Quick Question - Price of Second Hand 2m tank

Hi

Quick question - what would be a fair price for a 2m x 60 x 70 tank?
Only the glass with basic metal stand (no extras)

Looking at buying a tank today for 3.5k

 

I bought a 2m x 600 x 600 with full cabinet / canopy. Lights, Sump, Filter media, 2 x 300 watt heaters and water pump for R2500. :idea:

R3500 sounds a bit TOO much

 

hmmmm ... I think you right - thanks
I'll keep my eyes peeled for something else I think

Anybody in CT have a 2 meter or bogger they want to sell?

 

It depends on what glass, who made it etc

My 1.8X60X60 with stand was 3k second hand but then its 10mm glass all round with 2X10mm base and 2X10mm euro bracing in black silicone

 

Saw this add on Gumtree on Sunday for R1000

 

PM sent.

 

sorry to hijack the thread here but is it wise to buy a big tank second hand?

 

If you know what to look for, and prepared to completely stript it down and re-silicon it (regardless of the condition), you should be alright. Also, you need to do your homework before actually viewing the tank (which often leads to impulse buys).

Get the seller to give you the specs of the tank, then check online, or with someone who builts tanks, what the glass thickness should be, and what type of bracing should be on it. Then when you view it you can check this properly. Whilst you chatting to the tank builder, you may as well get a quotation from him for the same size tank. usually you sould be paying about 40% (or more) less for the second hand tank. This is the pricing structures that I have seen.

If the glass has scratches and general wear and tear on it, then usually it's fine. If it's actually got nicks knocked out of the corners and top, then it more than likely wasn't looked after.

Another trick to consider when buying... a lot of people sell off their second hand tanks when there is a cracked side or base. This is because the person doesn't want to go to the effort of fixing it up (sad really). The crack has happened due to 2 reasons. Either it was abused, or the glass was old or wrong thickness. This is where you need to make a decision on whether you prepared to take that risk. If one side "spontaneously" burst, then I'd be pretty sure the other side will go. If the glass is too thin. Then the rest is too thin.
If it was negligence from the sellers part... get a quote to replace the glass, and ask him to pay half... i,e if tank is R4000, but base is broken. And new base costs R1000. Offer him R3500.

That's my 2c

 

Thanks for the 2 cents worth of info :bigsmile:

Makes lots of sense...

Try to PM you back - but need 10 posts before I can...

Here is my PM so long - Need to go post some styuff
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Hi Donny - thanks for PM

This tank looks awesome... Can I come see it tonight maybe?

90% sure - I'll take it

What is the condition like - e.g. for scratches etc?
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Yes you can i will pm you my number and you can give me a call
its in a fair condition.

 

I dont think that is the case at all, if it needs to be resealed i would rather skip to the next tank, i have bought a couple of second hand tank, and they are usually in a very good condition (people buying tanks and getting tired of all the maintenance etc after about 6 months) so that is the tanks to look for. Have never resealed a tank and never had any problems. Most tanks will only need to be resealed after 10+ years.

 

You are right there sigularity. I kinda got ahead of myself in typing there. If the tank is still under 5 years, then you can more than likely get away with not having to reseal... but for me personally, older than that I would want to reseal.

 

Hi Dangerousd, not sure if you have come right with a tank yet, but Northern Aquatics in Bothasig (know its not exactly on your door step) have tanks and are very reasonable, perhaps you should give them a call and see what they have to offer? at least it will be new then and you wont have to take a chance with second hand? their number is ######### Candice

Please PM candice for the number. Giving out LPS numbers on the forum is not allowed