Help with purchase of 125

[1BadHawk]

I have a 90g thats been up and running for 4-5 yrs now. Im ready to upgrade but dont want anything too obsecenely large. I like the convenient size of the 90 since Im not too restricted as to where I can place the tank and stand in the house.

My question is this. Im getting ready to buy a 125g used, tank only, possibly with a 10g sump and maybe a pump or two. The tank has "
3 sections" according to the seller, and the only damage is a scratch on the front glass near the bottom. A deep 4" sand bed should hide it.

Its pre drilled for a closed loop system, 2 intakes and 4 returns. Bulkheads included. Built in dual corner over flows. Is $200.00 a decent buy for this?

I looked last week at the lfs and there 125s, tank only run between 330.00 and 400.00. No holes.

[Geoff]

i bought mine new for $249. at petwarehouse locally. the big question is who made the tank. tank alone it seems a bit high, just a bit. but with all of the other stuff it could be a great price, depending on the pump/s. are the holes close to where you want them?

G~

[Casey]

I would never by used especially one already drilled used. I would get a new one and have it drilled the way you want,I just dont trust used tanks.mo Casey

[1BadHawk]

I would never by used especially one already drilled used. I would get a new one and have it drilled the way you want,I just dont trust used tanks.mo Casey

Can you elaberate a little as to why you would never buy a used tank? I agree that buying new allows you to customise it to your own needs/wants.


GEOFF
249? Thats a prety good deal. Ive looked at a couple of local fish stores and they want 330.00 for their cheapest brand, tank only, up to 400.00 for the "so called higher quality brand" Which to me is an oxymoron.

I even called PetCo since they have the cheapest prices on just about anything. Their price was 329.99 for a 125 and that was without the overflows.

Seems to me that 200.00 would be a decent deal. Privided that is, that its not damaged to excess. I mean, its only a fish tank. Ive never heard of someone buying a "lower quality" tank and it falling apart on them, gushing water throughout the house, and leaving precious corals and fish to fend for themselves as the bounce off the floor.


I dunno. I guess thats why Im asking.
Now if I could find one for 245 new then I would definately go that route, and have the holes drilled myself. That way I can chose their location, size etc.

But chances of that happening are prety slim. I think Ive checked just about every where localy that I can think of and were talking 300 and up plus tax.

Thanks though for your input, I appreciate it. Please keep them coming. Maybe Im wrong, and have tunnel vision and not looking at the BIG picture here.

[Casey]

I have bought them before used only to find out after they tell me it doesnt leak sure enough a small leak in the corner then i have to fight them for my money back so never again for me always new.imo Casey

[1BadHawk]

Casey: Fair enough. I can totaly relate. I would feel same way. I bought a skimer and a few other things from a guy in PA a few years ago. He through in a 30g tank as a sump for like 5 bucks. Come find out the thing was leaking from the bottom glass along the frame edge. He failed to mention that. And I failed to notice it on my initial inspection. I just gave it a quick once over looking for the obvious ships and crack.

Now the skimmer (Berlin) works perfetc. Bought it and the pump for like 30 bucks.

Chalked up as lessons learned.

[Casey]

Cool well was just trying to help you avoid the headaches I had, I have learned my lesson Casey

[Geoff]

sorry, it was petsupermaket. we have them locally here.

G~

[beach bum]

You should offer no more than 150 IMO Used tanks, glass especially are hard to sell for obvious reasons, so he'll be happy to find a buyer. 125's are fairly common, so make sure it is in terrific shape, if it's not, keep searching - another will come along. It is my personal opinion as well that the larger tanks - 75 and up - no matter who makes them will be generally sturdy and durable. If you have doubts about it have him fill it with tap water to see before you buy.

I might also mention that 10g is very small sump for a 125g tank, the extra volume, accessability, flexibility and peace of mind of a larger sump is worth it.

hth

[1BadHawk]

Thx beach, and yea 10 is too small. I have a 35 Ill probably use. Also a 20g one or the other.

[Big Dave]

One thing that has not been mentioned is that if you are going to make this a 'reef' tank, you need to make sure there has not been any copper in the tank. Copper meds will leach into any little crack and crevice and are pretty much impossible to get out.

BUT, I bought my tank used and had no problems. My tank was not drilled but very easy to drill myself. This could stir up another can of worms, depends on who you ask, but I would check out ebay. I found somebody's auction that lived close to myself that had a 135 with oak stand and canopy. I won the auction for $300-. I see tanks in the 120-150 gallon size go for close to that all the time. May be worth checking out. Check your local paper as well. Some times you can find a steal in there too. HTH

-Big Dave

[1BadHawk]

Good idea Dave: Ive been keeping my eye in the newspaper and the local pennysaver. Also have checked out ebay a couple times. Most of the prices on ebay are fairly competative. Same range 150-250, depending on extra.

Most of the listings localy are for complete setups. Its been difficult for me find someone selling JUST what I want and not the extras.

I was mostly concerned weather 200 was an unreasonable amount to pay for a used tank. Provided its not damaged

[Tonto]

I think that is a good price, if the pumps & everything are OK.
I comb the used sections all the time and that seems a little below the average.
I found a new acrylic 125 RR w/ stand & canopy for $400.00 at a local shop but that’s the best I’ve seen.
Good luck