Tips for buying used setup

sketty55 · May 1, 2019

Hi all, glad to have found this site! My experience is pre-newbie and there is no sub forum for this, so i'll just post away here! I've had an interest in my first setup for about ten years now, but I always shied away as I was told how difficult and challenging the maintenance is. However, based on a recent trip, an employee at my local store told me that it isn't that much more difficult over freshwater if you have the right equipment and you spend the time to focus on the mandatory maintenance things like water changes. I had no idea this involves and had to ask.

I plan to look in to a used large tank and have taken a look at some of the offerings on Kijiji. I appreciate any tips on how to understand if the equipment is in good shape\matches what I actually need\is not damaged, etc. Appreciate any general tips or advice before I start going out to look.

FishyFish · May 1, 2019

Welcome, new fishy friend!

I asked this same question recently and got a ton of replies, you might check out this thread for some good info: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/which-pieces-of-equipment-should-you-never-buy-used.583572/

As far as buying the tank itself, I would ask how old it is first and whether it holds water. If you can find one with water already in it, even better! Personally as a newbie I would stay away from anything with chips or cracks. Some of them can be repaired safely but unless you know for sure I wouldn't chance it. Make sure you check the seams really carefully for chips.

If you're really new my advice is either to buy a tank that is currently running and includes everything, or wait a while and save up money while you do some more research. Trust me, you don't want to start buying pieces and then realize halfway through that you want a bigger tank or that some of the stuff you bought won't work. I would also advise buying the biggest tank that you can afford and have room for. Bigger tanks are easier to keep stable and if you end up enjoying the hobby you will be wanting a bigger tank real soon anyway.

They are a lot of work, but probably not that much more than freshwater as long as you keep up with the maintenance. I find the work really enjoyable too, it's a very rewarding hobby. One last piece of advice, please pick up an RODI unit. I know that sounds like an advanced piece of equipment that you don't need starting out but believe me you'll be so glad that you got one!

RJinPV · May 1, 2019

What kind of tank do you want? A Reef tank or a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock)? I ask because the tank footprint makes a difference. A tall and skinny tank (skinny from front to back) may be ok for a FOWLR but if you want coral than you want maximize the front to back distance to maximize the illuminated surface area of live rock for coral growth. I discovered this because the 36" x 15" of my tank is limiting to me and I would have preferred 20" or 24" front to back. I also prefer a sump setup versus an All in One. You have more ease and flexibility with protein skimmers and the possibility of having a refugium.

Also, go with glass and not acrylic. Acrylic tanks are harder to scrape algae off and they scratch too easily

Jekyl · May 1, 2019

Welcome! You for sure came to the right place for answers. Everyone on here is very helpful. A good place to start besides these forums is watching BRS 52 weeks of reefing on YouTube. On there it will explain just about everything. Only thing you have to keep in mind is that it's a retailer making the video. Some equipment is necessary, some is not, but it's very informational.