Used tanks: $1 per gallon 'rule'

[jennfier]

Does this rule or guideline still apply to bigger tanks ? 100g 120g 150g 220g 260g etc ? I saw a new 265g for close to $2000 in an LFS yesterday. What's the best deal you've gotten on a big used tank ?

[Rbishop]

From my experience it more like $3 and up for used tanks, increase that when you start adding stands and equipment. Unless you are finding that unique person that just wants to "dump" the tank and move it out, it seems to me most sellers want every penny they put into the tank back. I realize that in general there is minimal wear and tear on the tank and it shouldn't drastically affect the value. I just keep hitting the want ads waiting for the right time.

[epicfish]

I might be getting a 70 gallon acrylic tank for ~$140 so, $2 per gallon. It comes with a canister filter, gravel (which I'll have to replace), accessories, and a nice cherry wood stand though.

[mach_six]

Check want ads like Craigslist, I purchased a used 110G glass aquarium and wrought iron stand from someone moving out of the house for $75. I could have probalby gotten it for $50...

Most ads I see are overpriced but there are some good deals occassionally for those desperate to sell.

[Emperor_400]

I bought my brand new 75 gallon for 100.00, of course that bare tank. You are probably figuring with light and everything.

[Rallysman]

My best deal is my acrylic 300 for $350 (or the numerous smaller tanks for free)

[YoFishboy]

I got a 110 gallon with all lights, filters, heaters etc. for ....FREE! The neighbors up the street knew I had fish and needed to part with it...I have also bought tanks from garage sales for cheap...25-50 cent per gallon range...check thrift stores too...

[watermelon]

100 gallon, two years old, very clean with tank, lid, stand, and light hood..$100 and the filter for it, $5

[icecubez189]

i purchased my 20G with hood, lighting and black wooden cabinet stand for $160, although i felt kinda ripped. if it was around $110 or $130, i wouldn't complain...

[Jadis]

my best one was 135 no extras (not even a lid of sorts errr) for $150

[coupedefleur]

I got a bare 75 for $50.

On the other end, a Goodwill store out here that has insane prices recently had a 10 gallon tank with the back kicked through for $15! You can buy a new 10g from the most expensive fish store here for less than that.

[Squawkbert]

$2/g on anything close to decent acrylic is a steal.

W/ used tanks, you'll know when you see the good deals...

I waited & got a 64 bow w/ stand $150. they wanted $300 but I knew it could be had for ~1/2...

[jennfier]

My best deal (free ones don't count as deals, they're free out of someone's goodwill :rolleyes: ) is $140 for a 70g long no frame glass aquarium. Nice wooden hood, cabinet stand, eheim canister filter, aquaclear 2000 (110 equiv), heaters, pumps, python, misc Co2, tubifex gadgets. Most of these, however, are very old equipment (like maybe 30 years old) and some of the equipment needed a transformer because they came from Germany. Everything works and looks great so far. I've been looking at the bigger tanks and just not sure what's a fair deal so was curious..

[loaches r cool]

The price per gallon generally increases with tank size, or odd shapped tanks and things like bowfronts. As tanks get bigger not only is the proportinally more glass but the glass is thicker, increasing the cost per gallon.

I have been in the market for a bigger tank, between 120G-240G. Since these cost starting around $325 for a 120 I was advised to look for used tanks and check out craiglist. I watched craiglsit for about 2 months without finding anything 120G or larger that was under $3/gall. I finally found a 150G tank that I talkd the guy down to $180. I asked about the condition of the tank and he said it was fine, no major scratches. When I picked it up it was after dark. I immediately noticed though that the plastic frame was all busted up in the center of the top and the center brace had been removed. I wasnt too worried about that though, the guy said he didnt want the shadow from it in his tank (saltwater). I can fabricate a brace myself. When I got home though I realized the oak trim wasnt looking that good, the corners were so scuffed that the oak was competely gone and black plastic shown through. Not a biggie, I'll have it all covered up anyhow. I also found a sticker on the bottom that said like made in 1992. Thats kinda old imo. I shoulda talked him down more since he was eager to get rid of it, but I had already talked him down quite a bit - and I hadnt realized yet the poor condition of the tank.I bet I coulda got it for $100 if i tired... but I dont mind being a bit generous I guess, hoping the money went to good use. I think (hope) the tank will be just fine but just a warning for used tanks.

I dont know if I'll go the used tank route again, its nice to have a perfectly new scratch free tank with no hidden surprises. But its all about $$$ and how good of a deal you can get. Good luck.

[Rallysman]

I'm sold my 135 with custom hook and CF lighting for $175. I didnt even have to advertise it


Another deal i've got was a plywood 300 setup. It came with the tank, lids, light, 75 gal wet/dry, little giant pump, all of the plumbing (including extra fittings) and a very nice stand (which I use for my 265 now) all for $150. The pump alone was worth that. The tank eventually leaked, but the deal was well worth it for the stuff it came with.

[roliva]

I'm sold my 135 with custom hook and CF lighting for $175. I didnt even have to advertise it


Another deal i've got was a plywood 300 setup. It came with the tank, lids, light, 75 gal wet/dry, little giant pump, all of the plumbing (including extra fittings) and a very nice stand (which I use for my 265 now) all for $150. The pump alone was worth that. The tank eventually leaked, but the deal was well worth it for the stuff it came with.
That's a bummer that it leaked. Was it waterproofed with epoxy? Where did it leak?

[Rallysman]

That's a bummer that it leaked. Was it waterproofed with epoxy? Where did it leak?
yea, it was sealed, but apparently it got one little crack that seeped water into the wood, and turned into a huge crack. I have a thread elsewhere about moving the fish from that to the new tank, it was adventure.