How much would you pay?

L

Lazersniper

AC Members
Mar 9, 2004
255
0
0
WI
Visit site
I was offered a used 75 gallon. I'm unsure how to price it. I hear generally it's about 1/3 of retail for used items. It includes:

75 gal tank
stand
top
light
penguin 330
2 heaters - Unsure of the brand

I was originally looking for a 90 gal. But, nothing is turning up in my area.

As for the 75 gal., (tank, top, light, and stand) I could probably get brand new for about $280-300. This is assuming that it's just a straight tank not a bow-front. This price was found at the lfs around here.

I told him I'd give him around $125 depending on the quality, and what he was all including in the deal. However it seemed like he wanted a lot more for the system. That offer covers 1/3 of the price even with the penguin 330 seeing as used ones on ebay go for about $25-30.

At the lfs around here only 1 will take in used tanks/equipment, and he'll offer around 1/3 (more then likely a little less) for it. He then usually sells them for about half price of retail. As well, he only gives store credit on trade ins.

Is $125 a reasonable offer? Or would I be cheating him? What price would you expect to pay, or would you expect in return for a system similar to this? What fraction of retail would you pay for any used item?

I'm unsure how old the system actually is but he said that it's in good condition, and still looks very good. He's had it as saltwater, and most recently freshwater. Still havn't seen anything yet, just been throwing a prospective price around.

Thanks for your help.
 
Last edited:
I'd go as high as $200, but that's it. And that is for the tank, stand, and lights- it's hard to price the extra equipment as it can be worn out, damaged, full of crud etc.

Are you sure your estimate of $280-300 for a new setup includes tank, stand, and lights? That's not bad! If it is in fact accurate I'd go with new, but that's me cause I hate other peoples messes.

I can get a brand new Penguin 330 for $25 and know that the wheels will turn and it hasn't been exposed to anything harmful, and heaters are chancy enough when brand new for me to use old ones with an unknown history.

It all depends on how tight a budget you are on and the condition of the tank, stand and especially lighting. Make sure the lights work and check underneath for corrosion and rust. If it has been used as saltwater there is probably a fair bit of salt creep on everything and you need to factor in time spent to clean everything up.

I'd go see it and take cash and a truck/van with me, but only as much as you're willing to spend. Cash in hand is a great motivator when someone is wanting to sell.
 
I agree--I would only go up to $150, though, simply because I'd knock off some for disposal of the stuff I didn't want (ie, probably everything but the tank and glass top). I got a 50 for $75, included about 40 bristlenose, 3 whiptails, lights, glass tops, filter, some decorations, and the stand. I didn't want anything but the tank, top and fish--had to take everything else to get those, even though I just pitched them.
 
around 125-150 seems good i wouldnt pay more than a hundred though.
 
I"m pretty sure on those prices. If you buy everything seperate they're asking:

~ $100 for the tank
~ $100 for a metal stand, and $200 for wooden.
~ $80 for the 'deluxe' light and hood

(the guy told me it was black, so I'm assuming is the metal stand. Around here all they sell is black metal stands and brown wooden stands. Unless he got it special ordered which if he was going to sell I'm sure he would have said something.)

The price above isn't even from the place I usually get fish from. The guy I usually go to can and will beat that price by at least $20. Also if you buy as a 'whole system' they'll reduce the price a little bit.

After I told him that the stores would only take it in for store credit, he seemed a little more willing to accept my price. Maybe he thought I was just pulling out numbers from my azz. I think if he's going to put up a stink I'll just offer $100 for the tank, stand, top and light. He can keep everything else. I want to put a canister or something similar on it anyway.
 
HHmmm... Christmas isnt' too far away either. There are usually huge sales during the holiday seasons. If he puts up a stink maybe I'll just wait to get a good deal from holiday sales.
 
i hate used filters and heaters, something always goes wrong and rattles. i will rather just buy it new from bigals and have a better chance of my fish not getting killed because of malfunctions.
 
Thats a good point. I've already got established tanks so cycle wouldn't take too long anyway. Only thing about ordering online is that I don't have a credit card. But, I can always get someone else to do it for me. He's not very much into fish I'm assuming if he's planning on gettin much more then that for the tank.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom