Why??

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Lazersniper

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Mar 9, 2004
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I don't mean to start an argument of any sort but I was just wondering.

Why do people want so much for used tanks/setups?

I've been looking around on some sites and people seem to want so much more then what they can actually get. I mean come on now.

Used, bare 90 gallon all glass tank for $300.
Used, 20 gallon glass tank, stand, light $150
A used 'complete' 55 gal glass tank set-up for $165?? (I've seen this price at 3 sites, all different areas of US)

Why on earth would you pay that (55 gallon), when you can get it brand new at walmart for $160 retail, throw on a $25 penguin 330 from bigals, and toss in another heater for back up if you wish. In the end only costing you about $50 more if you opt for the better filter, and back-up heater.

Brand new 90 gal. is only $230
Not gonna start on the 20 gallon.

Do people who know about fish keeping actually buy these things? I can see if somebody who has no clue about keeping fish takeing the bait but logically, even there, why would you pay more for a used set-up compared to a new one?

All these 'deals' are for glass tanks as well, not acrylic. These tanks don't come with anything special (i.e. MH lights, canister filters etc). Some of these 'complete' set-ups don't even come with stands. If they do, it's the cheap metal ones, which I personnaly feel are pretty useless getting passed 20 gallons.

I don't know I personally see it as selling or buying a 5 year old car for the same price as when it was brand new. These items recieve no bids, (They have a set opening bid) but it seems to be the trend to sell used aquarium stuff for such a high price.
 
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A lot of people try to sell things for more than their worth, but their generally talked down quite a bit. When you see a tank for $100 (just an example) you generally offer $70, they change to $90, you either give another offer or take it. It happens, and they're also looking for someone who doesnt know what they're after and wouldnt know if it was overpriced
 
not everyone...i just picked up a second hand Hagan 79 gallon with a matching hagan stand...stand is in mint mint condition...tank has normal use...some minor scratches hese and there from cleaning...but other than that...great great condition..picked it up for under 225CAD...which i think is a smokin deal...the stand alone brand new in stores here in vancouver is over 325 plus taxes...so i got a deal on that already lol
 
let me clarify

its the norm in America

no such thing as a "good deal" down here man
 
Got my 46Gal bowfront with stand and hood for $150 and it's lile new. Saw it in a LFS a week later for $400. Got my 55Gal with stand from the same guy. I traded a set of old speakers I had for it. Speakers were probably worth $50-$75 but I doubt I could have sold them and I would never have used them again so in my mind I got this tank for free. There are good deals everywhere. You just have to look.
 
A point to make--the cost of tanks varies greatly, depending on where you are looking. The further away from a manufacturer, the more it's going to cost. In Cheyenne, WY, you can pick up a new 55 for about $80. Go 180 miles north to Casper, and the same tank will run about $120. In Denver CO, I can find a new 55 for about $60 if I'm willing to wait and shop sales. This is for new prices, and yet I see used 55's being offered for $150, especially if they come with 'stuff'--always annoying, since I seldom will want anything other than the tank.

I don't think it's people trying to screw someone--a lot of them are just trying to make a few bucks, and honestly think they're stuff is worth more. Look at cars--lots and lots of people asking way more than blue book for their car, based on mods they've done or new parts--well, you, me and the bank know that any work you've had done doesn't raise the value of a car that much, certainly not equal to what you put into it.
 
Lazersniper said:
Why do people want so much for used tanks/setups?
Click to expand...
who cares? if someone is willing to buy them at grossly inflated prices thats their problem, if not the sellers will figure it out and deal with it.
not something you should lose sleep over.
 
I figured it was common sense/knowledge that used items won't sell for retail price (in some cases more then retail).

geoff- I'd like to know if it was the norm or not so I know if I'm expecting too much when I shouldn't be.
 
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