Tips for buying 2nd hand tanks

[Dbichler]

Tips I have are never more than 25% cost of new unless you can make your money back parting it out. Must be full and running when you get there takes extra time but at least you know what is currently working. Others have already started the other stuff. Of course but all new sand don’t take any of theirs. Live rock is fine but don’t pay much for it because you will want to clean it completely a anyways.

 

[FSP]

I generally don't, because tanks aren't allowed to fail like other equipment That said, I don't mind used if the tank was a good one from day (mdb's comment about Oceanic tanks), was properly taken care of and the owner isn't delusion about pricing. These things don't happen very often at the same time

The problem I have with a lot of tanks is they weren't built that well to begin with (thin material and sloppy assembly). Most new hobbyists just don't last long enough for it to matter. The size tank where shoddy construction is an acceptable risk to me, maybe ~30 gallons or so, is available dirt cheap and new at Petcomart. Above that, I think any "savings" buying a used tank need to be carefully considered.