what to look for when buying a CL tank

Marchillo · 03/29/2015, 07:47 AM

I'm looking to upgrade from my current 40G Breeder tank that is not drilled and does not have a sump. I am considering a brand new Deep Sea Aquatics tank that should run me at least $1K. I am fine with this but as I wait for the right time to purchase (within the next 2-3 months) I've been looking at tanks on Craigslist. I am attaching a picture of a post. The price is right - I am trying to get the dimensions from the seller. What are the common things I should look for or ask about if this moves forward? The tank is drilled on the side which is not my first choice (I'd also have to approve this with the wife). I know from reading some stuff that I should have him fill the tank to ensure it can hold water without leaks. I will also look for cracks, chips, etc. What else do I need to know?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Steve

SammyL · 03/29/2015, 08:01 AM

The ad says the tank is running, if it is check for any obvious leaks, etc.

IMO with any Craigslist deal, bring someone with you and if you live in a free state, your gun.

zchauvin · 03/29/2015, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SammyL

The ad says the tank is running, if it is check for any obvious leaks, etc.

IMO with any Craigslist deal, bring someone with you and if you live in a free state, your gun.

+1 my H&K p30 always rides with me

Chevrefils · 03/29/2015, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zchauvin

+1 my H&K p30 always rides with me

I've never had that kind of worry or known anyone that does, but i live in Canada. Just bears, but bear spray works for that.

Pokahpolice · 03/29/2015, 08:45 AM

Just a suggestion but for close to the same money you can get a brand new Deep Blue RR tank. Deep Blue is a lower end tank but better than used with a weird custom overflow. It's also drilled IMO too low in the tank. The low water line would drive me nuts. Another suggestion is that if noise is going to be an issue to listen to the tank running. By the looks of those overflows, it's not going to be quite. You could fix that by plumbing it differently. I suppose you could fix the water level as well but you'd end up with an elbow and extension pipe in the display.

zchauvin · 03/29/2015, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevrefils

I've never had that kind of worry or known anyone that does, but i live in Canada. Just bears, but bear spray works for that.

The luxury of not having to worry about being shot/robbed. I'm sure you heard the story about the two older people who tried to buy/sale the car recently and ended up being killed. I'm not paranoid but I do all face to face transactions where there are several people around no matter what and always keep pistol with me. You just never know. Kinda sad.

As for bears well I live in southern Louisiana lol.

Pokahpolice · 03/29/2015, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pokahpolice

Just a suggestion but for close to the same money you can get a brand new Deep Blue RR tank. Deep Blue is a lower end tank but better than used with a weird custom overflow. It's also drilled IMO too low in the tank. The low water line would drive me nuts. Another suggestion is that if noise is going to be an issue to listen to the tank running. By the looks of those overflows, it's not going to be quite. You could fix that by plumbing it differently. I suppose you could fix the water level as well but you'd end up with an elbow and extension pipe in the display.

Just had a brain fart. You could easily fix that water line by adding an overflow box.

AdamNC · 03/29/2015, 08:51 AM

I've never once had issues with a craigslist trade/buy where I needed to carry a gun.

zchauvin · 03/29/2015, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamNC

I've never once had issues with a craigslist trade/buy where I needed to carry a gun.

Me either but better to have and not need.

firebirdude · 03/29/2015, 09:01 AM

Scams and predators are common on Craigslist. Not to say even 1/4 of the listings are such, but it's not uncommon AT ALL. As was said, and always when buying or selling on Craigslist, have multiple people with you. A firearm is never a bad thing to have. If there's even a 0.5% of being taken advantage of, you'll thank the heavens you came armed and you'll never leave the house without it again.

As for the tank, it's a used aquarium. Pretty obvious what you need to look for and it sounds like you've already thought of it. Look it over for scratches and chips. Look over the seams. Fill it with water, dry off the outside and let it set a while. It's just a glass box. As for the $400 price. Eh. Better be in flawless condition or have a really nice stand.

Chevrefils · 03/29/2015, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zchauvin

Me either but better to have and not need.

There's no judgement on that! Its unfortunate that, that is the case at this time. Hopefully one day it wont be necessary eh!

