Buying used gear - what to look for

[BackToTheReef]

For anyone who has bought used gear, what has your experience been? Have you ever been burned? If not how did you avoid "the bad stuff?"

I've been on the wrong end of a few used equipment sales in a couple different hobbies and now am hesitant to buy used, even if the prices look good. I had to buy a few pieces of gear twice and ended up paying more than what I would have if I had just bought new in the first place. Maybe a case of penny wise pound foolish?

What should someone be looking for in a used tank, sump, calcium reactor, etc. to know whether to avoid or buy? Is there anything you just wouldn't buy used? (Return pumps?)

 

[Bfragale]

Hello there.
My entire set up is basically second hand.

move been burned a few times but also have found great people that sold me items very cheap only because they also love the hobby and want other people to enjoy it too.

personally I tried to get used- higher end equipment that either had replacement parts available or I was able to test first.

for example- I got two mp40 (one QD and one SD) for $200- both needed wet sides. Bought two new wet sides.

so over all I have had more good luck then bad luck. I hope this helps. Take care

 

[Randallh99]

i've had bad luck once in about thirty purchases. I think it's important to buy from someone who has a good reputation on this website. Usually people that have been around for years with really good posts have no reason to burn anyone. I also haven't spent more than $200 on a single purchase that wasn't a physically meet up. Remember to always paypal (no friends and family). For large items like sumps, tanks, stands, etc I would assume you were meeting up to purchase so it would be easy to inspect. I would have no issues whatsoever buying used powerheads, return pumps, controllers or leds to be shipped to me. I would NEVER buy a used heater (there isn't enough value in it for the risk).

 

[newbie2014]

I guess the most important thing is to really know before hand what you’re buying. Make sure that it has all the parts that you will need. The price maybe dirt cheap, but what’s the point if it’s missing the part that you need. If in doubt, just buy new.

 

[Philly Reefer]

I guess it does depend on your luck. I bought some used stuff either from here or ebay, fb marketplace, etc. So far.. 3 MP10s. 1 broke down.. 1 white one is very silent. The other black(quiet drive) one is much more noisier than the white one.. so.. yeah.. not much luck on those.. I think I'm just going to take the plunge and buy a new dryside.

But.. got a used tunze 3155 ato. Works great. Bought BinB skimmer from here for way less than the sticker price and very happy with it.

Heater.. I don't recommend that one used

 

[JoshB94]

I'm running 3 nice systems almost entirely off second hand gear. Probably the biggest factor for me is buying high end used gear. Plenty get buy with Ebay/amazon specials but the savings you can get used top of the line is so much more worth it IMO. Looking for general cleanliness of the system is a big part for me. If the tank looks awful, I'm not gonna buy the equipment.

 

[Gablami]

I agree with a lot of the points brought up. Some other tips are, take a look at the photos that are posted. If the equipment is dirty, and the environment is a mess, that gives me clues to the seller. On the other hand, if the equipment is cleaned well, it gives me clues that the seller will package and ship the item with care.

also look at responsiveness. If someone responds right away, gives plenty of information plus more, that’s a good thing. If someone takes 2 days to get back to you, beware!

 

[Betex]

For anyone who has bought used gear, what has your experience been? Have you ever been burned? If not how did you avoid "the bad stuff?"

I've been on the wrong end of a few used equipment sales in a couple different hobbies and now am hesitant to buy used, even if the prices look good. I had to buy a few pieces of gear twice and ended up paying more than what I would have if I had just bought new in the first place. Maybe a case of penny wise pound foolish?

What should someone be looking for in a used tank, sump, calcium reactor, etc. to know whether to avoid or buy? Is there anything you just wouldn't buy used? (Return pumps?)

For me one of the most important things when buying gear is to try to find them less than a year old and ask them for a copy of receipt.
This has allowed me to replace an mp10 that was going bad and along with wet side mp40.

 

[vetteguy53081]

a- seller reputation
b- brand name
c- product history for reliability
d- age
e- parts availabilty
f- remaining warranty if applicable

 

[fishybizzness]

Also, look at history of past sales. It's a pretty good way of figuring out what kind of seller the person is. Also. Don't be afraid of pm ing the sellers previous buyers, most people on here have no problem giving their honest opinion on a transaction. I've taken some chances with newer members and gotten some great deals on lightly used equipment! Example of past sales, I've seen alot of @vetteguy53081 past sales and just the fact that he always sells items at reasonable prices and the positive response from buyers shows me that he is not selling to get rich, he just wants others to enjoy the hobby as much as he does. Always trust your spidey senses, mine have saved me alot of grief!! A little research goes a long way in purchase satisfaction!

 

[McPuff]

I've had very good experiences buying used equipment. BUT I usually don't buy individual parts... I buy a full setup even if there's just a pump that I want and nothing else. That way, I sell off what I don't need which either offsets the costs of the equipment I keep, or makes it free. There will always be parts that get trashed/recycled but whatever. Buy smart and you'll be fine.

 

[Cory]

Ive bought plenty of used stuff. Some was fine others were not. A few times ive been at a loss because the seller sold me something that was working but there was always something wrong with it later on. For example a used tank, found out later they redid the silicone themselves. Bought a doser with a broken screen. Replaced it for another 100. Bought an external pump that fluctuates water level. Bought an ozonizer that didnt work at all. Replaced the cell for 100 still doesnt work. Imo dont buy anything electric... which is pretty much everything lol, unless that person can be recontacted later on, in which my case none of them could be.

 

[92Miata]

When I buy used - I ask myself the question : "Will I be okay having paid this price if the unit fails in a year?". If I can't say yes, its too expensive.


I was perfectly fine paying $300 for a used Gen 3 XR30. $700+ for a Gen 5? No thanks. Too much risk.

And always pay using a method that allows you to get your money back if it shows up broken.