Buying a complete used aquarium

[Otis2557]

Seen a nice 55 gallon used fish tank listed on my local classified. Just got done firing off an e-mail of interest to the guy when the thought hit me..

Is it a good idea to buy a fish tank that's already running with fish in it?

He's selling the entire lot, fish, equipment, stand.. it even comes with the water in the tank.

I really want a new fish tank, as i've had the same old ten gallon around for about seven yrs now, but I don't know what that aquarium is like (water chemistry wise) or the health of the fish, or if there even supposed to be in a tank that size, or healthy enough to even survive the trip home once i buy it. 150 seems like a great deal, but i'm afraid a price that low has something smelling fishy.

Has anyone ever bought a used fish tank incuded with fish and all? if so how did it work out for you? Thanks forum.

[Brhino]

Does the listing say anything about the type of equipment and stuff? $150 would be a lot for a basic used setup, but if it's got a nice stand and/or nice filtration and lighting systems then it might be a good deal. Then there's the question of the value of the fish themselves. That, like you said, depends a lot on things you don't know. If they're nice, healthy, appropriate fish that you like, then yeah, it's probably a good deal. If they're unhealthy, or incompatible with each other or the tank, or that kind of thing, then I don't think you're getting your money's worth unless the setup is nice enough that you can get rid of the fish and still come out ahead.

Unfortunately I don't think the average person who has an aquarium knows very much about proper stocking or fish health, so I'd say the odds are against you. Maybe when the seller replies he or she can tell you what kind of fish are in there. That won't tell you everything, but it's a start.

[Rue]

I've bought used...but not the fish. I suppose it's up to you...if you want to take on their care.

I know several people who've done it successfully.

If it's all been well looked after...you shouldn't have too many issues. If not, you might suffer some losses...so be prepared.

Don't take the water. After you catch the fish and have enough water for transport - and remove the gravel (as you scoop it out that will also help rinse it out from most of the mulm)...have him drain the rest of the water.

Get the gravel home without it drying out (for beneficial bacteria) along with some of the filter media (sponges/ceramic media). When you get the tank home, clean it well - then put the gravel back in and add fresh dechlorinated water. Add dechlorinated boiled water to make it warmer before acclimating the new fish. Best not use hot tank water...although I know some people do.

Make sure you have a test kit available...but if you manage to keep enough beneficial bacteria alive during the transfer you shouldn't have huge ammonia spike...

[Otis2557]

The seller responded... with only a picture

here it is



Looks like it only has one betta fish in it.so i wont have to worry about the fish. Might consider painting the stand black and adding some door handles to the cabinet below. I like how the gravel matches my existing aquarium

[Brhino]

tank looks fairly clean, some kind of big HoB filter (not sure which kind), heater, stand isn't fancy, light is basic. Not bad all in all but I think you could find a better deal if you keep looking. Have you checked craigslist?

also, I'm a little concerned about the fish. Who stocks a 55 gallon tank with just a single betta? I think it's very likely that the tank used to have other fish as well. What happened to them? If a disease wiped them out, it may still be present in the water, the substrate, or the filter. Rue gave you some good advice for keeping the beneficial bacteria alive, but you might just want to let it sit, clean it out good, and start fresh, if you buy it.

[Rue]

I agree...you might want to start from scratch, depending on what the seller says...could be he just gave up wanting to look after it...and let the tank die off...vs. rehoming the fish (that's what I'd do).

I don't think it's a bad deal though. I spent more than that for my set-up, and it didn't have any light at all...so it varies a bit depending on location.

You can likely get it a bit cheaper if you ask...just don't offer too little.

[Cliff]

I've bought a lot of used tanks and equipment. I always cleaned everything very well and started up the tank all over again as others have already stated in this thread.

The filter on this tank looks like one of those marineland bio-wheel filters (a 350 maybe). In the one pic it just looks like the end-cap on the intake fell off and is sitting on the bottom of the tank. I'm not a big fan of those filters but I know others who use them and they seam to do a OK job.

[Scrup]

Out of all my tanks, 6 of them were used, two were up and running when I got them and had to drain them myself, bag the fish, and all that fun stuff.

Looks a little suspect to me. Only one light, and not sure what the deal is with the top right, looks like some weird cover or brace underneath the box, maybe a screen for a terrarium?

For $150 bucks they could at least say what the hell is in it.

Personally I go by the dollar a gallon rule or less, and take into consideration the accessories, which I agree looks like a penguin 350 or an emperor 400, the heater, and A light. The money is in the stand IMO. I could make a stand like that, only new, for about $50 bucks, so that is what that stand is worth to me. Like you said, a new paint job and some handles, good as new (though it is probably laminate and can be iffy to paint). That evens out the fact they are charging near new prices for what could be 10 year old equipment.

I never consider crappy used decor and gravel as something I should pay for in addition to the tank.I've gotten more than one with broken glass, once I got like 30 cents in pennies, and always a ton of poop, so that always takes some time and labor to clean up yourself. All in all its not a great deal, but not a bad one.

Things to look for/ask about-

How long has it been setup? How old is the tank? Don't be afraid to ask. You are paying them for this, they are not doing you a favor.

Is it level at the owners house? some tanks, when they have been sitting for 20+ years, do not like being moved and can spring leaks. If that happens, reseal it, or sell it as a terrarium.

Check for water damage on the stand. Particle board is not known for being water resistant. Once its moved you might discover it has warped a little bit, or screws pop out, glue gives way, etc. General structural damage.

Is the filter noisy? Might have to get a new impeller for it, or if the endcap wont stay on, might need to get a new one, or a new U-tube.

How clean is the filter/bio wheels? Might consider just getting fresh media and cycling it.

Depending on the condition of everything I would ask if they would be willing to take a lower amount. Yes, a new setup would be more expensive, but this is not new. This looks like some of it is almost 20 years old.

And I would tear everything down and give it a good cleaning, aside from maybe the filter if its in good enough shape and you trust that it is disease free. Keeping the filter alive might pose a problem if it takes too long. I've heard putting it in the fridge (not the freezer) will help it last a little longer.

That was way more than I wanted to type.

HTH.

[Brhino]

If the tank has only been housing a betta for any length of time there's probably hardly any BB in the filter anyhow.

Also, I'm not convinced the filter intake cap has fallen off. I think the intake tube is a whitish clear color and it blends in with the wallpaper behind it - notice the electrical cord that dissappears in mid air around that area.

[Rue]

I didn't look at the light close enough...I just thought they had a box sitting on it...but is it only 1/2 the tank with a light?

Anyway...maybe go take a look...if in doubt...don't buy it. If he comes down a bit more in price, it still might be fine.

That $1 a gallon 'rule' doesn't work everywhere...seems to be more common in larger cities with more competition for used stuff...

...much more expensive in areas where there isn't such easy availability...