thinking of buying used tank

gimli023 · 09/01/2006, 07:09 AM

I am thinking of buying a used setup locally it has 55 lbs. live rock and live sand and 4 fish their light went out and they do not want the tank any more what should i be looking for as far as will the fish die because no light or will the live sand be ok and the live rock be ok because it will already be cycled? Any thoughts?

Shagsbeard · 09/01/2006, 07:41 AM

Moving an existing tank is a bigger chore than starting a tank of your own. Sounds to me from the two lines you gave us that the owner was somewhat neglectful... but it could be he was fine. Some people replace the sand in their tank every couple years, so you would probably want to do that anyway.

It would be a big help to know what types of fish they are, and the capacity of the tank. Also, what equipment is being used and such.

Buying an established tank is not the best way to learn. It might be a cheap way to get a tank, but you just don't learn about the hobby jumping in like that.

2swift · 09/01/2006, 07:49 AM

I'm pretty new here myself but I'm sure the live rock requires at least minimal lighting as well as the fish.

kraze3 · 09/01/2006, 09:31 AM

the bacteria, pods and such on the LR dont need light. Any corals, or algae will need light to survive.

gimli023 · 09/01/2006, 09:53 AM

I am in the stages of starting a new 67 gallon brand new reef tank that is already pre drilled with 2 over flows i was just really thinking about the live rock and the live sand which is only 1 year old plus it has some great extras like huge power heads and snails and the extras but i would be useing my own tank ans new hood and lighting and such.i was just mainly thiking of the live rock. The tank is a 55 gallon though. thanks for the replies

dc · 09/01/2006, 10:10 AM

You can buy a light! If the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate myself.

09/01/2006, 07:09 AM	#1
gimli023 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 34	thinking of buying used tank I am thinking of buying a used setup locally it has 55 lbs. live rock and live sand and 4 fish their light went out and they do not want the tank any more what should i be looking for as far as will the fish die because no light or will the live sand be ok and the live rock be ok because it will already be cycled? Any thoughts?

09/01/2006, 07:49 AM	#3
2swift Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ruskin,FLA Posts: 876	I'm pretty new here myself but I'm sure the live rock requires at least minimal lighting as well as the fish. __________________ Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Current Tank Info: 150g with twin FX4 canisters-Jebao 90Wave maker-2 AQUASKY Fluval Lights-AquaMaxx TS-2 Sulfur Denitrator

09/01/2006, 10:10 AM	#6
dc Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Wyoming Posts: 44,684	You can buy a light! If the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate myself. __________________ Debi ~60 Cube~ Why? Because I said so of course. -Sent via Tapatalk Smoke Signals-

09/01/2006, 07:41 AM	#2
Shagsbeard Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Morro Bay, CA Posts: 2,143	Moving an existing tank is a bigger chore than starting a tank of your own. Sounds to me from the two lines you gave us that the owner was somewhat neglectful... but it could be he was fine. Some people replace the sand in their tank every couple years, so you would probably want to do that anyway. It would be a big help to know what types of fish they are, and the capacity of the tank. Also, what equipment is being used and such. Buying an established tank is not the best way to learn. It might be a cheap way to get a tank, but you just don't learn about the hobby jumping in like that.

09/01/2006, 09:31 AM	#4
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	the bacteria, pods and such on the LR dont need light. Any corals, or algae will need light to survive.

09/01/2006, 09:53 AM	#5
gimli023 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 34	I am in the stages of starting a new 67 gallon brand new reef tank that is already pre drilled with 2 over flows i was just really thinking about the live rock and the live sand which is only 1 year old plus it has some great extras like huge power heads and snails and the extras but i would be useing my own tank ans new hood and lighting and such.i was just mainly thiking of the live rock. The tank is a 55 gallon though. thanks for the replies