Buying fully established tanks?

[Stinson Beach Aquatics]

Hello all!
I’m curious if anyone has any advice or experience on buying used aquariums that are already fully established from the previous owner. I am interested in buying a used reef tank and numerous listings I’ve found include fully established setups with liverock, coral, refugiums, anemones, etc.. One listing in particular includes all of this and the tank is fully operational with no signs of sick livestock or corals. I’m curious if anyone has had any experience or recommendations for a situation like this. I know biosecurity could be an issue but since everything appears healthy (can’t know for sure) there is less of risk than sourcing from multiple vendors. I greatly appreciate anyone’s insight!

- Patrick

 

[kvansloo]

Verify tank is healthy with water tests, Moving them is lots of work and time consuming, Be patient take pictures of everything while it is setup so you can try to get it back in the area it came from. Once set back up, I would still put all fish in QT and watch them closely feeding them for a few days, easier to watch and catch if needed just in case. they are going to get stressed no mater what. Also when I have done this if there is a sand bed I replace it.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Hello all!
I’m curious if anyone has any advice or experience on buying used aquariums that are already fully established from the previous owner. I am interested in buying a used reef tank and numerous listings I’ve found include fully established setups with liverock, coral, refugiums, anemones, etc.. One listing in particular includes all of this and the tank is fully operational with no signs of sick livestock or corals. I’m curious if anyone has had any experience or recommendations for a situation like this. I know biosecurity could be an issue but since everything appears healthy (can’t know for sure) there is less of risk than sourcing from multiple vendors. I greatly appreciate anyone’s insight!

- Patrick

I would say that it depends on your level of experience and overall knowledge of reef systems. I have had reef tanks for 20 years and saltwater systems for almost 50. Yet when I tried to move a 125 g system I lost most of my fish. It would also somewhat depend on what fish and corals are included. Some move much easier than others. Not saying you shouldn't do it but would only recommend it for a knowledgeable reefer and fully realize the challenge by reading similar posts. Good luck.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Forgot to include that I love Tiburon. Grew up in Petaluma.