Has there been a case where a used tank failed you?

[Jesterrace]

I've been interested in a reef tank for a long time and with a hefty salary increase, big tax returns, and a bonus, I can finally buy one. I still want to save money since corals seem to be insanely expensive. Went to the store today and saw nickel sized frags that were worth over $100.

I'm tempted to buy a used Red Sea tank. I think it's the 250 (need clarification but pics look like the 250). I can save a good $400 if I buy used. The pics on Craigslist look good, seller seems cool, and tanks been used for a year.

Before I found this, I was going to get the SCA 50 PNP setup. It's smaller but I think it can fit all of the fish I like. A flame, 2 clownfish, hawkfish, diamond goby, Midas blenny, firefish, and a wrasse. So why get the smaller 50 gallon? It's new.

It looks like many people get used tanks but it's hard for me to get over the fear of a leak or flood. Should I just suck it up and get the used Red Sea tank or go with the new one? If anything, I can just throw $400 at a new Red Sea but $400 isn't chump change.

I didn't have an issue with leaks but I am sure glad I decided to test out my LED lights before filling the tank. I highly recommend turning the lights on a tank as they can clearly show what would otherwise be hidden. This is what I am talking about:

 

[FredsNJReef]

I didn't have an issue with leaks but I am sure glad I decided to test out my LED lights before filling the tank. I highly recommend turning the lights on a tank as they can clearly show what would otherwise be hidden. This is what I am talking about:

What WARS went on it that tank?!;Nailbiting;Nurse;Punch

 

[FFFishy]

Just my opinion....
Go new. More importantly, consider the size of your tank very carefully. Many reefers, when asked “what would you have done differently?” would answer “Bigger tank”. I’m in that situation now. Upgrading is an enjoyable process. But it’s much more expensive than choosing the “right” tank your first time around.

 

[Mark Gray]

I have had a new 55 gallon blow the front bottom seal. water hit the ceiling drained in less than 1.5 minutes. I would buy new if I were you

 

[Reeferguy365]

Like everyone else said if it's in good condition and seems look fine I'd go with it save the money you'll need it on other stuff. I was cautious when I bought my 180 the lady had it in a indoor storage for 10 years and I also drilled it but ive had it up and running for over a year now and works great.

 

[MhysaPizza]

Tank is gone lol. Looks like someone snatched it. I'm not too upset because now I have an excuse to get a new one and don't have to mull over this.

I know that sumps are better so I was looking at pre-built ones like the Reefer 170 which is 24 x 20 x 20. The size seems nice and volume looks nice too. I'm not ready to build one myself.

I was also thinking of the Nuvo 40 which is also the same dimensions as the Reefer 170 but the back sump takes up a good amount of space so its actually smaller. There is a new company called Waterbox that has an AIO with the sump built into the tank that is 24 x 24 x 18. The actual display or swimming area is the same as the Reefer though because the sump takes like 4 inches or so. It's larger than the Nuvo 40.

The Waterbox setup is also like $500 cheaper overall. Is a sump that beneficial? Like $500 bucks beneficial?

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

Really surprised how lopsided this thread has been towards a new system. I’ve felt like in the past I’ve mostly seen people steer new reefers towards used tanks & systems.

 

[cmcoker]

How big are your hands? Lol

I have 2 biocubes and a reefer 250. It's much easier to work in the sump than an AIO compartment, my hands barely fit into the rear compartments and depending on how large the tank is and how its situated can make it more difficult.

Sumped system is easier to access equipment. Also have more equipment options usually, as you are not as restricted in space. It also gives you larger water volume to help with stability.

So it just depends if that is worth the additional cost to you

I think red sea makes an AIO that you can add a sump on later if you want to look at that as an option

 

[Jesterrace]

What WARS went on it that tank?!;Nailbiting;Nurse;Punch

The only thing I can figure is that the prior owner either used steel wool or was in such a rush to get the tank cleaned out that he got some sand on his scrubber and kept scrubbing. Come to think of it there was some sand smeared on the front of the glass when I bought it. I just assumed it was there as residual when he flushed it out.

 

[Jesterrace]

Really surprised how lopsided this thread has been towards a new system. I’ve felt like in the past I’ve mostly seen people steer new reefers towards used tanks & systems.

Not lopsided against, just pointing out that people need to double check a few things before buying used. I still adovocate buying used provided they check for leaks and scratches first.

 

[EmptyWallet]

I got a 8 foot x 2 foot x 2 foot 10mm glass tank that is probably 10 to 20 years old (for next to nothing). Resealed it myself and eternally hope the glass doesn't break! A year later all good. Bought an Acrylic used tank too that had a 'yellow tinge' hoping to buff it out - that didn't work out for me. In hindsight it's not worth taking the risk on an old used tank as the potential loss of live stock is far more than what you've saved! Used tanks are great for sumps, quaranteen, frag tanks etc, but not displays in my opinion

 

[Katrina71]

I have been very happy with my used tanks. I had a new tank flood my floor...

 

[tony'stank]

I would be very careful. I own a RSR 450.after two years I notice a little flaking if the black silicone, likely from algae scraping. I would also inspect the stand. I have slight delamination of the plastic covering because of saltwater spills. For a $400. Savings I probably would not chance it

 

[MhysaPizza]

How big are your hands? Lol

I have 2 biocubes and a reefer 250. It's much easier to work in the sump than an AIO compartment, my hands barely fit into the rear compartments and depending on how large the tank is and how its situated can make it more difficult.

Sumped system is easier to access equipment. Also have more equipment options usually, as you are not as restricted in space. It also gives you larger water volume to help with stability.

