Buying a used system that has been sitting empty for 4+ years

[ReefToReptiles]

Hello everyone,
New to the fourm and somewhat new to reefing.
Looking at buying a 50gallon setup with stand. The tank was setup for about 2+ years and was taken down and has sat empty for 4 and a half years. Comes with everything but a sump the sump had gotten broken moving it.
Equipment
2 mp10s with 2 extra wetsides.
1 mp40 with broken wetside.
Neptune classic with few add-ons including wifi etc (not 100% sure what's there)
2 return pumps (said they were around $200 each)
2 protein skimmers.
All the plumbing except for a few parts.
4 bulb t5 fixture with 4 brand new bulbs in box
2 heaters with themostats
Tank has center overflow
I have a 29 gallon or so wet dry sump from my old 75 gallon setup
$400 for the whole setup

Is this worth it to buy even it if the tank may wind up leaking ? Tank will be in the basement

 

[Thereefdoc]

I think it’s a good deal. But, it really depends on the condition of the equipment. I would leak test the tank before setting it up.

 

[andrewkw]

If the display is in rough shape but everything else is good, use that as the sump and then get a new tank. Price is good, equipment doesn't last forever but getting a complete setup might make it easier for someone new to the hobby.

 

[Seadoc]

Not a bad deal if everything works as it should. Check equipment for functionality and also senescence. MP40s can be noisy if the bearings are bad. Apex should be working with all modules. Pumps should be clean inside out.
Check for rust or deposits on electrical contacts.
Good luck!!

 

[ReefToReptiles]

I think it’s a good deal. But, it really depends on the condition of the equipment. I would leak test the tank before setting it up.

Tank will be full of water when I get there and will be doing a week long test before I put any saltwater in. Will definitely make sure all equipment works ,he said the powerheads and return pumps were cleaned before putting them away.

 

[Sailfin11]

Sounds like a fantastic deal! I would get it even if the tank was in bad shape for the pumps, life, skimmers, etc. When evaluating the tank, do a complete inspection of the silicone. You want to make sure the edges aren't peeling up and that everything looks intact. I'd also recommend replacing any bulkheads. Nice find!

 

[TheRedBeardedReefer]

My 2 cents: Be careful! I had a 95 gallon wave tank running for about 4 years before I put it into dry storage for about 3. Granted, it was stored in a place that experienced considerable temperature fluctuations, but it lasted about 2 days after refilling. I was sitting about 10 feet away when the front panel blew out. There was glass, sand and water on the ceiling and the windows on the other side of the room 20 feet away. Fortunately there was nothing alive in there yet, but what a mess....

 

[ReefToReptiles]

My 2 cents: Be careful! I had a 95 gallon wave tank running for about 4 years before I put it into dry storage for about 3. Granted, it was stored in a place that experienced considerable temperature fluctuations, but it lasted about 2 days after refilling. I was sitting about 10 feet away when the front panel blew out. There was glass, sand and water on the ceiling and the windows on the other side of the room 20 feet away. Fortunately there was nothing alive in there yet, but what a mess....

Damm and this is a rimless 50gal no top brace. Had a 75 gallon that I had sitting in my basement for 10 years and the seam split 25 mins after I filled it up

 

[ReefToReptiles]

Sounds like a fantastic deal! I would get it even if the tank was in bad shape for the pumps, life, skimmers, etc. When evaluating the tank, do a complete inspection of the silicone. You want to make sure the edges aren't peeling up and that everything looks intact. I'd also recommend replacing any bulkheads. Nice find!

I will definitely replacing bulk heads and return lines. Going to make sure I check everything out and check for any corrosion. Know the mp40 may be completely dead but for the price still a good deal

 

[NowGlazeIT]

My 2 cents: Be careful! I had a 95 gallon wave tank running for about 4 years before I put it into dry storage for about 3. Granted, it was stored in a place that experienced considerable temperature fluctuations, but it lasted about 2 days after refilling. I was sitting about 10 feet away when the front panel blew out. There was glass, sand and water on the ceiling and the windows on the other side of the room 20 feet away. Fortunately there was nothing alive in there yet, but what a mess....

I bet that plastic expanded and contracted and warped a bit. the wave tanks are made of tempered glass. They don’t break easy so my guess is the framing did not hold up.

 

[ReefToReptiles]

I bet that plastic expanded and contracted and warped a bit. the wave tanks are made of tempered glass. They don’t break easy so my guess is the framing did not hold up.

You think I have to be extra careful with a rimless tank ?

 

[TheRedBeardedReefer]

Damm and this is a rimless 50gal no top brace. Had a 75 gallon that I had sitting in my basement for 10 years and the seam split 25 mins after I filled it up

If you want to use the tank, there's only so much you can do like looking for any deep scratches, and any silicon that is peeling. It is a good deal for all of the equipment. If the rest of the gear is in good shape, I might consider looking at that as a win and trying to find a new tank that fits the stand.
If it was me, especially after losing a tank to dry storage/refill, I think I'd drive myself crazy worrying about it happening again.

 

[ReefReadyYouTube]

Buying a used tank is always risky. It would be better just to spend the extra money.

 

[ReefToReptiles]

Buying a used tank is always risky. It would be better just to spend the extra money.

Yeah it is have had used tanks leak but don't really have the budget for a new tank right now. Spent about 2500 past 2 months getting a 14 gallon tank up and running and stocked. That's why I'm looking at used maybe putting a 40 gallon breeder on the stand should fit. Store about 2 hrs from sells them for$140 175 drilled

 

[siggy]

You can get a 2 year old tank with modern equipment that's running for 400-600, I just seen a red sea cube with lots of goodies for 800 on the local craigs, and that was his asking price. If the mp's run and the skimmer is a name brand and all the pumps work oh and the stand is clean then ok and get a new tank.

 

[ReefToReptiles]

You can get a 2 year old tank with modern equipment that's running for 400-600, I just seen a red sea cube with lots of goodies for 800 on the local craigs, and that was his asking price. If the mp's run and the skimmer is a name brand and all the pumps work oh and the stand is clean then ok and get a new tank.

This is what u find for 800 around here
110 gallon mess with hang on back filters broken lighting salinity at 1.040
Saw a few other systems people want $2500+;for that have been running for 3-4 years and ask if the Apex and mp10s are included and they say sorry they been sold separately.

 

[ca1ore]

Vortechs are easy to abuse and/or use incorrectly. If they’re in good shape then $400 is probably a good deal; if not pass.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

You think I have to be extra careful with a rimless tank ?

Just need to know what to look for. The rimmed tanks you want to inspect the plastic along with the Seams. The frameless you look at any expansions in the caulking. Measure the frameless corner to corner all corners to make sure it Is square and hasn’t expanded in any areas.

 

[siggy]

I have those too. In 2006 I gave my system away for $100 to the lfs, the new owner was thrilled. My 75 I put on the curb,
tank stand and sump when I upgraded, it was 2-2.5 years old. I placed an ad on crags list notifying it was coming down
and no one answered. The next morning it was gone. Check your local sites every morning and you'll get the deal.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

FWIW I bought my 120g for 200. Came with tank, a skimmer and sump nothing else