used 55 gallon- worth getting?

galen

AC Members
Jan 26, 2007
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NY
i found a 55 with tank, lights, hood, pine stand (the expensive perfecto one), anmd gravel for 150. he says the tank has been without water for 2-3 months. is this a good deal?

all is in great shape. the filters are 2 whispers i believe. the lights are the standard black ones that come with the tank...

i appreciate all input on this, as i have never bought any used equipment before, expecially a fish tank. if someone could detail what i should look for with the tank before i hand the man the cash, id appreciate it.
like, what to look for with the seals, the lighting, the stand, the filters, and stuff like that. thanks again!
 
it sounds like a good deal. id hook up and test/run as many things as i can? fill the pump with water and plug it in for a sec. plug in the lights, let em warm up. and maybe fill the tank with water to really see if its ok. you can always re-seal too.

good luck
 
Depending on what shape it is in then it could be a good deal....Most 55g kits can be had new for $200 or less and a pretty good stand is around $100. So you are getting everything at about half price of new. I would just look it all over good and be sure it looks good before I made a final decision. I would also check to see if the filters are in good shape... you can test them by filling up a bucket or even in the sink...just pour water in the filter till full and stick intake into the bucket/sink and plug it up to be sure they are working.
 
ok, so if i am looking at a used 55 tank with wood stand, how much should i be looking for?
 
I say its a good deal. with stand etc yes. I paid 75.00 so if you can find cheaper fine if not this is a good deal. you can always replace lights down the road and update the filters but I use the whispers and the lights you are looking at in yours so go for it.
 
Sounds like an "OK" deal, not a steal. 55's are common and cheap...and so are Whisper filters (that's why I like 'em). Hard to say w/o seeing the stand.

Might go have a thorough look at it, have 6 20's ready to go in your back pocket...."would you consider $120 cash now for it?" ( or maybe even $100)

...and have a few bux extra in your wallet in case you feel it's worth it and he doesn't want to come down.

For that money, the tank oughta be clean, minimal or no scratches, and the stand should be very good. Accessories should require minimal or no work to be useable....no limed up HOB filters, etc....that really turns me off.

If it needs work, explain that to the seller...you may get a better deal.

I'd probably clean, scuff and recoat the stand with polyurethane before using...unless it's in really pristine condition. You'll be glad you did later...
 
this pic is of the one for 150. it looks really nice. im not keen on the whispers though. otherwise, it looks great. yea, ill see if i can bargain this guy down. although, he syas he wants 150 "firm".

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