Does it Make Sense to Sell a Used Tank?

[reddogf5]

I recently tore down our reef aquarium and am unsure whether it makes any sense to try selling the tank and sump. The tanks is 13 years old, I know shipping isn't going to work, has anyone done this locally - is it worthwhile or a waste of time?

 

[RoanokeReef]

Even at 13 years old it can serve a use. The guy that bought my old tank was going to use it for reptiles. Even if you only get $50 at least it's not in the trash.

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

I recently tore down our reef aquarium and am unsure whether it makes any sense to try selling the tank and sump. The tanks is 13 years old, I know shipping isn't going to work, has anyone done this locally - is it worthwhile or a waste of time?

You may not get any takers, but I can't imagine it would hurt to try! As long as it is still structurally sound and in decent shape, I bet you would get some interest.

If you don't get any takers to buy it, maybe think about donating it to a local school rather than trashing it. :)

 

[MikeReefs]

Sure why not as long as the glass is in good condition. Old or not people restore the seams and cabinets

 

[twentyleagues]

Yup I have bought and sold them. My current 75g was a reseal and remodeled stand. All together it about 30 years old now. Glass from tanks can be repurposed also. I tore down 5 of the 20gs I got for $5 each for lids on the ones I kept whole.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

I just sold one a month or so ago without posting it online. I was getting ready to do so and came across someone needing what I had. You could advertise it in the reptile groups on social media. As long as it holds water or you're up front about it needing resealed, I'm sure it would be fine.

 

[UncommonSense]

I’ve bought tanks, or gotten them for free just for the glass!!

After a local glasscutter charged me $30/each for four 18”X<18”x3/16” thick glass baffles for my sump project; I started getting old tanks from my LFS and making what I needed on a wet cut tile saw…

Last week was a 3ft terrarium to make 1/4” thick glass lids for my 180g tank!

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

of course! i’ll be selling a 69g nyos opus that’s only a year old. Someone will get a great deal

 

[Uncle99]

Depends to me what’s easier.
Some one picks up or garbage picks up.

 

[reddogf5]

Thanks for the replies, I never thought about using it for the glass - I guess it will live on in one way or another.

 

[UncommonSense]

Thanks for the replies, I never thought about using it for the glass - I guess it will live on in one way or another.

I’m actually heavily considering cutting up a Reefer 450 with questionable seams that I got for free… Just to snag the 59” X 22” X 5/8” thick, starphire glass viewing pane! — I have a custom patio window in mind to use it for!

 

[BryanM]

I recently tore down our reef aquarium and am unsure whether it makes any sense to try selling the tank and sump. The tanks is 13 years old, I know shipping isn't going to work, has anyone done this locally - is it worthwhile or a waste of time?

People buy used tanks all the time, a lot more affordable way to get in to the hobby.

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

You may not get any takers, but I can't imagine it would hurt to try! As long as it is still structurally sound and in decent shape, I bet you would get some interest.

If you don't get any takers to buy it, maybe think about donating it to a local school rather than trashing it. :)

Definitely donate it to a school

 

[vetteguy53081]

I recently tore down our reef aquarium and am unsure whether it makes any sense to try selling the tank and sump. The tanks is 13 years old, I know shipping isn't going to work, has anyone done this locally - is it worthwhile or a waste of time?

There's a market always for used tanks

 

[Gumbies R Us]

People can use the tank for anything. I wouldn't be afraid to sell it!

 

[Jeremy165]

It doesn't take very long to snap some photos and list on FB marketplace.