Used tank setup purchase ??s

[MandyINCo]

So, I'm thinking of buying a second tank on craigslist. There are a few that were once turtle habitats, and some that were freshwater setups.

What questions should I ask, and what should I look for?

 

[BHead707]

how old it is?
if they bought it new?
can they fill it up so u can see that there isnt any leaks?

 

[Alyxx]

Does it have any leaks? Any outbreaks of disease? Any cracks or scratches? How long was it set up? Is any equipment being sold with it? Has it ever been resealed? If they only list gallons, ask for the dimensions. If I think of anything else I'll edit this post.

I got lucky getting a used setup from my LFS instead of online, got to look at it before I bought it. And it came with a stand and a huge box of equipment. In my opinion it is worth waiting for a setup with a stand and some equipment for a good price as long as the equipment is of good quality. It will save money in the long run.

 

[MandyINCo]

What about tanks that were once reptile or amphibian habitats? Any input?

 

[absolutangel04]

If I were you, I would also ask to see the tank with water in it and not just take their word for it that it holds water.

 

[Alyxx]

If I were you, I would also ask to see the tank with water in it and not just take their word for it that it holds water.

+1 if the seller isn't willing to do this, you may just want to look elsewhere

 

[blert]

Be careful with those tanks that housed reptiles. A lot of those are not made to hold a full load of water and have very thin glass. An LFS close to me sells tanks you would not want to use as an aquarium but work fine for a snake or something, they are much cheaper.