Buying a used tank

[Jon]

I recently bought a Oceanic 58 gallon reef ready tank on ebay. The tank comes with a oceanic stand and canopy, oceanic sump with in sump protein skimmer, 75 lbs of live rock, live sand and a small amount of live stock. All of this cost me just $300. I was the lone bidder and think I got a good deal. I am going to pick it up in PA next week.

The tank is three years old and from the picture looks like it is in good condition. The seller has to move ASAP and needs to "dump" the tank. He said the tank is in great condition and from his ebay feedback seems to be a reputable person.

This is the first time I have bought a used tank and am curious about anyone elses experience with used tanks. The only reason I bought this tank is because I just bought a house and am a little low on money so I can't afford a new one. I have seen the same tank, new in the stores and love it. So I just could not resist when I saw this auction. From what I understand Oceanic tanks last a very long time especially when they are on the oceanic stands.

Please let me know what you think...

 

[JasonR]

You should be fine
I have bought used tanks with no problems
Oceanic is one of the better tanks built
Especially the older ones
I would bring it home clean it out and fill it on a level spot and let sit a few days to look for leaks

Jason

 

[chaoscat]

I think every tank I've ever owned was previously used. I currently have a 90, 40 and 30 hex in operation. Only one time did I ever have a problem and that was with a 50 gallon tank that was an odd 5 sided flatback. A few years after I bought it, a seam let go. I would be cautious of tanks that:

-have been sitting around dry in a garage for years.
-The guy selling it bought it used and never put water in it.

We aquarists tend to be a pretty honest lot, and don't usually pass on problem tanks without a warning.

 

[jimroth]

I ALSO bought a used Oceanic 58g, with the Oceanic Wetdry and Skimmer. It was great! Those Oceanic tanks are heavy duty, built to last a lifetime.
I turned the wet dry into a sump and used the setup for about 5 yeard, it's sitting out on my deck right now. Probably make a frag tank out of it.

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

I bought my 125 from an LFS going out of business 14 years ago. I honestly don't think I'd buy a new tank unless they release an 8' or 10' version of the Marineland tanks.