Buy A Used Or New Tank?

[Anthony!]

I have two options,... buy either a 55 gal. with stand, filter,... the works, NEW, for 400$, or buy a used tank (55 gal)with gravel, stand, and a filter (looks really dirty,... good bacteria in it maybe?) for 300$. need an expert to say which I should buy,... I don't know which is better, thanks for the help!

 

[Spiceweasel69]

for satisfaction, id go for new.
Then you did it all yourself from scratch. Also, get a warranty

 

[Inchworm]

Hi PapaSmurf

If you can afford to go with the best, by all means get yourself a new set up and enjoy it. If not, then look for the best price you can find in used tanks and equipment. Often you can find one that someone practically gives away, just to be rid of it.

Where do you live? That sometimes makes a difference too. Do both of these set ups include the hood and light fixtures? This is often the most expensive part. What kind of stands are you talking about? If they are fancy, furniture like things, they can add a lot to the price too. Do either of them include a heater? Is the used tank running and are there fish in it? If so, will you get them too and are they included in the price?

 

[Durbkat]

I think that $400 for a 55g with the works is alittle to much, I payed on $180 for my 55g and it came with the hood and light, a marineland penquin bio wheel 350 filter, and marineland 200 watt heater. I only had to spend around at the most $125 more for the gravel and plants. Then I built my own stand which saved me around $50 doing so as I only spent around $50 to make the stand. So call around at your lps and try to find the best deal like I did.

 

[kramers]

Just to piggyback on Durb, do some looking. Some really great deals do happen. in fact in one of the local papers here, someone is selling a 130g setup for $400. One about 2 weeks ago had a 240g setup for $1000/w everything except water and fish.

 

[Anthony!]

thanks for all the help people,... but yea, both stands come with rod iron stands and covers w/ lights. but from the looks of it, I'll just go with the new one,... thanks for all the help! I really appreciate it

 

[DarkSeraph]

Yeah go with the new one, the used one is a ripoff. I bought a 60g acrylic for $50 (just the tank though) cleaned it up & buffed some scratches out.

 

[gagaliya]

i never understood why people buy used tanks. The fish tank is a permanent fixture that will be part of your life / centerprice of the living room for many years to come. Is it really worth it to save a couple hundred $ and buy a dirty scatched up piece of junk? Not to mention the risk/hassle of leaking/changing tanks.

In your case the difference is only 100 bucks, i would definitly buy the NEW one...

 

[clareriley]

thats a little much for a used tank. My tank is ued but its from my dad so i know where it came from and what not. If you have the ££ get new.

 

[acetennis2002]

I would go with the new one it's not a whole lot more and you know it will hold water When i got my 38 gal. tank i got the tank the stand and the lights for only $30.00 good deals are out there

 

[Trance2006]

I would go for a new setup just for the peace of mind and the warrenty

 

[fishfishfish]

i got my 40 gal a ok filter with hood and light for 50 dollars.used but in very good condition.sometimes it helps to know the person u are buying from.

u may want a few backup things for ur NEW 55,so stuff u may need try to buy off the used 55.extras are always handy.i set my 20 up with extra parts

 

[bennett]

personally i enjoy paying less for things. plus if something is faulty then most honest/right thinking people would offer you your money back (within a reasonable amount of time)

most people who sell fish tanks seem to upgrade-indicating they're investing more money into their life/hobby (if only it was a hobby), so you can put money on what you're buying is going to be good quality as they would have taken care of it previously OR have no real idea of valuation "i found it in the attic, give us a tenner for it". in the first instance you get good quality, in the second you get what you pay for...with the added mystery of getting a gem for peanuts.

maybe i'm just tight?

ps- in this instance, new for sure. not worth $100.

 

[SamUK]

got my tanks second hand on ebay.


my 80 gallon (just tank) and Fluval Duo Deep 1200 + Stand (55G) which came with filter cost me £140 (bout $300 i think).


Ebay is your friend!!

 

[bennett]

samuk: amen brother