used equipment - before tank?

ZeeSparrow · 02/18/2015, 08:28 AM

Hey guys,

I'm just in the process of research, learning so much about this potential hobby. I think it would be great to have a huge (and hopefully beautiful) reef tank some day, but right now I am really uncertain about the weight of a full tank w/rocks, coral, water and all the equipment in the room I'm considering. I am leaning towards a 75-gallon with a 20 long sump... or maybe a 90-gallon with a 29 high sump. Obviously I haven't decided yet.

(I have a 55-gallon freshwater I've maintained for 10 years without this concern... but double or more that size makes me nervous.)

Anyway.... the point of this post is to ask if you'd recommend I wait to decide on the tank - even purchasing that first - before buying any equipment? If getting something now isn't ridiculous, what about buying used? Is that a good/bad/risky idea for someone who doesn't know much of anything about it?

TIA...
Shana

LittleBeard · 02/18/2015, 08:45 AM

What type of equipment are you looking at? For example, if you're looking at a skimmer, it might not even fit under your undecided tank, so yeah that wouldn't be a great idea to invest in. However, if you're talking RO filters, refractometer, ie stuff that isn't so dependent on tank size, then it's probably pretty safe to get.

ReefsandGeeks · 02/18/2015, 08:47 AM

Being that both tanks are similar size, more of the equipment will likely work for either. I'd rather get the tank first so I don't have to stare at a dry protein skimmer, but if you stumble upone a good deal on equipment it might be good to snag it. I wish so bad I would have gone used when I started my tank. All of my stuff is new, and for the same price I've ended up paying for a 40g mixed reef, I could have had a 90 or 120g running well for the same price. Used has it's risks, but check things over before hand and you should be good. Check for leaks and scratches, ask to see used equipment run if you can before you buy. Most people are honest, but you will occasionaly find someone trying to pawn their problem off on you.

ZeeSparrow · 02/18/2015, 09:21 AM

Honestly this is more of a what if situation, not that I am looking at something specific right now. Still researching options and whatnot. But I wondered whether it would be a good idea if I ran across a great deal... New or used. Might have a line on some used equipment ... Depends on if the guy is willing to sell things separately or not.

I was thinking maybe a skimmer would be a good idea to wait on to make sure it will fit. Thanks for the confirmation.

02/18/2015, 08:28 AM	#1
ZeeSparrow Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 788	used equipment - before tank? Hey guys, I'm just in the process of research, learning so much about this potential hobby. I think it would be great to have a huge (and hopefully beautiful) reef tank some day, but right now I am really uncertain about the weight of a full tank w/rocks, coral, water and all the equipment in the room I'm considering. I am leaning towards a 75-gallon with a 20 long sump... or maybe a 90-gallon with a 29 high sump. Obviously I haven't decided yet. (I have a 55-gallon freshwater I've maintained for 10 years without this concern... but double or more that size makes me nervous.) Anyway.... the point of this post is to ask if you'd recommend I wait to decide on the tank - even purchasing that first - before buying any equipment? If getting something now isn't ridiculous, what about buying used? Is that a good/bad/risky idea for someone who doesn't know much of anything about it? TIA... Shana

02/18/2015, 09:21 AM	#4
ZeeSparrow Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 788	Honestly this is more of a what if situation, not that I am looking at something specific right now. Still researching options and whatnot. But I wondered whether it would be a good idea if I ran across a great deal... New or used. Might have a line on some used equipment ... Depends on if the guy is willing to sell things separately or not. I was thinking maybe a skimmer would be a good idea to wait on to make sure it will fit. Thanks for the confirmation. __________________ Build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2499447 Current Tank Info: 75G w/29G sump, Reefbreeders Photon 48, RO Classic 110-INT, Jebao DCT-8000, 2xJebao RW-8, 2xEheim Jager 150W heaters, Tunze Osmolator ATO, TLF GFO

02/18/2015, 08:45 AM	#2
LittleBeard Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: FL Posts: 83	What type of equipment are you looking at? For example, if you're looking at a skimmer, it might not even fit under your undecided tank, so yeah that wouldn't be a great idea to invest in. However, if you're talking RO filters, refractometer, ie stuff that isn't so dependent on tank size, then it's probably pretty safe to get.

02/18/2015, 08:47 AM	#3
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	Being that both tanks are similar size, more of the equipment will likely work for either. I'd rather get the tank first so I don't have to stare at a dry protein skimmer, but if you stumble upone a good deal on equipment it might be good to snag it. I wish so bad I would have gone used when I started my tank. All of my stuff is new, and for the same price I've ended up paying for a 40g mixed reef, I could have had a 90 or 120g running well for the same price. Used has it's risks, but check things over before hand and you should be good. Check for leaks and scratches, ask to see used equipment run if you can before you buy. Most people are honest, but you will occasionaly find someone trying to pawn their problem off on you.