[T-Bone]

Hi everyone! I have been wanting a salt water tank for some time now and was wondering if it is a good ides to purchase a "Used" tank from someone local. It's a 29 gallon with a wet dry filter system.


Also what would be a fair price for a all inclusive set up like this?

Thanks for reading,

Tom

PS The seller is moving and I reallly don't want anymore stray fish running around town

[RyanG]

How much is he asking? Also does he have a sump system and pictures?

[1reefguy]

It really depends on what is included...lighting, filtration, and livestock. Most of the time the cost is relative to these things unless the seller is really desperate to get rid of it. I have a 46 bow and I wouldn't take less that 2,000 for it!

[T-Bone]

They are asking 250 obo... I am asking them for more pics of whats included as we speak.

[1reefguy]

sounds like a O.K. deal. I would be curious to know what kind of lights it has....you can prolly figure on needing new bulbs for it immediately. they need to be changed every 6 to 8 months IMO!

[T-Bone]

Clown fish, live rock and crabs are included. Here is a closer look of the tank itself.

[RyanG]

$250 isn't bad but I want to see the sump area and the stand and canopy look to be in good shape.

[T-Bone]

I just got off the phone with the seller and I have a 2:30 viewing appointment. I will bring my camera and post a pic of the filter system upon my return. Thanks for all of the quick help, I will be sure to ask what kind of bulbs it has. Is there anything else that I should be looking for or ask?

[RyanG]

What type of water does he use for top off? Does he use tap water or RO water? Don't mention the RO water, see if he does.

[e_baer]

Also, did he ever put any medication in there?

[T-Bone]

Ok so... Medication (ever) and top off water (Not mentioning RO)

Thanks again!

[RyanG]

Any update?

[T-Bone]

I forgot my camera... but the stand was really nice!
I spoke with the wife and she was pretty clueless about what has transpired with the tank. It had a big filter on the back of it that was made of plexiglass. It had three things that she said needed to be changed every couple of weeks. I was wondering if that could be placed under the tank? It looked like an eco filter (It looked alive)mixed with a wet dry filter? It looked kinda like this but it had like 4 chambers from top to bottom???

Wet/Dry Sumps: Filter Sump & Refugium Sump by Aquatic Ecosystems

There was only a standard hood light under the top that needed to be changed... I think that the coral would do a lot better with some newer lights.

There was also some sort of laser eye device that needed a powerhead and was blinding if you looked directly into it.

She said they used tap water to refill the tank...

[T-Bone]

I'm going to run over to the Local fish store that they bought it from and see if i can find the set up that they purchased... and I have my camera this time

[Br14n55reef]

Id say buy it only because of the stand and canopy. other wise its pretty much a no go, also find out if its an all glass aquarium. atleast you could drill the tank "IF" its all glass aquarium and build your sump and then a 35g refugium, look into a return pump in the 600gph range and a over flow box that is rated the same, the refugium id only go about 300-400gph.
Good luck Brian

[Br14n55reef]

oh I forgot the tank will also need 4 gallon weekly water changes

[T-Bone]

Well I bought the tank

Here are a couple of quick pics
Does this filter need to be cleaned out???

If so how???


The set up of the live rock


The Foam tub for the water and rock transport

[RyanG]

Your going to want to clean everything up, start with the tank. If is a glass aquarium you can use a razor blade to scrap the sides off. If it is not glass use a plastic razor blade in the case of your sump.

Use vinegar and water to clean everything up, no bleach, or windex or anything like that. Vinegar and water and vigorous scrubbing.

[ChocolateChipStar]

T-Bone ~

Congrats! I'd have bought it, to. Anything is fixable if you have the time, patience and energy.

BTW...just noticing your ID. Is t-bone for steak, or are you a trombonist?

[T-Bone]

It's just a nick name, my full name is Tom Carbone

I got to do something about the light in this thing, I only want to spend like $150, and I really want moonlight! Any ideas

It's a 30"x12", 29 gallon tank,

This picture is showing the hood with a 24 inch (2 prong) fluorescent lamp. The bulb is 3 years old and instead of replacing it, I figured I would put that money toward a new set up

[Br14n55reef]

your goin to want a new light there chief

[Br14n55reef]

so hows things going, the curiousity is killing me.

[T-Bone]

I ordered a Coralife 30" light fixture from here ~

Coralife 30 130 Watt Lunar Aqualight [CL-53403] - $142.99 : CaptainAquarium.com, For all of the aquarium supplies you need.

It was the best deal I could find on the net... if you sign up with them they send you a 10% off coupon

It's coming from AZ so I'll get it... I like a freakin week!

Also came home from the LFS today with a Frag of Bubble coral

[spanko]

Oh T-bone. So did you just set it back up the way it was with the same water and everything?
Got some updated pictures?
Do yourself a favor and don't use tap water in it anymore. Get RO of distilled, at the least.

[T-Bone]

Here are a few updated pics of the tank. I did use the same water... I had the LFS test it for everything! I've been using only distiled water. Can't wait for the lights to come!