Buying used...

[reefgirl189]

I've bought used many times off of canreef members. I've many positive experiences and one bad one.

My tips would be to see the actual item before buying if you can. Do not trust that the seller's opinion of what condition the item is in is true. i.e. What is their opinion of "Great" condition is really your idea of "poor" condition.

Make sure you try to buy from someone who has a reputation around here that they hold in high regard. People selling big ticket items like radion leds or bubbleking skimmers who have only one post are kind of suspicious. Especially if they live in cuba or something and want payment before shipping.

If you can try to find a complete set up or near complete set up it can save you hundreds or thousands and it's a great way to get in the hobby.

See the item working in person.

See the item working in person.

And lastly, see the item working in person!

[msjboy]

only problem buying used is the life of the tank... seals might eventually break especially if it is say 7 - 9 yrs old. Always ask the history of the tank itself. Also, if there are things like wavemakers, it will shorten the seals. Aside from that, I highly recommend buying used just incase you don't like the hobby, you only take a small financial hit. (like buying a used/demo car as opposed to new car.. someone else takes the depreciation).

Also, true, go big ( I recommend at least 30 gallons minimum for a reef tank to achieve minimal fluations in salt water, temps, waste, etc)... probably ideal is 55 - 90 gallons... from there, it will also get potentially expensive to run in terms of heat, light, maintenace etc. not to mention heavy especially if you live upstairs.

happy reefing

regs

msjboy

[FFGirl]

Well, thanks guys I don't think that will be the tank for me lol, here is what the guy wrote me back about the questions I had about his tanks...

just to give you heads up you dont have to have all the bells and whistles to run a salt tank, depends if your close to a window your lights dont have to be so powerful for coral. and that depends if you get soft or hard coral. when you buy your rock if its full of holes than you dont have to buy as much (1lb/gal rule of thumb) buy about half to 2/3. if you over size your filter it helps keep water cleaner longer, i just used tap water in mine and never had an issue. skimmers are useful but not mandatory keeps the surface water looking nice. i think when i set up my next tank i will go with an over flow filter cause than you dont need any ugly stuff hanging in your tank (skimmer, heater, hoses, ect)

[intarsiabox]

You don't want the sun lighting your tank unless you are trying to grow lots of algae. Control over all aspects of a reef tank is essential.

[Geofrog]

If you are still looking to buy used, I have a 100g setup with equipment and choice of lights (Power compacts or Metal Halides). No live rock or livestock though. Bought it used myself, and it is a year old.