What would you do?

[bubblegurl]

I have a 55 gl tank that's been going since April this year, some ups and downs with it but things are progressing. I have an opportunity to pick up a 150 gl with a 45 gl sump, all equipment needed, stand and I think the price is fair. I don't think I'm ready to go bigger, but bigger may be easier?? I would like a bigger tank eventually but still learning ALOT. It seems like a great deal, the guy bought a bigger set up which is why he's selling, would you buy it? I'm really debating.....could be an early birthday present....

 

[gemmy]

Honestly, after dealing with my 55 and its up's and down's, I would go for the 150. I think you'll be much happier with the increased real estate.

 

[meowzer]

and then there were 2 tanks....then 3...4....5.....see the pattern

 

[bubblegurl]

More real estate, love it!! Ohhhhhh I want to get it....would make the bf move his office upstairs, then I could have an entire room!! Just have to convince him! I see all you guys with more than 1 tank, mines just so new, not close to being full yet!! But I'm lovin it!

 

[snakeblitz33]

Here are my thoughts:
If you have the space, money, time, passion and interest - get it.
Post pics of the system that you are thinking of buying and I'll be able to go through it and price everything used and tell yah if you are getting a good deal or getting ripped off.
One time, I bought a 55g Oceanic tank, stand, canopy, 75lbs live rock, 40+# live sand, Compact florescent light fixture and some extra bells and whistles for $100. People will come down if you put the money in their hands in cash and say you'll take it off their hands today.

 

[florida joe]

Then you answered you own question what do you really need other people’s opinions for are they going to maintain your system are they going to pay for your system. I think not
Quote:
I don't think I'm ready to go bigger,

 

[snakeblitz33]

Lol, Bubble, as a former fish store owner, I had ~100 tanks for my business and 9 personal tanks running at the same time. It's been a lifelong addiction for me... I don't know if you know it or not but I'm going into Marine Biology at USM next year.

 

[meowzer]

You know.....think hard before you get it,....I started with a 225G (too much)....then added a 54G...a 29G....a 10G...and a 28G cube
I also have a 16G qt..and a 10G with a sick seahorse in it
I HAVE NO LIFE
p.s.....I also have a 55G and 46G freshwater tanks that get very neglected

 

[bubblegurl]

@ Florida Joe, agreed, but I'm thinking of buying and then once ready for bigger, I can do so, whether it's in month or a year.
I guess one of the issues we see is that its 5 ft long, my 55 is 4 ft long so not gaining much there.
@ Snake heres the details
60x24x24
45 gl sump with refugium
Aquamedic turbofluter 1000 skimmer with pump
Mag drive 12 return pump
Uv sterilizer
4x39wt teak light and/or 48" aqua medic mh with ballasts, 2x150 and 1x250
4 koralia power heads
Timers, power bars, heaters
Stand
Corner over flow and drilled for return
$700

 

[bubblegurl]

You know.....think hard before you get it,....I started with a 225G (too much)....then added a 54G...a 29G....a 10G...and a 28G cube

I also have a 16G qt..and a 10G with a sick seahorse in it


I HAVE NO LIFE


p.s.....I also have a 55G and 46G freshwater tanks that get very neglected :(
This is why I'm asking. I have time to look after my tank now, doing weekly water changes at the moment, for the most part my tank is running fine. I didn't say I would keep the current one, likely transfer over and sell excess equipment. I have no problem waiting, I'm learning a lot about the hobby and in a way, the 55 is good for that.

 

[snakeblitz33]

The tank by itself new would be $550 - 600. I say you are getting a pretty good deal with the whole setup. See if he'll throw in delivery as a bonus.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Keep all your old equipment! You never know when one of your powerheads may mess up on you or your heater burn out. Never know if you would want to use that 55g for a sump for your new 240g. lol!

 

[bubblegurl]

It's in the same city so picking up is no problem. I'm thinking about it, may take a look this weekend. No rush.

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bubblegurl http:///t/388987/what-would-you-do#post_3434159
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///t/388987/what-would-you-do#post_3434155
You know.....think hard before you get it,....I started with a 225G (too much)....then added a 54G...a 29G....a 10G...and a 28G cube
I also have a 16G qt..and a 10G with a sick seahorse in it
I HAVE NO LIFE
p.s.....I also have a 55G and 46G freshwater tanks that get very neglected
This is why I'm asking. I have time to look after my tank now, doing weekly water changes at the moment, for the most part my tank is running fine. I didn't say I would keep the current one, likely transfer over and sell excess equipment. I have no problem waiting, I'm learning a lot about the hobby and in a way, the 55 is good for that.
I'm sorry.....BUT sometimes I get overwhelmed.....there is no such thing as an empty tank....LOL....you will probably end up incorporating the 55G into that tank (as a sump) or just finding something else for it

 

[bubblegurl]

Keep all your old equipment! You never know when one of your powerheads may mess up on you or your heater burn out. Never know if you would want to use that 55g for a sump for your new 240g. lol!
Good grief, 240....wouldn't that be nice! I'm following a 404 gl build, pretty sweet but way beyond me!

 

[bubblegurl]

 
I'm sorry.....BUT sometimes I get overwhelmed.....there is no such thing as an empty tank....LOL....you will probably end up incorporating the 55G into that tank (as a sump) or just finding something else for it
 
 
I've seen your seahorse tank and it's beautiful! I can't imagine having that many tanks on the go!! One can be overwhelming as it is. I do get tank envy tho...lol

 

[acrylic51]

Overpriced!!!!! A used tank regardless unless custom built $1-$2 per gallon, so the tank is tops $250......Lighting is borderline......150's on a 24" tank........UV not worth much IMHO....guaranteed the bulb hasn't been changed or cleaned and should be a free bee.....The skimmer you'll be replacing.....Honestly I'd offer the guy $400, $500 tops depending on condition/quality of the stand.......

 

[btldreef]

Overpriced!!!!! A used tank regardless unless custom built $1-$2 per gallon, so the tank is tops $250......Lighting is borderline......150's on a 24" tank........UV not worth much IMHO....guaranteed the bulb hasn't been changed or cleaned and should be a free bee.....The skimmer you'll be replacing.....Honestly I'd offer the guy $400, $500 tops depending on condition/quality of the stand.......
I agree. My used 180 reef ready cost me $600 with stand, canopy, sump, refugium, 3 250 watt halides with extra new bulbs and spider reflectors and a chiller. I also knew who had owned the tank previously (not well) so I knew it had been cared for.
My 155 wasn't drilled, and it was a nightmare. I do not recommend non drilled large tanks.
It's not a terrible deal, but if it's not an absolutely beautiful custom stand, brand new bulbs, etc, I would not pay the full asking price.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Heh. There are 75g used tanks in my area going for $500 to $700. I do agree, however, that the stand has to look good and be sturdy with no signs of mold and water damage. Ask the owner how old the bulbs are on the tank too.
I guess location has a lot to do with price, eh?

 

[bubblegurl]

There are smaller tanks and less being offered for the same price. There are loads of people in the area that are selling used systems and this is the best price I've seen.
I guess the questions I should be asking is with a bigger system, what are the must haves for equipment? I don't have a sump set up now, or any controllers, except for a light timer. What are the pros/cons to a bigger system?
I honestly can not afford a custom build, I saw one a few weeks ago wi all the bells and whistles the guy said he put 20k into, for a 200 gl setup. New tanks and stands not drilled retail in the stores for close to $5k for same size, no equipment included.