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

revhtree · Nov 8, 2016

Nice thread!

ReefersDirect · Nov 8, 2016

When you buy new unused items you tend to spend more but you also do not inherit problems of someone's used equipment(if they cleaned it or not or if they took it apart wrong for example) and sometimes with used equipment it ends up costing more in the long run because you end up buying a replacement and the price doubles. If you can afford it I say buy it new but if you cant buy used with caution.

Jeff.:P:. · Nov 8, 2016

I have bought multiple Ecotech mp10 and mp40's used and highly recommend buying them this way. Its a great way to purchase these expensive powerheads at a great price that last forever, and product support is excellent. I have seen multiple used ATI t5 fixtures that are going for awesome prices, including the one I have!

kendavjac · Nov 8, 2016

Used. The price difference between new and used is ridiculous. For example: Last tank: 125g (2 minor scratches in glass), with 40g sump, stand, ATI T5 lights, reef octo skimmer, 100lbs of live rock, 2 cheap power heads, and a 4 stage RO/DI water maker for a grand total of $600. Granted it took me about 2 months watching craigslist to find it and I had to drive 5 hours to pick it up, but well worth it. The only thing I have done to the tank is added LED's (2 cheep Chinese + the 1 I already had). I'm only about $750 into the tank. I'm probably going to sell the ATI T5 fixture so that will more then offset what I spend on the LED's. This is the 6th tank (55, 60, 75, 45, 29, 125) I have bought this way. Even adding all of these together I doubt I have spent more $$$ then most people spend on a brand new 100+gallon tank with all of the bells and whistles.

aquaman67 · Nov 8, 2016

Ok. This may seem like a dumb question but where does everyone find used equipment?

Buford25 · Nov 8, 2016

aquaman67 said:
Ok. This may seem like a dumb question but where does everyone find used equipment?

Craigs list or ever right here on R2R

TheHarold · Nov 8, 2016

Depends. Got a killer deal on a loaded like new Reefer 350 with all high end equipment for maybe a fourth of the "new" price. Actually parted out and sold some of the extras and it paid for itself!

SteveySingle · Nov 8, 2016

Depends. I bought a used MP40 recently but I refuse to ever buy a used skimmer again..lights, I bought a brand new ATI and a used Matrixx. I have no regrets on either

marissas47 · Nov 9, 2016

Personally I buy used a lot of the time if things are in good shape as I hate spending full price on something if I can get it at a deep discount for being barely used. I also try to wait for black friday for some things and get them on a good sale. Haven't really had any issues buying used and it works for me !

atoll · Nov 9, 2016

90% of my equipment is used including my tank. Thank you the must have latest equipment people you have saved me a packet and I have acquired some great used bargains. I couldn't have done it without you.

JayC · Nov 9, 2016

I buy my fish used. Saves me alot of money.

Diesel · Nov 9, 2016

JayC said:
I buy my fish used. Saves me alot of money.

Are all fish just used before all ready?
Same for corals

143MPCo · Nov 9, 2016

Great thread!!!

For me it all depends on what I'm looking for, some items I don't care if they are used or not (to an extent) while others, it boils down to reliability, so I want new. Things like heaters, skimmers (pumps), and probes must be new in box. Other stuff like sumps etc., I try to find used.

reef4beer · Nov 9, 2016

It get's to a point where you just go with new, been reefing for almost 7 years and I've done the used route and new.

Really depends on what it is, I bought my tank used and regret every day I did because of all the scratches I noticed after the fact. To be honest i'm more of a buy equipment new person, even though it'll cost a bit more, prefer the new warranty and/or hope of it not breaking on me.

The only thing I definitely buy new are corals

BigJim · Nov 9, 2016

aquaman67 said:
Ok. This may seem like a dumb question but where does everyone find used equipment?

Look for local reef clubs or facebook groups. They are a great place to find used equipment. Craigslist and the selling forum on R2R are also good places as Buford25 said.

MmmmBalf · Nov 9, 2016

I like to keep an eye out for unused but pre-owned items. I've been lucky enough to pick up a few big ticket items this way:

My ATI 48" 8 tube powermodule hybrid. Bought by person for an in wall build but it didn't fit. So I got it heavily discounted never used.

Skimmer - bought by person and it didn't fit their sump. It was imported, so they took a bit of a hit and sold it on, new still in the plastic in the box.

And my tank! Tank, sump and stand. Custom built for a reefer who already had an 8' tank and was looking to do a second tank. After starting the build, his work situation changed and he didn't have time for it, so decided to sell. Again I got a new, never used tank for a great discounted price.

So you could say I like to buy my gear new - but second hand.

MaiReef · Nov 9, 2016

I use both. I will not get a glass tank(without redoing the silicone) or a heater used. You really have to look at condition and age vs. price. New comers to the hobby get hosed both buying new and used as they don't check different venues or ask an experienced hobbyist, but that happens with every hobby. Unfortunately, you cant just go to your local fish store for everything unless you want to overpay on something.

Phil Cusimano · Nov 9, 2016

A mix of both for me, I'll buy lightly used equipment from aquarium society members and new equipment, would consider buying use from R2R member and already support some selected sponsors that I truly trust. That said I'll never buy a used heater or tank. Just the way I am about those the items, FWIW.

gig 'em · Nov 9, 2016

I am always looking for deals and ways to make my dollar stretch a little further in this expensive hobby. Used equipment at a deep discount is a great way to do that and you can find some really great deals on equipment that functions just as well as new equipment!

That being said, I have been burned on multiple occasions from buying used equipment that dies on me within a year resulting in me buying a new version and essentially spending even more on a product I could have bought brand new up front. I have learned to never buy used pumps of any kind. Not return pumps, not protein skimmer pumps, not power heads. I will trust equipment that don't have moving parts: jugs, reactor canisters, protein skimmer bodies. Most lights I have bought used have been decent investments, but not all.

In the end I try to buy new when I can because that's the only way I can control quality and know for a fact there isn't a hidden defect. Occasionally I will take advantage of a good deal from someone getting out of the hobby!

Diesel · Nov 9, 2016

Awesome comments guys, keep it coming as many new members would be interested in good used equipment to start their first dream reef.
Now let me ask you guys this to all who already responded but also who didn't but can fill in this question.
"What do you watch for when you buy used?"
For example a tank......... you don't want scratches, pumps not to old.