Buying used, any problems?

[morganatlanta]

A thread on building a system on a $2000 budget generated a lot of discussion about buying used tanks (and other equipment). I put out that I'd definitely go used for a tank, stand, sump, light fixtures and other hard goods that don't really wear out, but another user related that they bought a used 150 gallon tank, which leak tested and looked fine, but later suffered a catastrophic failure and dumped 150 gallons of water on their living room floor.

Given the amount of trading that is done among the users of this forum, I'm wondering what proportion of people have experienced problems with used equipment they bought. Any more stories like the "150 gallons on the floor", or ballasts that died a week later? If out of the hundreds of users here and probably thousands of items traded, there are only a few stories like that, then I'll feel better.

So, please post your experiences and horror stories if you have them. But also if you bought something, got a great deal, and are very happy with the purchase a year or more down the road, post that as well.

 

[enderg60]

Out of the very few stories Ive heard, its usually a manufacturing defect of a new tank thats more likely to leak. And Ive only heard of one catastrophic failure, and that was due to a crappily built stand.

My personal horror story....I had a pump go out on me after a year....thats it.

Personally the only things I have purchased new were a few powerheads, bulbs and my actualy tank since I wanted it custom drilled.

 

[jef4y]

I had a new tank pop on me, so I'm probably not the best judge.

Used stuff, well, I have been running a used calcium reactor for +1 yr with zero problems. I had to re-plumb the thing, but that was like $8 in tubes. Eheim pump on it is a little rattly and should be replaced, but it's still working so it stays. I wouldn't have bought the reactor new as I didn't really need it, but I'm very happy with it and would replace it if it popped today.

Other than that, everything is new.

 

[crewdawg1981]

I've always had used and never had any problems.

 

[lilrobb]

USED - I am an equipment junkie and need to play with all the different things around a rreef tank at least once.
I buy used, try it out and if I like it - I keep it, if not - it goes to sale again, used.
Usually no money out - but I also don't mark up, I see it as "equipment testing"

 

[gnashty]

I bought my 114w Aqua UV used...I drove 100 miles round trip to pick it up - I asked him to check the condition of the sleeves and while doing so he broke them both - he came down just a smidge on the price because of it but I still had to Pay more to replace both sleeves (and bulbs)...so I got into the UV at this point almost what it retails for.....

hooked it up and was leaking from the factory seals :doh:

I didnt persue the guy, he said himself he never used it and bought an old LFS up near Tennessee to use for anohter business and came with all the contents...

it works fine now after a couple of tubes of aquamend

 

[elfloyd]

Bought used and in service for over 16 months without a problem:
90g tank
2 - 250w MH w/ reflectors
sump
mag 5
mag 9.5
9w UV

Bought used... not yet in service:
MRC MR-2R
BL-55 HD

Bought used with unknown problems:
Reeflo Dart pump (replaced the seal)
Gamma UV (broken sleeve - I didn't check when I bought it)

I am a firm believer used is the way to go!

 

[acroholic]

Buying from fellow ARC Members is a bit less risky than buying from someone far away. They have more to lose if they rip you off and are local to you. Not saying it can't happen locally, just less likely to.

I sold Barb a small RR tank/light/stand, then saw it sold at least two other times on the Forum over the next couple years.

 

[gnashty]

Mine was from an ARC member, I even contacted Aqua UV and told them it was leaking - they said that it coudl be UV degradation and would cover it for free....but i would have to send it in and they would need to cut it into several peices to test - if it was degradation they would ship me a replacement - if it was not....$160 - either way I would have lost the housing for good...so I kept it

Eric B and I spent almost 2 hours puddying it up and loc-tighting the seals....works like a champion

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I've been buying (and selling) used since 1986 and I've only had one piece of equipment fail on me and that was a light. Ballast went bad. Who knew? Nobody. Never had a tank leak, never had a pump fail, never had a light not burn (except for the one). Of course, that all could be because when I buy a used piece of equipment, I go through it thoroughly before placing it in to service. I clean and inspect everything. If it looks rough or that there may be an issue down the road, I just fix/repair/replace it up front. I've resealed several tanks before putting in to service because I didn't like the way the seals looked. None have ever failed. Don't know that they would've failed in their previous condition but for the price of a tube of caulk, wasn't worth the risk. I replace impellers from the beginning....no problems that way.

 

[atlfishes]

I purchased my entire 90 gallon system used, except for the stand. I wouldn't have done it any other way. Great way to get your feet wet and you don't overspend on equipment you won't want a year down the road. I think a lot of us end up upgrading equipment / tanks down the line any way.

 

[chefrepo]

Used is the way to go. I have used skimmers, lights, CA reactor, the list goes on and on.

 

[pamelahaley]

I've always had used. I've had better experiences. I was with someone who bought new stuff and had problems. used stuff can either be abused or just prove the test of time... in the forum's defense, offers for used I get, people usually tell me if there is anything wrong before hand.

 

[smallblock]

Its strange how much value an item loses after its bought. Its alot like the car bidness after you roll off the lot you've lost at least 7 grand. Only thing that comes close to holding its value is a vortech and they still lose 100. I buy used as well

 

[rizmaher]

I have bought a few used things, but as porpoiseaquatics points out do a thorough check of the item. I also will completely break it down, clean and replace worn parts.

 

[freezerrat]

I buy used, mostly. I've bought small pieces of equipment new. Simply a cost issue with me. I figure this hobby being a luxury, if I ever have to get out (and I have in the past) I could get back pretty much what was put in.

 

[smallblock]

freezerrat;570169 wrote: I buy used, mostly. I've bought small pieces of equipment new. Simply a cost issue with me. I figure this hobby being a luxury, if I ever have to get out (and I have in the past) I could get back pretty much what was put in.

Hows that used router doing bro!! :up:

 

[jead85]

I do both, whatever best suits my needs.

 

[puffer9375]

Everything I have was purchased used with the exception of light bulbs. I have not had any problems (as I knock on wood!!) I did have a couple of pumps go bad but that was after at least a year of use. I think one of the big considerations when buying used is HOW USED. For instance a five year old tank, reactor,or skimmer is a whole lot different than a five year old pump, powerhead, or light fixture. If you are familiar with the product. Inspect it and get some kind of history of it's use buying used is the way to go. I honestly don't think I could afford to be in this hobby if new was the only option.

 

[freezerrat]

Smallblock;570171 wrote: Hows that used router doing bro!! :up:

Working perfect, I LOVE USED!!