View Full Version : Opinions on Used vs New
lee914
01-13-2004, 1:17 PM
Sorry if this is a boring thread, just wanted some opinions...A local aquarium maitenence business is selling a number of used tanks. I am considering are a 75 gallon with wood stand/canopy, hood, lights, 2 power heads and a viso-therm heater for $250. They are very used with build up on them, calcium, algae etc., but structurely fine. The tanks are out of style, older , for example the 75 is an Oceanic but has older dark wood trim as well as the stand, I would paint the stands as well anyway. But, I can get a brand new 90 gallon with hood and lights for $160 on clearence at a LFS. I was going to build my own stand for this one in this case. The cost difference is pretty close considering the stand cost of $~65.00 if I build it.
OrionGirl
01-13-2004, 1:41 PM
Depends on what you want the tank for. I prefer new, but have gone with used if I know what it was used for. For example, used tanks can contain traces of medications within the silicone--and some of these medications can be deadly as they leach back into the water. This is more of a problem in SW, but can impact keeping FW inverts as well.
For that little difference, I would go with the new, bigger tank, personally.
lee914
01-13-2004, 1:48 PM
It is going to be more of a freshwater cichlid tank of some kind. No live plants.
tomm10
01-13-2004, 1:50 PM
As someone who just cleaned out a used tank I would caution you on getting a used tank that isn't already cleaned. With the gunk on the glass it is very difficult to see scratches in the tank. If you get it real cheap then seeing a few small scratches won't hurt too bad. However, if you pay $250 and clean it out only to find hazy scratches on the front and back, you might be pretty ticked.
As long as you're comfortable building the stand (generally the most expensive piece and often for no good reason) then get the new 90g. Besides, if you can fit it/afford it, bigger is better. You'll be happier in the end.
anonapersona
01-13-2004, 1:50 PM
The lack of scratches on the new tank is important, I have all used tanks and the scratches are annoying.
mogurnda
01-13-2004, 1:53 PM
I have been a big fan of used tanks, because you can often save a lot of money. If the difference isn't that big, go for the new.
Roughly half of my tanks are used and the other half new. Most of the community/show tanks are new and breeder/grow up tanks are used. I personally would only buy used tanks if I can buy it for half or less of the cost of the new tank. So far, I've been able to get the whole setup for about 30-40% of the original cost of the tank.