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Hello! I've been saving up for a long time in order to buy a bigger tank for my cramped severum and pleco, and I've just recently ran across a big 50 gallon tank in my local pawn shop. I'm really indecisive about buying it, because it's pretty old and grungy looking, and I'm terrified it'll leak. It's all glass, with fake wooden trim along the bottom and the top, which isn't in good shape. The glass looks fine, no scratches, but the sealant on one corner is yellowish brown. It seems like a good deal because it also includes a filter, gravel, and some light canopies (one of which is broken, the lids are in several pieces). It's $159 which seems like a really good deal. Any ideas on how to tell if it's a nice tank worth the money? Thanks!

If i were you, i'd pass and keep saving for something a little bigger. A 50g is only 12 more inches long, and your fish would really appreciate a little bigger spot. If it looks gungy, you can get new mouldings, and you'd probably have to reseal it. Kinda bleh if you ask me.. you can pick and choose what you want in the tank someplace else and have a warranty and the benefit of the pieces being new.

My .05c (inflation)

Petsmart has a 55gallon tank with a hood for 100 bucks, thats where Im getting mines tommorow.

That is not a "really good deal", especially if you have to spend more money to fix it up. I agree:%) with Fallout, you should go for something bigger. You can probably find a larger tank for less than $159, and in better condition to boot!]

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

that isn't a very good deal at all. you can buy a new 55g at walmart for 150. you might have to replace some of the stuff but its still a good deal

Pass it by. $150 is way too much. Rule of thumb: Used means you're buying someone else's problens. Check your lfs and Walmart. As mentioned, Petsmart sells a 55g/hood combo for $100. Those sold by my local Petsmart are made by All Glass and come with a 10 year warranty. Walmart sells a boxed combo for $200. I beleave it comes with everything except gravel. For other deals, check your local newspaper want ads for used tanks. If the tank is no longer set up, the seller should be willing to fill it to show there are no leaks. Never buy a tank that has yellow or peeling sealant. Those are sure signs of trouble. You can also check your local fish store. Mine have a bullitin boards where people can post ads for fish and equipment. Hope this helps

If i were you, i'd pass and keep saving for something a little bigger. A 50g is only 12 more inches long

I don't think he meant 50g

I forgot to ask: Are you looking for a step up tank or a permanent home for your severum & pleco. I ask 'cos a 50g or 55g is not realy big enough if you have a common pleco. They will quickly reach 2 ft plus. I started a group of 5 severums and a common pleco in a 55g and they outgrew it in 6 months. My wife then made me get a 300g, but that's another story

i have found used aquariums to be someone elses lack of devotion, not someone elses problems. awesome deals can be had on larger tanks, the key is patience. $159 for the described setup is a blatent ripoff. around here (southern arizona) it is not uncommon to find complete 125 gallon setups (tanks, stands, filters, etc) in the $300 to $500 range. my best find to date was a FREE complete 90 gallon setup due to the fact that the owner messed up installing his ceramic floor tile. the tile was extremly uneven, and he had no place to reset the tank (i shudder to think what he did with the fish). it cost me $20 to rent a u-haul, but well worth it. my current pride and joy is an incredible 180 gallon setup purchased for $500 (he had $3,000 in receipts, and my purchase price included delivery) from a gentleman who got too old to properly maintain his setup.

unless you are in a hurry, wait and look everywhere for what you want. you will be amazed at what you find.

call around at lfs i got my 75g for 160 with tank and cover. then got everything else off the internet

Thankyou so much for your help!!! I think I'm probably just going to seek out some better bargains or get a cheaper price on that tank, if I can. They seemed pretty desperate to get rid of it because it was taking up so much shelf room and I gather they've had it for a while. It was originally $200 but their willing to let it go at $130. At my local petshop a 45g is $169 and a 50g is $249 and both include a plastic cover but no lights or anything. A hood is $165, and a filter is around $50. Though it is Canadian pricing, and I think everything here is more expensive. I wonder if I'll get a good bargain on a 100g?
Thanks again!

i just found the BEST deal i think i have ever found, a 75 gallon for $30!!!! my friend checked it out and said it came with everything!!! no cracks, scratches, but even if it did i wouldent care i would fix it for that price!!!! so from what i read here this is a great price, it down at our local discount store i cant wait, i think i am going to get it tommorrow

even if the seals on it are bad you can fix easily