Where to find a used 200G+ system 4 eels

[sunburnt]

Hi all. First let me say I've been lurking a while, and you guys have some gorgeous tanks. I think you've inspired me to start a mini-reef on the side! And an octopus tank. And... and... and. It would be cheaper to buy a sailboat and stake out the Atlantic as "mine". Heh.
This post isn't going to fit nicely into any one forum, but here goes. I'm looking to upgrade my baby 30G to an (at least) 200G aggressive. Maybe eel only... but I'd love to have a porc puffer in there if feasible. I had a Zebra about 5 years ago that I was madly in love with, but I moved too much & haven't had anything set up since then. Bought a house in Central TX & am ready to take the plunge. I have a 30G up now that I'm just adding rock to when I find a nice chunk & getting a nice ecosystem going.
I have read posts on this and other sites until I literally get migraines (LOL), but there is so much conflicting info and so many different opinions! And I don't even know enough to know what I don't know, so I'm starting with basics.
From reading, I'd say a 240 long is good for a tessa and perhaps 2 other eels (I'd actually like to steal DOcs livestock, but I wouldn't be able to resist posting pics and they'd catch me for sure!

). Space and financial restraints do limit me to about that size (dammit!). I'm looking for a used system for a good price. Cheaper and easier since someone else already knew what they were doing (presumably)! I've searched the newspapers, The Auction Site, and the ads here and a few other sites (I don't think I'm allowed to specify?!), I'm hoping everyone will IM or email me any other sites that I haven't found that have FS ads. ((( My email and IM for MSN/Yahoo/Hotmail/Passport is GoSpeedGrrrl@yahooDOTcom

I'll probably need people to hold my hand once I find it, too. Heh.

Thanks for any help!
Darla

 

[chipmaker]

My lfs has a nice 210 gal setup, with hood, sump and pump, stand etc.........not sure if it has lights included..but he is in Alabama........

 

[escape2thewater]

First, Welcome to the board!

That may be pretty tough to find used. From my experience if you do find a used tank of any size, it will likely have scratches and things on it that might bother you. I bought a used 100gal for my first sw tank but after setting it all up I realized that the tiny scratches on the tank would drive me nuts long term. After I thought about how much time & money im going to spend on a tank, why do it in a used tank? So I just bought a new one and refinished the used stand I bought. This is just my experience, of course

Good luck in your search though.
BTW, you should check glasscagesdotcom if you havent already. They have great prices on new tanks and stands.
Escape
:happyfish

 

[scubadoo]

All my recent set-ups were purchased used. You can check that big auction site for a set-up near you, your local newspaper and craigslist.org. You can save hundreds by purchasing used.
Be patient and you will eventually find a used system.

 

[mitzel]

the thing with used is you will need to be patient and wait for a good deal. I always stumble across good deals in the local paper when I'm broke . so just be ready and wait for the good deal to come along.

 

[cougar]

I bought a 240 gal off of a auction web site brand new for $1350 with stand, canopy, glass tops. They are out of TN and ship on a truck line, I noticed on their auction store they have deliveries into TX scheduled. Included in the $1350 was $100 for shipping for them to ship it to Chicago for me, I did have to drive, meet them there and pick it up. But it is the best deal for a Brand new tank. Let me know if you want more info.

 

[unleashed]

Check with your LFS alot of them take in used items as trades them resell them to the public at reasonable prices.this also goes with equipment.I know my LFS does this but I think Mich is bit far to be traveling for for a tank lol.

 

[scubadoo]

Originally Posted by unleashed
Check with your LFS alot of them take in used items as trades them resell them to the public at reasonable prices.this also goes with equipment.I know my LFS does this but I think Mich is bit far to be traveling for for a tank lol.
The psoter was referring to a maufacturer that delivers to many geographical locations in the US. They are located in Dickson, TN and their truck makes delieveries throughout the country. You may have to wait a couple months but they pretty much go all over. You only need drive to a larger city near you...but you may have to wait a couple months.

 

[sunburnt]

LOL- Michigan is a little too far, yeah... Getting cold up there about now too, isn't it? ack! I'm still lounging by the pool down here!
Thank you all for your kind words and suggestions! Craigslist is a great site. Guess I'm the last person to hear of it! The other two I'd come across via The Auction Site and have them bookmaked.

I would love to go new, but that would mean a longer wait than I've already had. I've already budgeted and waited and read up (and coveted) for a year. Don't... think.. I can.. take it! ;-)
I do have a line on one near me, and would LOVE some opinions! I know a lot of YOU know what you're doing as far as DIY equipment, but I'm really not sure I know what I'm looking at in this setup! Does duct tape REALLY fix everything? :hilarious Not too purty, but serviceable?
http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...6109&rd=1&rd=1
(I don't THINK that's breaking the rules!) Would that be okay for the beginning- cycling the tank with the screwed together LR? Of course, if it goes for under $600, I should scrap that and look for other equipment, right? I just Pergo'd my floors! Heh. The less I need to spend on hardware, the more goes into livestock, but I'm not trying to rush this too much.
Thanks, guys!