Someone talk to me about the vinegar/acid wash thing. I read about this, but have no experience doing it. Not sure I want any of those products in a fish tank. Is that mandatory? I figured I would scrape the $%&#@ out of it just like my nano tank every couple of months ending up with sore hands and whatever else. That and about 1,000 water changes and let it come back to life over several months. Maybe the heavy blanket trick for a week. I suppose just like my original question I will get 1,000 different opinions.
Is buying a messy tank worth the effort?
- Thread starter rknott
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This is helpful. I like the "taught me the most" comment. I am looking at it like an "enjoy the journey" type of project. We will see how I feel after 6 months of epic fail!
Other things to check:
3. Does skimmer work
4. Does it come with Glass cover. Not sure that this means. Are you talking over the sump?
5. Noob question: What are bulk heads and baffles? My only experience is with my biocube that has "just worked".
DonTavo27
Valuable Member
You might even have some left over cash, if you go with a Visio tank.
I found a 40 gallon Visio at my lfs with a built in over flow for $150.
That left me with enough money to put towards a nice wood stand.
I found a 40 gallon Visio at my lfs with a built in over flow for $150.
That left me with enough money to put towards a nice wood stand.
The make or break for me though is the lighting. I appreciate the lighting comment earlier. However, I really don't want something sticking up that high that will disperse light all over my room. What other options are available.
vlangel
Seahorse whisperer
I did not know how to describe the newer braces. They curve out from both sides of the center of the brace. I will draw a picture for you.Thanks for the tips. Making a check list of things to look for:
1. Is glass scratched. Given it doesn't appear to have ever been cleaned I am guessing no, but I will check for sure.
2. Look at the center brace and see if it is reinforced around the bowfront side. Not sure what I am looking for, but I will look.
4FordFamily
Tang, Angel, and Wrasse Nerd!
Depends on how much of two resources you have - time and money. 
Money > Time = Not worth it
Money < Time = Worth it
Money low & Time low = Not worth it
Money high & Time high = Worth it
Money > Time = Not worth it
Money < Time = Worth it
Money low & Time low = Not worth it
Money high & Time high = Worth it
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Dsnakes
Knight Reefer
I’m going with other. That being, it greatly depends on the tank you’re looking at and the deal you can make on it. That being said, my current display is a used setup I bought from somebody that had it running FOWLR. It’s now been drastically changed and I love it.
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After
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4FordFamily
Tang, Angel, and Wrasse Nerd!
Looks great!I’m going with other. That being, it greatly depends on the tank you’re looking at and the deal you can make on it. That being said, my current display is a used setup I bought from somebody that had it running FOWLR. It’s now been drastically changed and I love it.
Before
After
vlangel
Seahorse whisperer
Thanks for the tips. Making a check list of things to look for:
1. Is glass scratched. Given it doesn't appear to have ever been cleaned I am guessing no, but I will check for sure.
2. Look at the center brace and see if it is reinforced around the bowfront side. Not sure what I am looking for, but I will look.
2019-01-30_09-53-47 by Dawn Gilson, on FlickrIf you were above the tank looking down on it and into it you would see the top bracing around the perimeter. That is what I tried to draw for you. The older bracing does not have as much plastic attached to the glass but the newer style has a lot more. I hope this picture helps clear up what you need to look for in the bracing.
vlangel
Seahorse whisperer
There are glass tops made just for this tank. They help keep fish from jumping out and stop salt creep. Usually you buy plastic that has a place for the flat side of the glass to slide in so the back 2-3" is also covered. That plastic can be cut for pumps or plumbing.
Although cleaning the tank with vinegar sounds scary, once most of it is rinsed its not toxic. Bleach is toxic but is exceptionally effective against algae, although vinegar is too. Anyway bleach rinses totally clean with no residue. If you dry the tank and let sit 24 hrs, there will be no bleach left in it because it neutralizes. Do not be afraid to use either as they are safe and it will help tremendously to get rid of the algae.
Although cleaning the tank with vinegar sounds scary, once most of it is rinsed its not toxic. Bleach is toxic but is exceptionally effective against algae, although vinegar is too. Anyway bleach rinses totally clean with no residue. If you dry the tank and let sit 24 hrs, there will be no bleach left in it because it neutralizes. Do not be afraid to use either as they are safe and it will help tremendously to get rid of the algae.
Captain Quint
Plank Owner of the Orca
Lots of good info and great thread.
When I consider a preowned I factor in the extent of scratches, silicone seals still good, and make sure copper has not been used by seeing if inverts in the tank.
I would pay no more than $150. I have bought several used tanks and do not mind cleaning and add new plumbing.
There are many deals out there. Here is one of the used I bought.
The following is a pic of an AGA 120g with stand, sump, skimmer, and Metal halide lighting with new bulbs. It came with over 100 pounds of clean LR as well and delivered to boot for $375 around 12 years ago. Not a show tank but a nice working tank.
