Potential Great Deal?

UnnamedReef · Jun 8, 2025

Been looking to upgrade from my 55 gallon with 20 gallon sump for a while now. I'm moving cross-country for work with a relocation package that allows me to have them crate and ship just about anything in the next couple months.

On my local forum a Cade 1800 S2 (used for 2 years), with a Trigger 34 sump and 2 AI blades came available from a local reefer. I'm very interested, but weary of buying a used tank.

I looked through used tank purchase threads and I'm going to do the following:

- Close inspection of glass for cracks, chips, scratches, etc.
- Close seam inspection to see if the silicone is pliable and intact. Hoping to get it filled or partially filled to verify no leaks
- Check out stand, electrical, and plumbing for obvious issues

Price is $2500, seems like a steal to me if it's in good shape. Going to get 6 friends or so to help me move it, and the seller has suction cups that they used to move it in.

Anything else y'all would recommend for inspection, or any problem-points I should pay particular attention to with these tanks? Does this seem like as good of a deal as I think it is (depending on condition, of course)?

Peace River · Jun 8, 2025

That sounds like all quality equipment and you have a reasonable plan.

DylanE · Jun 8, 2025

Sounds like a great deal! I’ve found that if you can used and local it’s usually a steak, since it can take a while to get a better price selling and tank and most people just want them gone.

I’d have them fill it with hose water outside before you show up just to verify no leaks. It’ll also help spot any sizable scratches. Then you can just siphon out, dry, and load up.

Make sure you check the seams as well as for leaks with a rimless tank. And bubbling in the seam itself is a no go. Check the redsea failure threads for examples of this.