Help! I'm confused and can't make up my mind! :(

[enchanted]

I ordered a tank from my LFS saturday, a 125 Gallon All-Glass, but in the paper there has been this 130 Gallon tank for $400.00 with stand. Well, I decided to call for information today......

It's a 130 Gallon All-Glass tank made in 1995. It includes and oak look stand, heaters, Fluval 404, JBJ Compact Lighting and power heads...

$400.00

I don't know what to do. I was going to do a new 125 just because it felt safer after having the bottom seal blow up on one of my 55 Gallons, but.......

Please give me your opinions.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

How much would a new tank be for? If it is reasonably similar in price, get the newer one. That way if mishaps happen you should be able to give it back.

Also, to keep the bottom from cracking, you could put foam or cork under the tank to balance out the weight distribution.

 

[Joviella]

For the same price and only a 5 gallon difference,I would go with the new set up.......at least you know that the heater and filter will be functional.......and the tank will have a guarantee.HTH.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I think tanks can have as little as a 10 year life, depending on some factors obviously, so I'd go for new if the prices are similar.

 

[enchanted]

The new 125 Gallon is only the tank for $335.00. I still have to build the stand. I have heaters, but going with the other I could use those heaters in the 55 Gallon. It also has a canister filter, which I don't have and Power Compact lighting, which on the new one I would be using Shop Lights due to cost.

Edit: here are the differences -

New - Tank only $335.00
Add: Lights - shop lights = $36.00 and remove lights from 55.
move heaters from 55 to 125
move filter from 55 to 125 and by second filter at $30.00.

Userd -
Tank
Stand
Heaters
Fluval 404 Canister
Power heads (I think it was 2 but it may be more)
JBJ Power Compact Lighting

$400.00 total.

 

[Joviella]

Can you get the person selling to lower their price at all?

 

[enchanted]

I'm going to go look at it tomorrow. I'm hoping maybe I can get him to drop to $300.00, but I don't think so. A 125 Gallon tank only runs $335 new, not including over $300.00 worth of lighting, a $100.00 canister filter, 2 power heads, heaters, a stand.

If he would drop to $300 I could do both.

 

[Joviella]

Give it a go........If the guy needs money quick and you make out you only have 300......you might just swing it!!

 

[enchanted]

He lowered to $300.00 I'm going to pick it up tomorrow probably I didn't want to give a definitive answer till I got some opinions.

The lights are JBJ 2x96W 1 10,000K and 1 ATNIC which would both need replaced, I know. One has a broken end cap.

It was used for salt and he is throughing in all the liverock (which is now dead rock). It has a single 300W Heater, I have another. The filter is a Fluval 404 and he has a Power Filter he would through in.

Opinions please.

 

[enchanted]

I would really like some opinions before I call him back with a go ahead.

In the bucket w/ the rock is also 2 Power heads.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Well if you are happy with it then go for it, one is probably much the same as the other. Both have good points. The main one with the new set-up being a guarentee and with the old, the stuff you get with it.

I am sure you know what is best deep down.

 

[enchanted]

Well, it's kind of this: For the $300.00 these will cost I can't purchase 384W in PC Lighting fixtures (bulbs are worthless), Fluval 404, power heads, and stand.

I guess that is the biggest thing going through my mind right now. The JBJ lights new go for $183.00 each. The Fluval 404 is $100.00. The power heads, $15.00 each, the stand about $100.00.....

That is new though, but doesn't include the tank in there, heater, or any of the other things.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

wow,well fishkeeping is expensive enough as it is and I think we should grab our bargains where we can! Check it over carefully and don't get it if you are not sure as it's a lot of money and you have no guarentee.

New Tank!! New Tank!!

 

[enchanted]

Well, I called him and got it. The cost savings is just too great to pass up.

 

[a1wonder]

I think tanks can have as little as a 10 year life, depending on some factors obviously, so I'd go for new if the prices are similar.

I have to disaggree with you there I'm currently using a tank that is well over 30 years old and the other one is 15 years old. Both have been used and only the 15 year old one I had a small bit of problems with. Tanks should hold up for their use very well. I dont' see everyone replacing their windows every ten years and techincally aside from a few things they are manufactured (not customed made mine you) very similarly. Most commerical aquariums makers, 150 gal and below, are sub compaines off of window making companies. I'd ask the guy personally if there is any chance that it might leak and fill it up with a garden hose at his house in the backyard over night and then syphen/ bucket it out the next day. If that is not an option then ask him if he is willing to give you your money back if you take it home and you find it leaks. If he is a desent person he will mostly likely do at least this for you. If you find him hesitating at all then maybe the tank it not as good as it sounds. But it sounds like a pretty good deal.