Where have some of you gotten your best deals. Being on a limited income and trying to expand my tank collection has been difficult. However, I've resorted to buying my tanks used from places like yardsales and the goodwill. I'm currently looking for tanks 90 gallons and up for discount prices and haven't had much luck. Guess I'll just have to be patient but some tips on where to look would be greatly appreciated.
acquiring tanks
- Thread starter Brentw132
- Start date
its all about being in the right place at the right time. If the tank is a great deal its gonna get snapped up quick! Put in your time on craigs list and on local classifieds and you should be able to find one. Ebay is also a good place to check as long as you are willing to do some driving to get it. it seems like alot of tanks dont get bid up too high if they are out of the way.
Make it a daily craigslist check, especially on Sunday and Monday. Start frequenting your local thrift stores that are of tank-marketing caliber. I don't know about your area but around here there's something like a free 30 gallon at least once a week. You've just got to be the most vigilant opportunist around and hog the good deals.
Couple of tips when you're searching criagslist for tanks, don't try to work out what category the tanks will be in, just do a search from the 'home' page for your area. Search for "fish tank" and "aquarium", and remember that most people will ask for more than they are willing to accept, nothing wrong with going in low (I'll usually offer 2/3 of the asking price (if it's worth it to me) first.
Off to pick up a 40g with nice cabinet style stand today I got for $50, and will be helping a mate collect a 75g with stand, pumps, filters etc that he got for $125 (dunno why I sent him the link for that one......kicking myself now!).
Off to pick up a 40g with nice cabinet style stand today I got for $50, and will be helping a mate collect a 75g with stand, pumps, filters etc that he got for $125 (dunno why I sent him the link for that one......kicking myself now!).
Craigslist is the place, as already mentioned, be vigilant, patient and check often. If you can run out at a moments notice to snap up a good deal you will be ahead of the pack. I picked up my 210 of CL earlier this year, it was listed as "big fish tank". The previous owner had it sitting in his garage for a few years, it was filthy and I had no idea if it even held water. The asking rice was $300, I offered $100 and he took it.
Definitely Craigslist. You will have some strikeouts, but home runs are out there. On occasion, it will find a grand slam. A lot of times, you can find full complete set-ups at great prices. People are bad about being completely wrong about what they have. Get actual measurements and pictures. I have seen 55 tanks listed as 150 tanks!
I have definitely met some weirdos, but saved tons of money!
I have definitely met some weirdos, but saved tons of money!