Buying a used set

[steve0199us]

Hi All- I'm looking to set up a saltwater tank, I was wondering, ballbark- how much would you pay for the below? thanks


Used 35 Gallon Hex FishTank
Black Glossy 35 Gallon Cabinet
Canopy Top with Moonlight Light
Seaclone Protien Skimmer
Cascade 1500 Canister Filter by Penn Plax
3 Fiji Live Rocks
Fine Live white sand
Hermit Crabs - 2 Crabs 1) Blue Hermit 1) Red Hermit
Fish Net
Salinity level checker and thermometer
Magnet glass cleaner
2 1/2 bags of 5gallon salt packs
light Timer
Filter Packs
and more

 

[water_baby83]

Overall - depends on the condition of everything that you are getting - and if you intend to use all of that. I personally - assuming it was in good to excellent shape, would not pay more than $150 for all. But that's just me. The cleaning and sometimes restoring that goes into buying used stuff just doesn't turn me on, and could cost me more in time and money, so I wouldn't pay any higher.

 

[stingray man]

Overall - depends on the condition of everything that you are getting - and if you intend to use all of that. I personally - assuming it was in good to excellent shape, would not pay more than $150 for all. But that's just me. The cleaning and sometimes restoring that goes into buying used stuff just doesn't turn me on, and could cost me more in time and money, so I wouldn't pay any higher.

I agree quality is very important. Also you say 3 fiji LR but how many lbs also what type of lights? But, if it has normal lights I would say $150-$175, but if it has a coral type light I would pay $225+. Just MY .02. BTW some times hex tanks arent the best tanks when it comes to setting up Live rocks.

 

[sweeTang21]

i would say 100-150 is fine. Most of the equiptment is not by anymeans top notch, but will work.

 

[steve0199us]

Thanks for the input!!!!

I am going to find out about the light and rock.. I was actually entertaining the thought of plugging the used equipment into a spare 55gallon tank I have... Since I'm new, I didn't want to break the bank.. Would this cause an issue? not sure if it'll be bad for the water chemistry.. thanks

 

[water_baby83]

Thanks for the input!!!!

I am going to find out about the light and rock.. I was actually entertaining the thought of plugging the used equipment into a spare 55gallon tank I have... Since I'm new, I didn't want to break the bank.. Would this cause an issue? not sure if it'll be bad for the water chemistry.. thanks

Always, always always(!!) scrub down and sanitize used equipment before starting a new tank. You have no idea what has come in contact with those items, their media, etc. It could be as harmless (but still problematic) as dust and dirt accumulation.... all the way to bacteria, fungus, parasites, variety of spores, and all sorts of nasties you just don't even want to think about with used equip. Get rid of the media (Filter pads, floss, bale, etc.) and replace it with new media, and make sure you take everything apart and sterilize it with HOT water and bleach (don't freak, it's not going to bleach all your equip out or harm it if mixed properly). Make sure to rinse it all really well a few times afterwards and then let air dry. If there is old salt creep on the plastics, you can use a mixture of 1 part HOT water to 2 parts white vinegar, put it in a spray bottle and spray onto the affected areas, allow to sit for a minute or two, then use a new kitchen sponge (the kind that are blue/green on one side and yellow on the other), and take the rough side to scrub off the salt creep before doing your bleach dip. Rinse vinegar mix off equip. well before bleach dip.

REMEMBER: You are not buying used equipment to save on the cycling process, you are buying it to save on the start up cost! Everything else must still apply - cleaning, set-up, cycling, etc.