View Full Version : need help/tips on buying used equipment
hi-
some guy on craigslist says he is trying to sell some of his old aquarium equipment. he has listed 1 hot (i think) magnum bio wheel pro, 2 eheim canisters (he won't say what type or model, probably classics), 1 fluval 303, and some small assorted pumps. what should i be looking for when i come and look at this stuff? all of it is used and has been shelved for some time. he said on eheim does not work, but the other worked fine when he tore his fish tanks down.
like, i figure it would be reasonable to see if the filters and pumps would run, but is there any thing else i should be looking out for? i usually don't buy stuff like this sued, but this ad caught my attention. so i come here figuring you people know more from trial and error on what to know is a bargain or a bust. thanks.
jpappy789
09-04-2008, 4:34 PM
For how much?
I would probably see how well they run and ask how long ago he bought them and how long they were running for.
the price is negotiable. i said to him that im just curious to see what he has for sale, then go from there. so how much would a used eheim classic 2213 go for? anyhting i should look for when buying a used one? maybe 20-30 bucks tops?
is the fluval 303 even worth considering or is it just too old to really risk the money?
here's the ad:
FILTERS:
Eheim (canister filters)
Fluval 303 (canister filters)
Aquaclear 300 & 500s by Hagen (power filter)
Marineland (canister filter)
Tetra Pond Filter
Aquarium System (submerssible)
Dynaflo (powerfilter)
Penguins (powerfilter)
Filter media
I used to be giantly into aquariums and reptiles. Here are all my reptile and aquarium supplies. It is all used. I have more miscelaneous stuff too. Come on by.
Rbishop
09-04-2008, 5:16 PM
If he isn't willing to be more definitive and can show you them operating, offer him $50. Walk if he balks.
jmhart
09-04-2008, 7:45 PM
When I buy used filters off of craigslist, I like to see them running. If they suck/pump water, then things are cool.
There's really not much else you can do. People can lie about how old it is. You may have to replace the o-rings, but that should be factored into the used price. I never pay more than half price. Look up what you can buy it new from big als, drs foster and smith, or ken's fish, and offer half of that. You can pay more, but I don't.:headshake2:
Of course, I'm the guy that emeiled a guy selling a brand new Eheim Pro III($400 new) and offered $150. Thanks to the crappy economy, 3 months later after he hadn't been able to sell it, he emailed me back and said yes:headbang2:...
And on that note, the economy has definitely had an impact on the used aquarium goods market. Things just aren't selling like they used to. Good for buyers, bad for sellers. Speaking of which, anybody want an Eheim 2026 for $130/shipped?:grinyes:
thanks hart and bishop. good tips from you two. i like ur advice bishop- itll stick in my head.
i like the idea about only paying half price or less in case of repairs- that seems sound. we'll see what develops i guess.
anything i should look for in the canisters to examine, besides the o-rings and impellers?
also, i guess the aquaclears should be looked at closely too. are there any problems with the older aquaclears i should know about before i consider buying them?
jmhart
09-04-2008, 9:26 PM
Well, the test to make sure they work should include making sure they don't leak from a crack somewhere. Check out the clips to make sure they hold the head on properly.
Also, if you know exactly what filter you are looking at, never hurts to checkout a parts schematic. If a part is missing you can either not buy it or you have ammo to get for a lower price. I dare say that almost all used filter will be missing at least one part...probably a part you don't really need, but, it's still reason to lower the price.
hmm, good idea. i think ill peruse the eheim manual on their classic line. im not worried about the hot magnum- those parts are available at petsolutions. thanks for the advice jm!
WaywardSon
09-04-2008, 9:42 PM
A bad filter can be a huge problem - see them running (and not leaking, etc).
A bad filter can be a huge problem - see them running (and not leaking, etc).
i totally agree with you, especially after reading through a thread posted on this forum not too long ago about a member, i forget whom, had an older fluval that priming issues.
well the dude called me and said that he was going through like a crisis or something. i guess he was having second thoughts about selling his stuff. it turns out the eheim was a 2217 with media. it was old though 'cause like he got it from his former boss who ran a hatchery or something. the boss gave this guy the filter as a gift for services since he wasnt old enough top paid or something. and since the guy says he just finished college, im guessign the filter is at least 5 plus years old when he got, not counting how long it was used at the hatchery.
anyway, we got to talking and he was asking me where he could get parts and stuff. it was nice, but no deal. he wanted 60 bucks for it, but i passed cause it was reall used and besides, he wanted to keep it. anyway, thats the update. thanks for all the replies guys.