So it just depends if that is worth the additional cost to you

I think red sea makes an AIO that you can add a sump on later if you want to look at that as an option

Did some more number crunching and only $200 more for the Red Sea which has a sump compared to a similar AIO model. Think I'll go with the sump since stand comes and I don't have to spend time building my own lol.

 

[captainsmitty]

25 years ago I bought a used acrylic tank, 6 months later, I came home to an empty tank from a full blowout of a seam. I never bought a used tank again and never had a failure. If the tank is clean and not that old it would probably be just fine.

I did the same thing with a used 55 gal tank. After setting it up and for the first time sitting down after getting it filled it had a seam let go. 55 gal of water drained in like 2 minuets. Ill never buy a used tank again. and after many years I purchased a new plexi tank. again after 2 years it was scratched up and looked like crap. On the other hand I have a 20 gal glass tank that i have had for almost 30 years and looks as good as the day I purchased it.
No mpre plastic's for me.

 

[JoshKReef]

I purchased a 72 gallon corner bowfront used when I started. 6 months later a side seal leaks right onto my power strip (newb mistake). I came home to my house smelling like a fire, and my power out because the breaker tripped.

After this, I bought a new Reefer 350 and have no regrets.

 

[Greybeard]

Really surprised how lopsided this thread has been towards a new system. I’ve felt like in the past I’ve mostly seen people steer new reefers towards used tanks & systems.

I'm a big proponent of purchasing used gear. After many years of doing so, I'm less enthused about buying used TANKS. It's not that you can't save money there, you can, and it's not that you can't find good used tanks, you can... it's that, for me, the tank itself is (A) not a large factor in the overall cost of a reef system, and (B) has a HUGE impact on my enjoyment of the system. You're going to look at that glass box EVERY SINGLE DAY. Buy one you're going to be happy with.

If you buy used, your selection is limited. Buying a bigger tank than you really want will cost you dearly. Tank costs go up dramatically as size increases. You want a 4' tank, end up with a great deal on a 6' tank, you're going to throw way more money at it in the end than you would have if you'd have bought a brand new, even custom, 4' tank. Buying smaller than you really want is a good way to end up buying it all AGAIN to get what you wanted in the first place... not a great way to stay under budget!

IMHO: Pick the tank size that you really want. If you can pick a 'standard' size, you'll save a ton of money, but even if you can't, and end up having to go custom, the price of the glass box is NOT going to make or break a budget in this hobby.

I have a used 8x54w T5 fixture. Paid $80 for it, installed new ballasts and new bulbs, polished up the reflector, I'm overjoyed with my purchase.

I have a used Vertex 180i skimmer. Awesome piece of hardware, and far better than I would have bought, had I bought one new.

I have a used 55g tank converted to a sump. Don't care about how pretty it is, don't care if it's scratched... it's a sump. Saved a good deal on that purchase.

There are many other components of my system that are either used, or bargain, or 'black Friday' purchases.

Tank? Custom 60" x 30" x 18" Planet Aquarium. Paid full retail, and it was worth it.

 

[Reeferguy365]

I'm a big proponent of purchasing used gear. After many years of doing so, I'm less enthused about buying used TANKS. It's not that you can't save money there, you can, and it's not that you can't find good used tanks, you can... it's that, for me, the tank itself is (A) not a large factor in the overall cost of a reef system, and (B) has a HUGE impact on my enjoyment of the system. You're going to look at that glass box EVERY SINGLE DAY. Buy one you're going to be happy with.

If you buy used, your selection is limited. Buying a bigger tank than you really want will cost you dearly. Tank costs go up dramatically as size increases. You want a 4' tank, end up with a great deal on a 6' tank, you're going to throw way more money at it in the end than you would have if you'd have bought a brand new, even custom, 4' tank. Buying smaller than you really want is a good way to end up buying it all AGAIN to get what you wanted in the first place... not a great way to stay under budget!

IMHO: Pick the tank size that you really want. If you can pick a 'standard' size, you'll save a ton of money, but even if you can't, and end up having to go custom, the price of the glass box is NOT going to make or break a budget in this hobby.

Tank? Custom 60" x 30" x 18" Planet Aquarium. Paid full retail, and it was worth it.

yeah but when you read the post the used tank is the exact tank he wanted and would have saved a decent amount of money and when you think about my case I got a 180 gallon tank that I wanted but couldn't afford. The tank and stand that I wanted was $1800 and that's no equipment just glass box and stand. got a used tank for $200 with a sump and other parts that I end up Trading 4 my protein skimmer and one of my powerheads so since I went with a used tank I was able to buy all equipment necessary and sand and rock to start it up. So to get to the point depending on what size tank you're buying if the used one is in great condition you can save a significant amount of money and I'm sure we all like to save money when we can this hobby isn't exactly cheap. Probably worse than drugs sometimes lol

 

[Purpletank]

Yea 1 year. I think the Red Sea is the one with the sump. Pretty sure it's not the AIO. It's $725 for the white.

White Back? Don’t recommend it. While it does a great job dispersing light, it’s a
P A I N to keep clean. Looks beautiful when clean. Awful when spotted with algae. Gets really old trying to keep it clean.

 

[JaimeAdams]

I woke up one morning to 75 gallons of water on my floor. Bottom seam gave out on a used tank that I bought after several months. I have nothing against used tanks, but it is certainly a risk. I don't mind used equipment, everything I have is used, but in reality to cost of the tank is not the most expensive part of the equation. My live stock in even just my red sea reefer 170 is worth many times to cost of the tank. If that tank drained out I would probably question staying in the hobby.

The other part is that the original poster had a must have fish list that would not fit in some of the systems mentioned.