Buying a 180 gallon reef tank

[Noah's ArkReef]

hey folks,
At work today someone came up to me wanting to sell me their 180 gallon reef. It comes with the 180 g display tank, 90 gallon sump, and a skimmer. The skimmer pump need to be replaced and I would have to get lights and a return pump. They want $600 for it. What do you think about that price? Also I found a 125 gallon on Craigslist for $600 with a 20 something gallon sump and 12 bulb t5 fixture. Which is better? Thanks

 

[Seanislav]

hey folks,
At work today someone came up to me wanting to sell me their 180 gallon reef. It comes with the 180 g display tank, 90 gallon sump, and a skimmer. The skimmer pump need to be replaced and I would have to get lights and a return pump. They want $600 for it. What do you think about that price? Also I found a 125 gallon on Craigslist for $600 with a 20 something gallon sump and 12 bulb t5 fixture. Which is better? Thanks

Depends largely what you want to house in it. If you're looking at active larger fish like tangs and triggers or angels and can accommodate it, larger dimensions will give you more swimming room. The 90 gallon sump will house lots of equipment (filtration, heat, refugium if you're so inclined), or more water to help keep things more stable. All things being equal, I'd get the larger one, if both are of similar condition and quality...but then I have a 300 gallon system, so I'm a bit biased [emoji6].

 

[Pmj]

hey folks,
At work today someone came up to me wanting to sell me their 180 gallon reef. It comes with the 180 g display tank, 90 gallon sump, and a skimmer. The skimmer pump need to be replaced and I would have to get lights and a return pump. They want $600 for it. What do you think about that price? Also I found a 125 gallon on Craigslist for $600 with a 20 something gallon sump and 12 bulb t5 fixture. Which is better? Thanks

I would look at the condition of the tank, stand, etc. Replacing tanks isn't done very often so make sure you are happy with the condition of it (such as scratches). $600 does sound like a good deal if it's in good condition though (and includes the stand).

 

[Noah's ArkReef]

Depends largely what you want to house in it. If you're looking at active larger fish like tangs and triggers or angels and can accommodate it, larger dimensions will give you more swimming room. The 90 gallon sump will house lots of equipment (filtration, heat, refugium if you're so inclined), or more water to help keep things more stable. All things being equal, I'd get the larger one, if both are of similar condition and quality...but then I have a 300 gallon system, so I'm a bit biased [emoji6].

Ya I definitely want some tangs in there too. I wanna start getting into sps as well because all I’ve kept are lps. The 125 does come with the t5 fixture though and lights are expensive.

 

[Noah's ArkReef]

I would look at the condition of the tank, stand, etc. Replacing tanks isn't done very often so make sure you are happy with the condition of it (such as scratches). $600 does sound like a good deal if it's in good condition though (and includes the stand).

Both of them are In pretty good condition. Seams looked good, no scratches. The 125 is a little older than the 180 though. If I did get the 180 what return pump, lights, and replacement pump for the skimmer would you recommend?

 

[dede]

I would get the 180 if the condition is pretty much the same and having a 90 gallon sump is really nice. Even though the other tank has lights they may need all new bulbs which are expensive. This hobby is so addicting you always want to get more and go bigger.