I've purchased nearly all my tanks I've ever had from classifieds. if its running at their house thats a good sign but i still check the seams and brace for any signs of weakness. Also make sure the stand is in good shape. If any equipment comes with it just be sure it works!

Marchillo · 03/29/2015, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firebirdude

As for the tank, it's a used aquarium. Pretty obvious what you need to look for and it sounds like you've already thought of it. Look it over for scratches and chips. Look over the seams. Fill it with water, dry off the outside and let it set a while. It's just a glass box. As for the $400 price. Eh. Better be in flawless condition or have a really nice stand.

How much would you expect a used 150G reef ready aquarium in good condition with stand to cost? Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. That seems pretty reasonable to me. Of course I'd try to save myself a few bucks negotiating with him but $350-$400 sounds about right.

I'd prefer a 5 ft wide and this is a 4 ft wide. But the $600-$800 savings gets me a nice skimmer and a few other pieces of necessary equipment.

zchauvin · 03/29/2015, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marchillo

How much would you expect a used 150G reef ready aquarium in good condition with stand to cost? Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. That seems pretty reasonable to me. Of course I'd try to save myself a few bucks negotiating with him but $350-$400 sounds about right.

I'd prefer a 5 ft wide and this is a 4 ft wide. But the $600-$800 savings gets me a nice skimmer and a few other pieces of necessary equipment.

Tank seems to be neglected, drilled by owner not manufacturer and seems to be old. The tank is considered altered from new. That's like selling a 120RR tank for $400 used or selling a 120 drilled by person for $400. I would never give $400 for the altered tank because of issues that could come with it. You never know, and you'd rather be safe than sorry.

It's all about condition in the long run. The stand could have water damage, peeling apart, salt creep covering it. Most people when cleaning a tank will tear up the silicone seams and still have algae in them. Some of the equipment could be very old and need to be replaced and you end up with a bunch of stuff that you then need to relocate or trash.

zchauvin · 03/29/2015, 10:23 AM

Just an idea - a brand new reef read 125 is on sale for $280 as of now and a DIY stand would be anywheres from $100-$200. So, say $80-100 more for brand new with overflow boxes and proper water level ( pic shows too low bulkhead placement) your looking at $400 or so for something brand new and an overbuilt stand compared to the pine stands that your lfs sells.

Btw the low bulkheads could mean that the top seam leaked and so it was drilled lower to accommodate the problem.

mandarin_goby · 03/29/2015, 10:40 AM

If you're shelling out $400, wait for something better to come along. That overflow would drive me nuts! It being on the side is just weird :/

firebirdude · 03/29/2015, 10:50 AM

The tank doesn't appear to have an overflow box on it. That's why the water level is so low people.

But as zchauvin said, maybe the overflow box was removed due to an issue above it. It's extremely strange to not run an overflow box in a reef aquarium. Or to have the water low that low. Very odd and raises many questions.

gone fishin · 03/29/2015, 10:54 AM

The overflow would be a deal breaker for me.

As you mentioned earlier with the tank you want to see it hold water, look for chips, big scratches, cracks. Look for silicone that looks out of place, think hack job on a repair. just my 2 cents

EvenFurther · 03/29/2015, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zchauvin

Just an idea - a brand new reef read 125 is on sale for $280 as of now and a DIY stand would be anywheres from $100-$200. So, say $80-100 more for brand new with overflow boxes and proper water level ( pic shows too low bulkhead placement) your looking at $400 or so for something brand new and an overbuilt stand compared to the pine stands that your lfs sells.

Btw the low bulkheads could mean that the top seam leaked and so it was drilled lower to accommodate the problem.

Where can you buy the 125 RR?

zchauvin · 03/29/2015, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evenfurther

where can you buy the 125 rr?

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1427656326.780995.jpg

Marchillo · 03/29/2015, 04:37 PM

Thanks for all the feedback. I didn't choose that tank because of the height. The side plumbing was a turnoff as well. We don't have any 125 RR for that price in my area. I'll check out the site but shipping is probably a deal breaker.

