Used 12 gallon Nano

[clintain]

I am brand new to this. Never had a saltwater tank but I found a 12 gallon nano for $80 on Craigslist. Says it comes with 20 lbs of live sand and everything else a nano comes with. Are there any specific questions I should ask or anything in the tank to look for?

 

[btldreef]

Ask if the sand has been kept in a running system.
Honestly, moving the tank might disturb the sand, so in such a small system, I'd probably just go with new sand.
Do you know what brand and exactly what is coming with it? Lighting? Powerheads?

 

[clintain]

He said he has saltwater in it now just enough to cover the sand. He had fish in it but put them in another tank along with his clean up crew. Not sure how long ago. It has upgraded fans to make it quieter, a new pump, and a 10k light. He's asking $80.00

 

[clintain]

Also, if I decide to get it, what upgrades would you recommend? Im just planning on corals with a couple clown, a gobie or something small, and live rock.

 

[1guydude]

we'd prob need pics or better discribtion of the equipment!
I was looking at buying a pico tank. Something like 2-4gals and i was thinking id put a couple strip style leds over it....

 

[1guydude]

we'd prob need pics or better description of the equipment!
I was looking at buying a pico tank. Something like 2-4gals and i was thinking id put a couple strip style leds over it....

 

[btldreef]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Clintain http:///t/389072/used-12-gallon-nano#post_3435965
He said he has saltwater in it now just enough to cover the sand. He had fish in it but put them in another tank along with his clean up crew. Not sure how long ago. It has upgraded fans to make it quieter, a new pump, and a 10k light. He's asking $80.00
Then the sand is probably useless. It's been sitting stagnant. I wouldn't use it, especially after moving it.
I'd ask:
What type of light (metal halide, T5, compact florescent, LED) and how many watts
What brand system is it?
What brand pump and how many gallons per hour does it push?
Does it come with any powerheads?

 

[clintain]

well the guy never responded when i asked about the equipment so I've been lookin around online and a lot of places have specials going on their bio and jbj nano cube. Im finding 29 gal biocube for around 270 and 28 gal nanos for around 300. Are these good prices? Which is the better in your opinion? It seems like the nano's get better review

 

[smallreef]

Okay prices but check C's list and such.. you can sometimes find them used and truthfully I find no reason not to purchase a smaller tank used than buy it new.. you can then put in more money to upgrade it and wont feel horrible about ripping all the NEW parts off, lol... just keep a look out.. depending on your area (like here in seattle) there is stuff listed all the time! for a decent price and then you can buy some great upgrades from this site and get some good DIY projects ideas from the forum boards...