Would you ever buy someone's else's setup??

WA98296 · 06-12-2005, 01:37 PM

I am still very much in the learning phase, before moving into the saltwater realm. I won't be ready for awhile, way too much to learn right now. However, I've noticed local ads that have run over the past month in my area. I'm wondering, if buying someone else's setup, then perhaps tweaking it, would be a idea worth considering.

Here is one example of a system that was up for sale up until a couple days ago (with photos):

I have a beautiful 180gal (72x24x24) acylic salt water/reef Tank. Dual built -in -overflow, black back. Custom light oak stand (72x24x36) finished on all sides. Custom light oak high hood canopy (72x24x14) 3 doors on 72"sides. Venturi protein skimmer: Turbo float 1000...Iwaki waterpump..(2) six foot VHO's..(1) 400 watt 10,000k matal halide..(1) sea swirl power head. A large sump with bio balls...UV sterilizer..RO unit...About 250lbs live rock with all kinds of mushrooms...one green Bubble...Tons of live sand and crushed coral...3 yellow tangs, a pair of yellow band maroon clowns..Imperator anglefish just about done changing color, Queen anglefish with streamer..skunk cleaner shrimp,purple urchin ,(2)sand sifting star fish...Tons more..Asking$1600.00 OBO

Would I be crazy to think about something like this?\

Thanks, from your newbie friend Connie

Cosine · 06-12-2005, 01:52 PM

provided all is in good shape I don't see why not
seems like a good price
I'm curious what does an 180g acrylic run new??

WA98296 · 06-12-2005, 01:56 PM

No idea, however there was lots of other stuff. My LFS wants $8 per pound for Live Rock. I'm hoping that I can do better. This particular setup included 250 pounds of live rock, even if I could find it at $4 per pound, that alone would be $1000.

Tim224DT · 06-12-2005, 01:57 PM

Before i bought my tank there was adds like that in the paper all the time. When i went to purchase my tank those adds were no longer there so i had to buy bran new. I dont see why there would be a problem with buying a used tank just make sure everything looks ok on it and the stand

Tim

Tim224DT · 06-12-2005, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WA98296

No idea, however there was lots of other stuff. My LFS wants $8 per pound for Live Rock. I'm hoping that I can do better. This particular setup included 250 pounds of live rock, even if I could find it at $4 per pound, that alone would be $1000.

Buy base rock and LR. Over time the base rock will get corralline growth on it, I started with about 10-15lbs of LR and 130-140lbs of base rock. My tank has been setup since Dec 04 and most of the base rock has green coralline growth on it and some purple and very little pink.

Tim

WA98296 · 06-12-2005, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim224DT

Before i bought my tank there was adds like that in the paper all the time. When i went to purchase my tank those adds were no longer there...
Tim

Sounds like how things generally go for me!

Thanks for the suggestion on the rock, I knew there had to be a slightly less expensive way than $8 a pound for over 100 pounds...

tims · 06-12-2005, 03:16 PM

If you can go see the tank and look for scraches. they woudl have to be done with no water in it. Look at the substrate and look for cyano.. really inspect it good. that is a nice price. even if you dont want the fish. a good trade in!

wharyat · 06-12-2005, 03:20 PM

I know a glass 180 goes for around 800 here. Sounds like a good deal to me

Doug1 · 06-12-2005, 07:25 PM

When looking at buying someones tank that up and running, look real close at EVERYTHING, other than the biobals and too many tangs in a 180 that dont sound to bad, are there ongoing algae issues or anything like that? Why is he selling it, sometimes people just lose interest, usually after long term problems, tho maybe they are just not into it no more, or family obligations override the hobby(babies do that), or perhaps they are moving or have changed jobs., heres where being in a marine club can pay off, even if its not a member selling, usually someone knows someone whos knows the guy.
In the small area I live in, I have seen several 180 established tanks go for $5000 and up, with the owner helping with the move and setup, so if its something you are interested in that may not be a bad deal

Loverotties · 06-12-2005, 08:58 PM

Ussally the tank is the cheepest part of a setup.

OodleyBoodely · 06-12-2005, 10:29 PM

Personally, if I were to buy an established tank w/ all rock/livestock, I would plan ahead to seperate out all the fish/corals into holding tanks for an extended time while I go over the tank and its plumbing and make any upgrades, ect. I would either throw away any substrate or thoroughly, very thoroughly wash it out. Disturbing an established substrate can have catastrophic results! I would pick over all rock and livestock and sell off anything I don't really want befor adding anything back to the tank.