Granted it came from a friend of mine who owned an LFS and he just used it to let already cured LR set in it. Chock full of pods and a dragonette in it was the only livestock when it was at his LFS. He sent the dragonette as well...so yes, some are worth it.
A few pics of what I got for $375 (already had the livestock in another tank. Pic of cloudiness was because the tank had been up one week and I had a lousy camera. lol
When I consider a preowned I factor in the extent of scratches, silicone seals still good, and make sure copper has not been used by seeing if inverts in the tank.
I would pay no more than $150. I have bought several used tanks and do not mind cleaning and add new plumbing.
There are many deals out there. Here is one of the used I bought.
The following is a pic of an AGA 120g with stand, sump, skimmer, and Metal halide lighting with new bulbs. It came with over 100 pounds of clean LR as well and delivered to boot for $375 around 12 years ago. Not a show tank but a nice working tank.
Granted it came from a friend of mine who owned an LFS and he just used it to let already cured LR set in it. Chock full of pods and a dragonette in it was the only livestock when it was at his LFS. He sent the dragonette as well...so yes, some are worth it.
A few pics of what I got for $375 (already had the livestock in another tank. Pic of cloudiness was because the tank had been up one week and I had a lousy camera. lol
NeedMoreReef
Active Member
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Used equipment can be cleaned up and still give you plenty of life. Try to pick something up that’s running so you know everything is there and working. A box of misc equipment is usually junk that’s not working or missing parts.
PhreeByrd
Active Member
My experience with used tanks has been mixed. Most of the time, when I see complete setups for sale, the price is too high and the equipment is subpar (in my opinion). Often the equipment has not been well cared for, and needs tons of cleaning at the very least. So I generally would price a setup only on what I know I definitely can reuse. More often than not, that's only the tank itself... maybe a stand.
Long ago, as a noob, I got what I thought was a good deal on a complete 90 gallon setup. Bought it, moved everything 150 miles, and set it back up. Then, over the course of the next year, I pretty much replaced all of the equipment and plumbing. By the time I was finished, I had just the tank, stand, sump, a few pieces of rock and a couple of fish from the original setup. If I saved anything on the purchase, it was minimal at best. But the good news is that it got me into the hobby overnight. In a day I had a complete, if not optimal or great, system up and running for a very small cost. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again, but I would go into it knowing that I was probably going to end up replacing almost everything.
Long ago, as a noob, I got what I thought was a good deal on a complete 90 gallon setup. Bought it, moved everything 150 miles, and set it back up. Then, over the course of the next year, I pretty much replaced all of the equipment and plumbing. By the time I was finished, I had just the tank, stand, sump, a few pieces of rock and a couple of fish from the original setup. If I saved anything on the purchase, it was minimal at best. But the good news is that it got me into the hobby overnight. In a day I had a complete, if not optimal or great, system up and running for a very small cost. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again, but I would go into it knowing that I was probably going to end up replacing almost everything.
I have to go with OTHER here as its truly not a yes or no situation.
Most here who say (NO) I feel is because they don't want to put out the elbow grease in to clean it up, but what would they say if the system was spotless?
Is it worth $??? to you? I would offer them $100.00 and walk away at $150.00.
The tank I am setting up is used, and around four years old. I purchased it from my LFS. They picked it up from one of their customers who for whatever reason decided to get out of the hobby.
It was beyond gross and dirty, (IMO) no livestock, or rock just an empty system, they had planned to turn it into a fresh water tank but when they moved to their new location they decided to sell it.
I am a DIY for the most part guy and hate to clean stuff, so new is always my first choice, if the good ole wallet will allow new.
In this case the good ole wallet said heck no. Ha ha ha.
Looked here and YT for cleaning and sanitizing tips. The tank had heavy deposits and slime but Bar Keepers Friend made real short work of all that. Once clean I filled with water and bleach for a week, rinsed twice then filled with water and vinegar for a week, rinsed twice and began the set up.
The stand, hood and sump well.... The stand had pine wood sides, and doors on it originally. The wood was in very poor shape, rotted, warped, cracked, and broken, so it was removed and trashed.
The sump was beyond ever looking good again, for only being four years old I was dumfounded at its overall condition, fully functional and no leaks though. Had my LFS store not helped the guy out from the start with the design and building of the sump I would never have believed it to be fours old.
I decided to leave the stand open, whereas most want to cover up the innerworkings I like that look, along with the advantage of ease of access to everything, So I had to replace the sump. My choice of water filtration and chemistry for this tank right or wrong is the Triton system, so I went with a Triton 44 sump.
The pics here are of the tank after I power washed and or rinsed things off, no scrubbing yet.
When I got done cleaning, well you tell me....
Current Aqua Scape well TBD.....
What do you all think?
Thanks
Most here who say (NO) I feel is because they don't want to put out the elbow grease in to clean it up, but what would they say if the system was spotless?
