Buying New Setups vs. Buying Used: Pros and Cons

[CalBears]

One poster suggested that buying used is good, but is it ideal? They mentioned that I should ask question about the tank (like if they used any copper-based chemicals), but I worry if the person selling will be 100% honest.

I just want to see what everyone thinks about buying a new saltwater setup or a new one from a site like EBAY and Craigslist. Post your thoughts, pros, cons, and things to watch out for.

Thanks!

 

[Grins]

I'm an advocate for buying used. I prefer to buy from local clubs first, but if you are an experienced SW keeper the auction/classified sites are fine. If inexperienced just ask opinions from others before buying.

 

[Jhh482]

Check on craigslist, and ask where they kept it when you go to get it, and just look at it, i.e. where it is and what it is near. One guy bought one that had been sitting in a garage, and it killed every fish that went in. Ask other's opinions, and yes, used is, in my opinion, better than new, because it costs less, and fish tanks are tough.
Jack

 

[fsn77]

Buying used can result in spending significantly less money. There are some risks, of course, but if the tank is currently being run with similar inhabitants that you're interested in (i.e. -- as a reef tank and you want a reef tank; or as a FOWLR and you want a FOWLR) the risks are quite low. If you're buying a tank that has sat dry for a period of time, a little more caution should be taken. Depending on the age of the tank and how it was stored, potential problems can range from the tank no longer being water tight to contamination from household cleaners, oils, etc. As a precaution, every tank that I've purchased used that was stored prior to me buying it has been thoroughly cleaned with either vinegar or bleach, scrubbed, and heavily rinsed with water. I've bought several used tanks that were stored prior to sale and put them through this, and had no problems with any of them. I could just be lucky, but so far so good.

Buying new has the greatest advantage of being able to get exactly what you're looking for, generally without having to look too hard for it, as long as you're willing to pay for it. Tanks purchased new typically come with some sort of warranty, which you don't get when buying a used one. While I'm not sure how common this is, a couple of the LFSs around here give something like a 20% discount on all accessories (including LR) if you purchase a new tank set-up from them.

 

[JohnLin]

The myth about saltwater tank setups is the tank itself is the expensive part, so therefore, people tend to buy a lot more used tanks than used accessories.
But the truth is, glass aquariums themselves aren't that expensive, especially if you can find sales at your local LFS's. I know All-glass aquariums go on sale just about once a year where it is $1 per gallon. So lookout for local flyers. So if you ask my advise, and you're on a budget, then buy the tank brand new, and buy everything else used including livestock (such as liverock).

If you have to buy the tank used, then make sure to spend 5 or 10 bucks on a tube of silicone, so you can re-seal the tank yourself, no matter how good of a shape the old tank is in. That's really the only big risk of buying something used, is the chance of tank leakage/breakage.

 

[alpha123]

Used. And expect 50% saving. Don't pay more than that.

 

[journey0820]

I think that if you are buying used that it is extra important to have done the research first on the equipment you want. Buying a set up for 200.00 may see like a good deal until you get it home and realize that the equipment is crappy and you'll have to buy new equipment to replace it. There are amazing deals out there but be clear on what you want so that you can be sure you are getting one of those deals.

I think that the more experience you have the easier it is to get good deals on used equipment because you know what to look for. I ended up buying new partly out of impatience (waiting for the right stuff to come along), laziness (I didn't want to go to people's houses to check out the equipment over and over), and fear (I'm new and didn't want to accidentally buy crap).

 

[rxdoc_85]

i love used tanks. both of mine are used, and i've had absolutly no problems. the only thing with used is, that if something does go wrong, or something is wront with te tank that you didn't realize, then you can't take it back/have it repaired. it's all in the research. when you contact the person, you can get a feel if they know what they're talking about or not, and when you go to look it, make sure you check it out, and don't buy it if you have a bad feeling about it. i've been extremely lucky, and i got a 65 gal hex with all the trimmings (even the wooden stand) for 100 bucks, and the 12 gal nano with all the trimmings and 20 lbs of live rock for 80 bucks. the deals are certainly out there, you just have to find them. if you buy new you'll spend a lot more money, and you'll be really sad if you find the same thing you bought on craigslist for the fraction of the price.

 

[journey0820]

I think the deals also depend on where you live and how far you are willing to drive!

 

[gregm]

I only bought my 10g new when I first got into the hobby. When I picked up the 40g tank, I bought it from a guy locally on Craigslist. I got the Betta tank off of Craigslist for free as well.

Craigslist is a great resource if you can get decent prices in your area by going through it.