Purchase Opinions

[davehead86]

So i saw some stuff on craigslist and think I got a good deal on some used equipment, i just want to make sure while I can still back out of needed.

Background info ...

Im trying to get everything pieced together for a 65 gallon RR tank.

Already bought a ReefKeeper Lite + PH Probe + SLX box for $150

Negotiating on a 20 Gallon Homemade sump + Current USA Orbit Marine LED Light with Ramp Timer Pro setup + BRS RODI 4 Chamber Unit for $150

He is also selling an Eshopps s120 used for $85. From what I can tell thats a decent skimmer but Im not too sure on the reliablity. There isnt a ton of stuff written here about it. Im wondering if I should trade out the sump for the skimmer or just pick up both. Im handy and can build a sump, i just dont have the time / all the supplies I need to cut the glass.

Opinions?

[reefbroao]

Depending On the actually sump he's selling, Ive found them on ebay for like the same price new

[davehead86]

Originally Posted by reefbroao

Depending On the actually sump he's selling, Ive found them on ebay for like $75

Its just a 20 Long tank with glass baffles that he installed. He had an Eshopps sump with Fuge that looked nice and made from acrylic for $90 but its return section isnt big enough for the mag 18 return pump i need to push the water upstairs.

[reefbroao]

any pics?

[davehead86]

Not that i can post here easily.

Its clearly a homemade sump but it holds water and has a nice sized middle section to run carbon and gfo and have heaters and such.

The lights work too. (This is what im worried about. $50 for these lights worth it used?)

It all was purchased for a tank he was expanding to and then it didnt happen. hes got other tanks too so I feel like he may have upgraded some stuff along the way / changed what he was doing. It all looks nice and clean.

[hobbzz]

Those lights won't support coral in a 65. Nothing over 10-12" tall.

[davehead86]

Originally Posted by hobbzz

Those lights won't support coral in a 65. Nothing over 10-12" tall.

Ok. He has an old set of T5's i could trade out. How long does a ballast last for those? How hard / expensive is it to replace a ballast, should I even be worried about that? It comes with some bulbs too.

[hobbzz]

Lot of variables. Good ballasts designed to run t5ho should last at least 5 years. Easy to change, only 6 wires to swap out. $25 or less for a proper ballast. Old bulbs will grow nuisance algae so you'll need to see how old they are. Any info on the t5 setup?

[davehead86]

Originally Posted by hobbzz

Lot of variables. Good ballasts designed to run t5ho should last at least 5 years. Easy to change, only 6 wires to swap out. $25 or less for a proper ballast. Old bulbs will grow nuisance algae so you'll need to see how old they are. Any info on the t5 setup?

The only thing about the T5 he said they were older. No info on the bulbs he is selling with them.

Im thinking I may just go and get a new set of T5 lights. Drop the LED lights from this guy and get him to throw in the eshopps s120 protein skimmer. Im thinking it may just be more prudent in the long run to do that instead of dealing with old used stuff.

[hobbzz]

Used stuff is fine as long as it's high quality and in good shape. But sounds like a new t5 setup would be a better option in this case.

[Dkuhlmann]

I agree the lights aren't enough for your tank. You can get great deals on Craigslist, I've found a lot of things cheap there myself.

[Mrramsey]

I'd just build your own sump. Personally Id go bigger than a 20 since it is going to be on another floor anyways. Id do like a 30 or 40 breeder as a sump.