Used tanks: $1 per gallon 'rule'

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.
 
$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...
 
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..
 
Last edited:
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.
 
Last edited:
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.
 
Rallysman said:
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.
Click to expand...
That's a bummer that it leaked. Was it waterproofed with epoxy? Where did it leak?
 
roliva said:
That's a bummer that it leaked. Was it waterproofed with epoxy? Where did it leak?
Click to expand...
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom