Buy a new tank setup or used one?

[jnrandall]

Hi,

I am ready to get my first tank this weekend but have a dilemma. I was going to purchase a brand new Biocube HQI (tank & stand) but then ran across an opportunity to get a used Red Sea Max 130D (tank & stand) for the same price.
With the 130D package, I'd also get;

• upgraded LED lighting, 12 blue & 12 white 3watt cree leds with optics. Drivers and heatsink are fully enclosed in the hood.
• 30lbs of fully encrusted live rock
• 2 powerheads
• titanium heater
• stock skimmer
• live sand
• clownfish and mandarin
• 2 maxi mini carpet anemones
• anethelia and mushroom colony
• various chemicals
• mag floats
• plus other items too.

From my month or so of reading everything I can, the above sounds like a great deal. My small issue is that with a brand new setup, I feel it's a better learning opportunity to experience all the good and bad stuff. With the established setup, I won't. Or can I still?

What do you think I should do? I love that there is a Manhattan Reefer community serving the greater NY area. When I was in to Cichlids over 10 years ago, I felt alone. Great Forum!


PS - How do you feel about New World Aquarium? I live 5 minutes from them and would seem to be the obvious choice for water, supplies, etc. I used to visit them when they were on West 8th street in the Village. That was a long time ago though.

Thanks
Jesse

 

[natesreef]

In my opinion it is 130d hands down. The package is really nice and you won't have to replace bulbs if you have led. Also, if you are wondering how you can still get the learning experience you can empty the tank. It will be a bit of a hassle but if you sell all the livestock and LR and sand you can easily get 100 dollars to go towards the livestock you choose. In addition, if you empty it you will be able to see the tank cycle and will learn just as much as if you bought the new cube. so my vote is for 130d.

 

[jnrandall]

That makes perfect sense. Thanks!

 

[basiab]

The used set is the better buy. You are getting a few hundred dollars worth of extra stuff.
I would get rid of the mandarin since that tank is probably too small to support it. Also figure out which coral you don't want and get rid of them as well. There will be a small cycle when you move it. There is enough to learn just to keep a small system on an even keel.
The only draw back is that a new system is easier to move and slowly load up. In the used one you have to coordinate the move so that you don't lose life. Read up on moving and make a plan before you do it. Figure out what you need in the way of buckets etc to make the move. It is not that big a tank but when you have to take everything apart and move it there are lots of things to consider.

 

[thirty5]

In my opinion it is 130d hands down. The package is really nice and you won't have to replace bulbs if you have led. Also, if you are wondering how you can still get the learning experience you can empty the tank. It will be a bit of a hassle but if you sell all the livestock and LR and sand you can easily get 100 dollars to go towards the livestock you choose. In addition, if you empty it you will be able to see the tank cycle and will learn just as much as if you bought the new cube. so my vote is for 130d.

+1

The used setup has much more most likely. Believe me you will still learn!!! Go with the used setup!

 

[STHILL]

Go with the used redsea max better deal ....and they are great I have 1 also and love it

 

[jnrandall]

Wow, didn't realize everyone would feel the same way! LOL

Thanks! Can't wait to be more active on this board.

 

[irvp13]

Go with the used one. The cycle and setup is only the tip of the iceberg, there is a lot more to learn.
BTW New world aquarium closed down a few weeks ago. Go to Manhattan aquarium, its on 37th between 11 and 12 if I'm not mistaken. Its definitely the place to go, and they sponsor MR!

 

[jnrandall]

Go with the used one. The cycle and setup is only the tip of the iceberg, there is a lot more to learn.
BTW New world aquarium closed down a few weeks ago. Go to Manhattan aquarium, its on 37th between 11 and 12 if I'm not mistaken. Its definitely the place to go, and they sponsor MR!

Really! I stopped by the shop this past weekend at 10am and thought I was just too early. Thanks for the update. I'll check out the other Aquarium. They seem to have parking too!

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Mattl22]

My 2 cents as someone who's system besides skimmer is entirely used !
According too the info posted I'd go with the red sea better system and the LEDs is huge plus !

Now my warning before buying anything used .... be educated on the item... what it costs new, make sure all the pieces come with it and if not find out what it will cost to get the piece you need + shipping time etc. IMO anything that's being sold that needs a new this or that is a headache find a working one. don't just believe ur getting a deal because someone says so I've been burnt more than once. I wouldn't buy any equipment that's been modified some of these things are hard enough to set up already.

If I had it too do all over again I'd still buy my tank and stand used but all other equipment I'd buy new

 

[Reef Reaper]

used setup is the way to go!!

 

[jnrandall]

Well I actually laid eyes on the setup. The best way I could explain it was if you are shopping for a used Ferrari. When you see it, it's dirty outside and inside. It runs perfectly but you can't get past the wheels that suffered some curb rash. Or the mud across the hood and windshield. Maybe I expecting too much. It is used, not new. I asked him if he'd clean it but I didn't feel too confident from his yes answer. I think I am passing and going new! Thanks for all your comments though!

 

[jnrandall]

Well, I passed on the used RSM and haven't looked back. I just ordered the Biocube HQI and stand. I also ordered the Spectrapure RODI-90-REFURB and TDS meter. Gonna give the wallet some time to heal before I use it again. When the tank and RO/DI filter arrives, I'll get the salt, LR and LS and get to work.

 

[jnrandall]

Wow, this is not a cheap hobby! Perhaps I went a bit overboard out the gate. I did have a list that categorized my expenses as 'Need Now' & 'Need Later' and 'Maybe'. That concept didn't last at all. Well at least I got some of my big ticket items out of the way.

Already purchased:

Biocube HQI & stand (arrives today)
SpectraPure RO/DI filter
Reefkeeper Lite Plus
Phoenix 14000K MH Bulb
R2 Solutions Moonlight
Mag-Float 30 Magnet Cleaner
Reefkeeper Lite + SL1 Expansion Unit w/ free PH probe
Digital Aquatics Float Switch kit w/mount

 

[Jaynie1028]

USED... Great deal

 

[Imbarrie]

I think this is a first with this many replies all agreeing.