Tank value

Susan Edwards · May 28, 2019

I'm not sure I'm allowed to ask this. I'm not looking to sell here, just get some general thoughts and advice. I'm tearing down my RS Max c250 (66 gal AIO). I set it up 11/2016 and it was new. Last year I replaced the original lights with steve's LED's so that is a huge upgrade. It's bluetooth with some extras. Those lights alone were expensive. Close to 1000.

What is a good range to have as an asking price considering the led hood. Everything works, though the skimmer often needs to be taken out, cleaned and put back. But otherwise, all good.

I bought it used, but it had never been used. Just set up out of the box. Guy realized it would be too heavy for his mobile home, turned around to sell and get a smaller tank. I paid 800 which was an absolute steal. He had it at 1100 at first.

Any advice welcome

Peace River · May 28, 2019

Susan Edwards said:
I'm not sure I'm allowed to ask this. I'm not looking to sell here, just get some general thoughts and advice. I'm tearing down my RS Max c250 (66 gal AIO). I set it up 11/2016 and it was new. Last year I replaced the original lights with steve's LED's so that is a huge upgrade. It's bluetooth with some extras. Those lights alone were expensive. Close to 1000.

What is a good range to have as an asking price considering the led hood. Everything works, though the skimmer often needs to be taken out, cleaned and put back. But otherwise, all good.

I bought it used, but it had never been used. Just set up out of the box. Guy realized it would be too heavy for his mobile home, turned around to sell and get a smaller tank. I paid 800 which was an absolute steal. He had it at 1100 at first.

Any advice welcome

Thank you for your gracious question. There really isn't a blue book for aquariums like there is for cars and there is no standard pricing for used tanks. From my experience there is a big variation depending on parts of the country and even from one city or community to another. Even if I were to offer you a number it would be little more than a wild guess for where you live. I suggest that you check out craigslist (or other local online resources) or even reach out to a local reef club (or even a freshwater club) to understand the local market for aquarium equipment. If you do decide to sell it online remember that a good picture can make a big difference. Good luck!

Susan Edwards · May 28, 2019

Peace River said:
Thank you for your gracious question. There really isn't a blue book for aquariums like there is for cars and there is no standard pricing for used tanks. From my experience there is a big variation depending on parts of the country and even from one city or community to another. Even if I were to offer you a number it would be little more than a wild guess for where you live. I suggest that you check out craigslist (or other local online resources) or even reach out to a local reef club (or even a freshwater club) to understand the local market for aquarium equipment. If you do decide to sell it online remember that a good picture can make a big difference. Good luck!

Thanks. I realize it will not be easy to figure out. At least I'm in an area of California where there is money and access to several cities close to where I am.

Peace River · May 28, 2019

Susan Edwards said:
Thanks. I realize it will not be easy to figure out. At least I'm in an area of California where there is money and access to several cities close to where I am.

Do you still have the original lights? If so, you may want to package those with the tank and try to sell the new LEDs separately on eBay. Obviously it is a lot easier to ship the lights than the tank so you may be able to sell the lights on eBay and you should be able to find a comparable to give you insights pricing. One other thing to think about is how fast you need to sell the tank - that is a really nice tank, but not everyone may understand what they are looking at. If you can wait then you may be able to find someone who appreciates what they are getting and be willing to pay for it.

Susan Edwards · May 28, 2019

Peace River said:
Do you still have the original lights? If so, you may want to package those with the tank and try to sell the new LEDs separately on eBay. Obviously it is a lot easier to ship the lights than the tank so you may be able to sell the lights on eBay and you should be able to find a comparable to give you insights pricing. One other thing to think about is how fast you need to sell the tank - that is a really nice tank, but not everyone may understand what they are looking at. If you can wait then you may be able to find someone who appreciates what they are getting and be willing to pay for it.

Hi Peace. In putting in the new lights, you basically had to butcher the old and toss most of it, cutting some wires etc. So there would not have been any way to save the old hood, unless I had purchased a totally new hood so the led lights have to go with the tank as I don't want to part out the lid <g> and sell without.

It is a nice tank, and I'm not in a hurry. I suspect once I figure out a price range--seeing what they are going for and adding for the lights, I'll start high figuring I can come down.