Is it worth $??? to you? I would offer them $100.00 and walk away at $150.00.
The tank I am setting up is used, and around four years old. I purchased it from my LFS. They picked it up from one of their customers who for whatever reason decided to get out of the hobby.
It was beyond gross and dirty, (IMO) no livestock, or rock just an empty system, they had planned to turn it into a fresh water tank but when they moved to their new location they decided to sell it.
I am a DIY for the most part guy and hate to clean stuff, so new is always my first choice, if the good ole wallet will allow new.
In this case the good ole wallet said heck no. Ha ha ha.
Looked here and YT for cleaning and sanitizing tips. The tank had heavy deposits and slime but Bar Keepers Friend made real short work of all that. Once clean I filled with water and bleach for a week, rinsed twice then filled with water and vinegar for a week, rinsed twice and began the set up.
The stand, hood and sump well.... The stand had pine wood sides, and doors on it originally. The wood was in very poor shape, rotted, warped, cracked, and broken, so it was removed and trashed.
The sump was beyond ever looking good again, for only being four years old I was dumfounded at its overall condition, fully functional and no leaks though. Had my LFS store not helped the guy out from the start with the design and building of the sump I would never have believed it to be fours old.
I decided to leave the stand open, whereas most want to cover up the innerworkings I like that look, along with the advantage of ease of access to everything, So I had to replace the sump. My choice of water filtration and chemistry for this tank right or wrong is the Triton system, so I went with a Triton 44 sump.
150G Tank (Calculated interior dimensions = 135G)
Stand
40G sump
MP40 with the new black controller
Hamilton T5 Metal Halide hybrid, with two 250W MH and four T5's
UV sterilizer
and some misc, parts and pieces.
no return pump, or skimmer.
All for $1,500.00
Some may say way to much, others fair, others ??
For me it worked and I am happy. Happy is! after all what counts most.
Stand and hood cost $265.00 to have sandblasted and powder coated.
Stand
40G sump
MP40 with the new black controller
Hamilton T5 Metal Halide hybrid, with two 250W MH and four T5's
UV sterilizer
and some misc, parts and pieces.
no return pump, or skimmer.
All for $1,500.00
Some may say way to much, others fair, others ??
For me it worked and I am happy. Happy is! after all what counts most.
Stand and hood cost $265.00 to have sandblasted and powder coated.
The pics here are of the tank after I power washed and or rinsed things off, no scrubbing yet.
When I got done cleaning, well you tell me....
Current Aqua Scape well TBD.....
What do you all think?
Thanks
If you were above the tank looking down on it and into it you would see the top bracing around the perimeter. That is what I tried to draw for you. The older bracing does not have as much plastic attached to the glass but the newer style has a lot more. I hope this picture helps clear up what you need to look for in the bracing.
Thanks!!
I’ve never bought new and never will with the exception of winning the lottery. I have always helped the person I was buying from break down a working/running system. I’ve been in the hobby/industary for over 15 years now and have a good idea of what to look for and where the value is. I would make a check list of deal breakers and pros and stick to your guns when you do go check things out- do not make a impulse purchase. Also, when buying used make sure you can afford to replace things as they break so don’t break your bank on the initial purchase. The money you save when buying used can be put towards upgrading certain aspects that are must-have‘s for you making the used system your system. I personally don’t like bow front tanks I’ve owned one and will not own another- that’s just me. I just picked up a custom rimless tank, stand, sump, ASM G3 skimmer, additional skimmer, ato, ato custom acrylic reservoir, pumps, 2 old school mp 10s and a 5 gallon bucket of sand for $239. The deals are out there find something that you really like and at a price that’s right for you. Good luck.
Pass on that one imo
Pass on that one imo
Script_Kitty
Community Member
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- Nov 10, 2017
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I just went for a hiocube to a 105.
I had been “frankin cubing” out my biocube for about 2 years. I knew i was going to upgrade, so i was getting things that i could move over “like a full apex controller and went trident”.
I had been using the cube to lern before going bigger, and so far it seems to be true what people say about more water makes it a lot more stable.
My advice would be to save up and get “the good stuff”. This isn’t a cheep hobby, and your going to end up spending a lot eithet way you go. So it makes sense to get “good base parts”.
As for covered versus uncovered, love having an open top over the biocube lid.
Before:
After:
I had been “frankin cubing” out my biocube for about 2 years. I knew i was going to upgrade, so i was getting things that i could move over “like a full apex controller and went trident”.
I had been using the cube to lern before going bigger, and so far it seems to be true what people say about more water makes it a lot more stable.
My advice would be to save up and get “the good stuff”. This isn’t a cheep hobby, and your going to end up spending a lot eithet way you go. So it makes sense to get “good base parts”.
As for covered versus uncovered, love having an open top over the biocube lid.
Before:
After:
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