[MrScuito]

My taxes will be here soon and I want to go big. My wife has me on a budget of about $500. New is obviously not an option and so I've been checking Craigslist. I'm suprised at all the full setups I'm seeing. My ? is how do I pick a tank? What should I look for?

Here are the links to two of the ones I like:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/for/1546367392.html

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/for/1543994387.html

 

[david426]

Uhhh...No brainer...the 180; of course!!
The 180 did not mention as to whether or not it had a skimmer. Still, get the biggest you can...you'll spend about the same money on either one to trick it out and get it finished so you might as well end up with a 180.

 

[crvz]

I'd look at age of the tank, any obvious scratches (some are impossible to see until there's water in it, others disappear with water, so that's always a gamble), investigate the silicone. Chips. Etc.

 

[MrScuito]

So bigger is better? Do I need to compare equipment brands? What should I look for? Are there any questions I should ask the seller? Or things that I should avoid when choosing

 

[MrScuito]

The 180 sold to bad I'll keep looking

 

[david426]

Well bigger isn't necessarily better...it depends on what you want. I mean, nano tanks are cool too. As for me, I'm on my seventh tank and I always kept having to have a bigger tank because I wanted more stuff; but that's me.
I think the 180 is acrylic so if you're getting it empty you can buff out most scratches. The older acrylic was susceptible to yellowing and bulging but the newer stuff is not.

 

[dbjohnso]

ive seen 180's that are 3/8" thick and warp easy and sell real cheap.....I use to have one that did..the front bowed out nearly 2" after 5 years.....sold it....

 

[Jadinop]

Bigger is only better if you can afford the proper equipment and upkeep.

The acrylic 180 has some nice equipment. It's reef ready. The Tek light is nice but it's a 48in fixture over a 60in tank. The skimmer looks to be an ASM G3 (maybe a G2), not the best but certainly not bad. The sump has some usable space once you ditch the bioballs.

The 75 has a bunch of equipment. It looks like a HOB overflow or it's drilled at the top. Coralife 65 Super skimmer is slightly undersized. Sump looks a little DIY, can be good or bad depending on the DIY'er. The halides and chiller are a nice bonus. Can't tell much more from the pics.

For me it would be an easy choice, I dislike acrylic for display tanks.

edit, took too long typing. The 180 isn't an option now.

 

[fihsboy]

I too would consider the 75...looks to be in decent shape. I would ask to look at it first. Inspect the crud out of it! If all the seals look good, ballasts and other equipment are kept up nice.....then you have a deal. Usually......people either take care of there stuff or they dont......I know people in my reef club, that if i buy something from them......i know im getting quality stuff. Such as jadinop.....I bought my lights from him, and they may as well have came in the box, they were in absolutly perfect condition. Just make sure you look over it very very well.

 

[MrScuito]

Do any of you know of any other resorces in the Portland, Ore area to check for a used complete setup

 

[Jadinop]

Craigslist is a good way to go. Just be patient and keep watching. It's a buyers market for used setups and equipment now.

 

[MrScuito]

what do you all think of this one?

http://salem.craigslist.org/for/1550099108.html

 

[david426]

Looks pretty cool to me. I wonder what they mean when they say it has a plenum? I know what a plenum is but what are they talking about when they say one is already installed?

 

[Loverotties]

You have Craiglist,paper,clubs and e-bay!