Marchillo · 03/29/2015, 04:42 PM

Yeah they have great deals but no way to get it.

firebirdude · 03/29/2015, 04:46 PM

Watch for sales locally. $400 for a used 125 is nothing special.

03/29/2015, 08:01 AM	#2
SammyL Reefer Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Mohnton, PA Posts: 313	The ad says the tank is running, if it is check for any obvious leaks, etc. IMO with any Craigslist deal, bring someone with you and if you live in a free state, your gun. __________________ Sammy Current Tank Info: 180 DT, 705 Hydor Skimmer, 55 gallong sump with fuge, 2 x Lumentek 240 Pro

03/29/2015, 10:23 AM	#14
zchauvin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 484	what to look for when buying a CL tank Just an idea - a brand new reef read 125 is on sale for $280 as of now and a DIY stand would be anywheres from $100-$200. So, say $80-100 more for brand new with overflow boxes and proper water level ( pic shows too low bulkhead placement) your looking at $400 or so for something brand new and an overbuilt stand compared to the pine stands that your lfs sells. Btw the low bulkheads could mean that the top seam leaked and so it was drilled lower to accommodate the problem.

03/29/2015, 10:40 AM	#15
mandarin_goby Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 844	If you're shelling out $400, wait for something better to come along. That overflow would drive me nuts! It being on the side is just weird :/ __________________ 75 with Eshopps 100 sump, Reef Octopus 110 SSS skimmer, Sicce 3.0 pump, Maxspect Gyre 130, 2 x Kessil a360W, mangroves plus clip-on bulb in sump 75 FW planted with CO2, 12 gallon cherry shrimp tank Last edited by mandarin_goby; 03/29/2015 at 10:53 AM.

03/29/2015, 10:54 AM	#17
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	The overflow would be a deal breaker for me. As you mentioned earlier with the tank you want to see it hold water, look for chips, big scratches, cracks. Look for silicone that looks out of place, think hack job on a repair. just my 2 cents __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

03/29/2015, 08:45 AM	#5
Pokahpolice Moved On Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Maine Posts: 114	Just a suggestion but for close to the same money you can get a brand new Deep Blue RR tank. Deep Blue is a lower end tank but better than used with a weird custom overflow. It's also drilled IMO too low in the tank. The low water line would drive me nuts. Another suggestion is that if noise is going to be an issue to listen to the tank running. By the looks of those overflows, it's not going to be quite. You could fix that by plumbing it differently. I suppose you could fix the water level as well but you'd end up with an elbow and extension pipe in the display.

03/29/2015, 08:51 AM	#8
AdamNC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 849	I've never once had issues with a craigslist trade/buy where I needed to carry a gun.

03/29/2015, 09:01 AM	#10
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	Scams and predators are common on Craigslist. Not to say even 1/4 of the listings are such, but it's not uncommon AT ALL. As was said, and always when buying or selling on Craigslist, have multiple people with you. A firearm is never a bad thing to have. If there's even a 0.5% of being taken advantage of, you'll thank the heavens you came armed and you'll never leave the house without it again. As for the tank, it's a used aquarium. Pretty obvious what you need to look for and it sounds like you've already thought of it. Look it over for scratches and chips. Look over the seams. Fill it with water, dry off the outside and let it set a while. It's just a glass box. As for the $400 price. Eh. Better be in flawless condition or have a really nice stand.

03/29/2015, 10:50 AM	#16
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	The tank doesn't appear to have an overflow box on it. That's why the water level is so low people. But as zchauvin said, maybe the overflow box was removed due to an issue above it. It's extremely strange to not run an overflow box in a reef aquarium. Or to have the water low that low. Very odd and raises many questions.

03/29/2015, 04:37 PM	#20
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	Thanks for all the feedback. I didn't choose that tank because of the height. The side plumbing was a turnoff as well. We don't have any 125 RR for that price in my area. I'll check out the site but shipping is probably a deal breaker.

03/29/2015, 04:42 PM	#21
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	Yeah they have great deals but no way to get it.

03/29/2015, 04:46 PM	#22
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	Watch for sales locally. $400 for a used 125 is nothing special.