Opinions on used equipment

[jw1977]

What are people's opinions on buying used equipment. I know it's considerably cheaper but how long does this stuff last. I'm looking at buying a 5 year old tank that comes with asm G2 skimmer, oceanic sump, and a pump. I believe all the equipment is 5 years old. Is this a good idea or should I look for something newer?

 

[snakeblitz33]

buying a used tank, live sand, live rock, lighting, and pumps can actually be very good steel. Consider how much live rock and sand costs itself. When I owned a store, I bought used tanks and re-sold them and kept the live rock and resold it and made a killing.
Uhh, anyways, -
I definately think you should do it, as long as everything works pretty well still.

 

[usirchchris]

Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33
http:///forum/post/2892894
buying a used tank, live sand, live rock, lighting, and pumps can actually be very good steel. Consider how much live rock and sand costs itself. When I owned a store, I bought used tanks and re-sold them and kept the live rock and resold it and made a killing.
Uhh, anyways, -
I definately think you should do it, as long as everything works pretty well still.
+1 always buy used.

 

[texasmetal]

Amen.
Every one of our tanks were bought used (6). The only thing I would be cautious about is making sure the person you buy it from is knowledgeable and didn't do anything screwy to the tank, like use copper medication. If possible, pictures of the tank while it was setup, or seeing it before it's broken down can help. We were slightly PO'd when we got home with our 140, turned the lights on, and then realized the front glass was scratched to Hades, couldn't tell with the lights off and the black background when we picked it up.

 

[doggiepuffer]

Plus, the tank and the equipment is already broke in

 

[donald]

always check for stray voltage when using used equipment, I didnt when i added a used protien skimmer and it almost drove my yellow tang crazy. I found the voltage one day while cleaning out the fuge, ouch. I thought some thing was stinging my finger. I made a ground probe and replaced the pump and all is good. Used equipment can really free up a budget, just do your research first.