!!!!!! Used vs New !!!!!!

Diesel · Nov 7, 2016

We talking hobby related equipment here, do you like to hunt for used equipment till you got a whole setup together or do you go full out and get new?
Maybe you choose mix of some used equipment and some new and if you do tell us why?
Why is it that some equipment you better of buying new?

BigJim · Nov 7, 2016

I will buy used only if it is lightly used or if it isn't for my display (pump for mixing salt, fuge light, etc. ). Basically anything that won't leave me scrambling if it breaks. I got a great deal on my skimmer when someone bought it and upgraded to a larger model before even using it. I think usually wait for a good sale before buying anything new.

Diesel · Nov 7, 2016

BigJim said:
I will buy used only if it is lightly used or if it isn't for my display (pump for mixing salt, fuge light, etc. ). Basically anything that won't leave me scrambling if it breaks. I got a great deal on my skimmer when someone bought it and upgraded to a larger model before even using it. I think usually wait for a good sale before buying anything new.

That makes sense.

Buford25 · Nov 7, 2016

I go both. Bought my tank used about 2 years ago. Also love Craigslist and not to mention R2R. Recently just move and the prices of the hobby in my current state are so much more expensive then the prior state I was living in. So any deal is a good deal here. If you are patient you can find great deals everywhere!

Salty1962 · Nov 7, 2016

I didn't have the budget to purchase all new so I took the slow route. I waited until I had everything I wanted on my tank, @1 year. I watched all of the sales I could find and purchased some used. Some used equipment, in good shape and we'll maintained, has a lot of life left in it at a reduced price.
This gave me the ability to test all of my equipment before I took it into my house. JME

Diesel · Nov 7, 2016

Buford25 said:
I go both. Bought my tank used about 2 years ago. Also love Craigslist and not to mention R2R. Recently just move and the prices of the hobby in my current state are so much more expensive then the prior state I was living in. So any deal is a good deal here. If you are patient you can find great deals everywhere!

R2R is a great place for some equipment.
Saw the other day 3 mp40 QD brand new in box for $700 if you take all three, you can't say that are used pumps but never the less great deal.

pelphrey · Nov 7, 2016

I'm split between the two. I like to buy my return pumps and skimmers new. I'll buy used vortech's, but not gyre. I also NEVER buy used heaters, they are pretty cheap brand new.

melypr1985 · Nov 7, 2016

I used to buy all used and usually it would work out fine until I was upgrading, or replacing a few months later. I found that If I did my research and decided exactly what I wanted and bought exactly that, then I was much happier for longer. Of course this applies to anything I buy whether it's new or used. My biggest problem was settling for the used item even though it wasn't exactly what i wanted because the price was right.

4FordFamily · Nov 7, 2016

Diesel said:
We talking hobby related equipment here, do you like to hunt for used equipment till you got a whole setup together or do you go full out and get new?
Maybe you choose mix of some used equipment and some new and if you do tell us why?
Why is it that some equipment you better of buying new?

I buy everything used as far as equipment and dry goods except for the tank glass itself.

Coastie Reefer · Nov 7, 2016

I do both, depending on what it is. I just recently bought 6 hydro koralias for 10 bucks. Need a good cleaning and vinegar soak but they still have plenty of life left in them!

Diesel · Nov 7, 2016

^^^^^ Awesome comments ^^^^^
Now we have a majority of reefers that buy most quality used stuff that has still plenty of life in it.
What is the one piece of equipment you don't want to buy used and why not?

melypr1985 · Nov 7, 2016

Diesel said:
^^^^^ Awesome comments ^^^^^
Now we have a majority of reefers that buy most quality used stuff that has still plenty of life in it.
What is the one piece of equipment you don't want to buy used and why not?

Heaters!! Because you just never know and you dont want to come home to boiled fish

Coastie Reefer · Nov 7, 2016

I'd have to agree with heaters... probably the number one tank nuker.

aquaman30k · Nov 7, 2016

New equipment 95% of the time mainly because the price can't be beat! [emoji6] I buy used if the deal is too good to pass up or I'm in a pinch.

Highgrade · Nov 7, 2016

I prefer new hardware. Less buyers remorse if something goes wrong. Not to mention the warranty factor. As for used corals those are new to me and I'm always happy to find a home for them.

WilRams · Nov 7, 2016

I end up with some used some new but would say it's mostly new. I do so because I know the history of the item and for at least for a short while a warranty on the item. This does lead to my builds taking a very long time since I can't afford to buy everything all at once. Also when it comes time to sell I take a huge hit since everyone wants everything for what feels like free in the classifieds.

This all goes out the window if I see an item on my want list in great condition at a good price.

Salty1962 · Nov 7, 2016

Heaters and the controllers, Return Pumps. Two critical areas in my mind.

Crimsonvice · Nov 8, 2016

I am split like the rest of the crowd. I have combed the classifieds and have found some great deals on quality equipment. Even today I posted a WTB for a GHL doser, and someone had one that was only used for a few months they were looking to get rid of. I can't complain there.

However, heaters I for sure would not buy used. I am also on the fence about return pumps. To me it is one of the key components to the tank. I would rather have a new pump and be 100% sure its going to run.

Ryan Hunter · Nov 8, 2016

Recently got burned ( no fault of the sellers ) on warranty because I was not the original purchaser. As more manufacturers move to this practice I will only buy new on high dollar items.

becks · Nov 8, 2016

Everything I have purchased has been new, I did look at used equipment but people over here in the U.K. We're asking to much money and were only slightly cheaper than it costs new, which then don't get sold. I also do not believe people when they say how old the equipment is.