Used Reef Aquarium Value

[msr1015]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for having me here. I am brand new to the hobby and looking to purchase my first reef aquarium. I was wondering what you think the value of a used aquarium is that I'm considering purchasing? I am looking at a 120 gallon reef ready tank and stand, cheap pair of lights (that's what he said), Trigger systems Ruby 36 sump, Octopus 202-S skimmer, an MP40 (needs new wet side), an MP10 (fine), about 100 lbs of rocks, an Apex controller, automatic top off, a RO/DI system and media for reactors. He says there are no leaks or scratches on the tank. He purchased everything new about 3 years ago, except the skimmer which was about 1 year ago.

Thank you.

 

[sde1500]

Decent list of stuff, whats he asking?

 

[msr1015]

He's asking $1,100. He also has 1 Blue Hippo fish. I'm sure that puts it over the top. lol.

 

[JasonK84]

I just built a 120 everything brand new and I'm in over 5 grand. Probably very close to 6. 1,100 may sound high but try pricing all of that out new and you will get the idea.

 

[msr1015]

Thanks Jason. Didn't sound high or low really since I have no idea. So then $1,100 sounds like a fair price I'm guessing.

 

[JasonK84]

Since the mp40's New are $365 alone I don't think it's bad. Then the live rock at 5 or 6 per lb. is another 5 or 6 hundred. I think it's a good deal if you are already in the market for one that size. Did the owner say why he was selling?

 

[JasonK84]

The mp40 wet side will run $75 to replace

 

[msr1015]

Since the mp40's New are $365 alone I don't think it's bad. Then the live rock at 5 or 6 per lb. is another 5 or 6 hundred. I think it's a good deal if you are already in the market for one that size. Did the owner say why he was selling?

He said he's going to be putting his house up for sale then going to go bigger on next tank

 

[Super Fly]

As a general guide when I buy used gear, I don't pay more than 60% of original cost so this tank/package would appear to be a steal.

 

[Swoody]

Just more info.... I purchased a 135g leemar tank with all rock, sump, pumps, heaters stand etc.... everything but a skimmer and lights for $900 a couple years ago so $1100 is not crazy. That being said.... I am already into a new 255 g tank and the $$ I’ve got into it does border on crazy!

 

[sde1500]

That’s a pretty reasonable price

 

[dbjonesjr]

Fair price. That's about what you'd pay if you bought everything separate used. Might be able to get him down a bit if you take everything.

 

[Marekp]

Ya that doesn't seem like a crazy price. I am in the same boat with a 125 gallon tank stocked im pretty sure im at around 6k by now.

 

[Goodair]

The fact that its still running and you can see everything working, thats a good price!

 

[kendavjac]

FYI:Bought a used 125g with stand, sump, protein skimmer. T5 lights, power heads, 100# live rocks, for $450.

 

[dbjonesjr]

FYI:Bought a used 125g with stand, sump, protein skimmer. T5 lights, power heads, 100# live rocks, for $450.

That’s a good deal for all that. However I would say that might not be a great comparison because aside from the lighting everything that comes with this setup is pretty high end. Buying everything new for my 90 and frag system I’ve spent close to 3500 and I haven’t even purchased an Apex or some T5 retrofits. This is a good deal for the included equipment.

 

[Captain Quint]

@msr1015 welcome to R2R.

It is a fair price. I would check about scratches and also whether or not copper has been in it. I only say this because I see no inverts in the tank. And I've seen some wreck a tank with copper.

It's probably emptied but there is generally some type of clean up crew still in a reef tank such as snails or crabs.

Just hard to tell from the pics.

 

[Aquavaj]

I agree that it's a fair price. However your cost may not end there. You'll need a few tote bins to hold the live rock and sand with some water. A few buckets for livestock and battery powered air pumps depending on the drive. If you're short on hands and no truck you may have to factor those costs in too.

When I bought my 120g the seller had nothing so I had to supply everything needed to drain and hold. Had to hire a guy with a cargo van last minute too cause budget screwed me over on my truck reservation.

 

[msr1015]

@msr1015 welcome to R2R.

It is a fair price. I would check about scratches and also whether or not copper has been in it. I only say this because I see no inverts in the tank. And I've seen some wreck a tank with copper.

It's probably emptied but there is generally some type of clean up crew still in a reef tank such as snails or crabs.

Just hard to tell from the pics.

What's the impact of having copper in it? Now your talking way over my head.

 

[dbjonesjr]

What's the impact of having copper in it? Now your talking way over my head.

Copper is not reef safe. Corals and inverts do not like it. Used equipment (such as the tank) can be cleaned well and copper will be removed. Live rock and sand however will soak the copper in and will not be useable in the future for reef aquariums.