Used Aquarium Equipment Questions

All great info and knowledge, here. Thanks, all!

 

Ok, all, new question/issue.

I've decided that I want to go with the 6' 125 gallon. Only problem is transportation. My brother has a pick up truck, and is my only real option for transporting the tank. He's not into fish tanks, but he seems to be worried that we'll break the tank because he says it'll be a bumpy ride. It's almost two hours.

Is he right that it's risky, or will we be good? Any suggestions on how to do this safely are appreciated as I only want to do it if we can do it successfully. Thanks, all!

 

I haven't transported any tanks that large, but I did bring my 44 gal pentagon tank on a 2+ hour trip. No issues. If you're really worried, and if the tank is longer than the bed of the truck, you can put a length of plywood in the back of the truck (large enough so the plywood is supporting the entire rI'm of the tank, sticking off the back of the truck), put a blanket on the plywood, and put the tank on that. Tie it down appropriately so it can't jostle, and you should be fine.

 

yep. if you want to be extra safe plywood + straps + tank and you should be good. Though I've transported it straight on the bed of a truck before no problems

 

Thanks! I'm not terribly worried, but my brother is, and he's the muscle for this! Just want to be sure we're safe! So, strap it down, upright or on a side?

 

Lots of cardboard and lots more bubble paper too.

 

Ok, it seems there are a few methods of doing this! But is it risky, or is it a fairly straight forward thing to do?

 

I wouldn't bother with bubble wrap.

And I would have the tank sitting up like it would when you fill it with water.

Fairly straight forward.

 

Alright, thanks!

 

Just sit it upright, use a couple of cargo straps so you don't get any for or aft movement and if you can 1 or 2 over the top if the roads are rough. My truck has a 6 3/4' bed and I had no problems bringing my 5' tank, stand, and canopy home with some room to spare. A couple of furniture dollies may help if you have to move it a distance, it's easier to roll then to carry.

 

Stow and go setting in the wifes minI van was nice for my 125 and stand.

 

Thanks, all! You guys definitely make me feel like this shouldn't be too bad!

 

Thanks, all! You guys definitely make me feel like this shouldn't be too bad!

You gonna start a build thread when you get the tank home? Please post a link for us.

 

Sure, I can do that!
First on my agenda, finish convincing my brother we can do this! Second, convince him to finish the stand off. If I can accomplish this, I'll have a lot more to show off!

 

Sure, I can do that!
First on my agenda, finish convincing my brother we can do this! Second, convince him to finish the stand off. If I can accomplish this, I'll have a lot more to show off!

Offer him food and cold beer!

 

Good idea, Geoff! You must know my brother!

 

Good idea, Geoff! You must know my brother!

Well it's what would work on me!

 

So, now I'm frustrated! After researching how best do this, I heard back from the seller stating his ex girlfriend sold the tank on him! I'm annoyed because I was supposed to pick it up this weekend!

 

So, now I'm frustrated! After researching how best do this, I heard back from the seller stating his ex girlfriend sold the tank on him! I'm annoyed because I was supposed to pick it up this weekend!

Dude that sucks. Now what?

 

It absolutely does! Now, back to the drawing board, and I keep looking for something.

 

That really sucks, since it really sounds like it wasn't her tank to sell. No wonder she's an ex girlfriend.

 

Right! I'm definitely not happy, but I can't do anything, obviously.

 

Ok, all, I'm back seeking more advice on used tanks, etc since the deal I was really hoping for fell through.

I've found a guy with two partial setups. For either option, all he has that I'm interested in is the tank, glass tops, and maybe a heater. Please let me know what price you guys think is good for these.

First tank, 72 3/4×18 3/4×18 " high, seller says it's 100 gallons.

Second tank, same length and width, but seller says it's 5" taller.

Seller says both tanks are in like new condition. First tank is approximately 1 year old, and second is approximately 6 months old.

 

Yea that's 100 and a 125 gallon. Depending on brand, age, and condition, 150 bucks would probably be my top price.

 

Thanks, Dave125g! So your price would be the same for both tanks? Seller says the 125 is 6 months old and the other is about a year old, and that both are like new.

 

Yea your only talking a few bucks difference for new tanks.

 

Gotcha. I've never heard of this 100 gallon size until now, to be honest.

 

Ok, the best the seller will do is $175 for the 100 gallon tank and glass tops. Should I do it, or should I wait for something else?

 

175 is a good deal for a 6 foot tank in my neck of the woods.

 

Thanks, tyguy7760!
Dave125g, since you're close to me, and you originally said no more than $150, how do you feel about $175?

 

If that's his bottom line go for it. Its worth it.

 

Thanks!

 

Just to add my 2 cents worth about age. I just set up a Meta frame I bought in about 1979-80 and used back then for about 3 yrs then stored for another 3, was in US Navy then used again for another 4 yrs off and on. It has been stored for about 20 yrs before I set up about a month ago with no leaks still.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I've attached a few photos of the 100 gallon I can get for $175.

 

to me that's a little pricey for a 6 foot 100 gallon. If that was a 125, that price would be more appealing.

 

Why's that, tygy7760? Didn't you say you'd stock both tanks exactly the same way?

 

100 gallon may require you to stay on top of your water changes a bit better. You've got 25 less gallons to deal with the load. Since you aren't doing any really large fish (parrots are as big as they get) you won't have to worry about the limitation of the height. The loss of the 25 gallons doesn't effect the number of fish you can put in it, but it may effect how quickly your nitrates rise.

 

Gotcha, ok. Thanks for the clarification. I guess the question in response would be, approximately how would the maintenance requirements be on the fully stocked 100 compared to my 55?

 

There really is no way of knowing that. All I can say is that if you have the same stock in a 100 gallon tank as a 125 gallon tank with the same dimensions, the nitrates should rise faster in the 100 gallon than the 125.