If you can't find a good price on the tank with the stand then you could always build the stand yourself. If you'd be interested I have a link to an instruction guide for a stand that's built for a 55 and with about an inch worth of adjustment can fit a 20 high underneath. I'm not sure about yours, but my local Lowes will cut lumber for you, so all you really need to put it together is a drill.

 

[JLorraine]

Hmmm... So this one is probably over priced. And no filter with it.
Aqueon 65 gallon fish tank - general for sale - by owner

 

[ProudPapa]

Honestly, tanks have become so cheap I wouldnt take a tank if it was free. Petco regularly has up to 40 gallon tanks for $1 per gallon and larger tanks 50% off (a 55 gallon is like $75 on sale, a 20 gallon is $20). I see people on Facebook and Craigslist asking MORE than a tank costs new. Theyre crazy. New equipment all the way for me. The TINY amount you MIGHT save buying used isnt worth the risk for me.

Not trying to be the forum police, but the $1.00 per gallon at Petco doesn't include the 40 gallon tanks, but they're in the roughly 1/2 off category. I bought mine last fall from Petco during the sale for $49.99 (or maybe $49.95, but you get the idea).

 

[JLorraine]

Not trying to be the forum police, but the $1.00 per gallon at Petco doesn't include the 40 gallon tanks, but they're in the roughly 1/2 off category. I bought mine last fall from Petco during the sale for $49.99 (or maybe $49.95, but you get the idea).

Looks like the sale is going on now with curbside pickup due to COVID-19. It’s unfortunate we can shop though for all the supplies. Buying online is tough for a newbie like me

 

[kansas]

you should get a 20 and a 55.

 

[JLorraine]

you should get a 20 and a 55.

Lol our house is under 1000 sq ft. I don’t have the room for 2 sadly.

 

[ProudPapa]

Looks like the sale is going on now with curbside pickup due to COVID-19. It’s unfortunate we can shop though for all the supplies. Buying online is tough for a newbie like me

You should be able to get everything else you need on Amazon if you don't want to get it from Petco when you get the tank. When you decide on which tank to get feel free to ask any questions here.

 

[kansas]

my house is 700 sq ft, so I have a 9 and a 15 gallon tanks instead of the big ones I'd like to have.

My family won't agree to get rid of the furniture.

 

[JLorraine]

my house is 700 sq ft, so I have a 9 and a 15 gallon tanks instead of the big ones I'd like to have.

My family won't agree to get rid of the furniture.

What your kidding! They won’t get rid of the furniture!?

 

[kansas]

What your kidding! They won’t get rid of the furniture!?

I love then anyway.

 

[86 ssinit]

No 175 for that is no deal. For 100 with the filter and heater is better. That tank is probably 10years old. Fluorescent lights tell the story. That kit through petsmart is about $200 new. So there not giving you anything.