Buying a fully established setup?

[Stinson Beach Aquatics]

Hello all!
I’m curious if anyone has any advice or experience on buying used aquariums that are already fully established from the previous owner. I am interested in buying a used reef tank and numerous listings I’ve found include fully established setups with liverock, coral, refugiums, anemones, etc.. One listing in particular includes all of this and the tank is fully operational with no signs of sick livestock or corals. I’m curious if anyone has had any experience or recommendations for a situation like this. I know biosecurity could be an issue but since everything appears healthy (can’t know for sure) there is less of risk than sourcing from multiple vendors. I greatly appreciate anyone’s insight!

- Patrick

 

[KrisReef]

Locally people pay more for established fishes because they have been proven to be healthy.

Buying other peoples set ups is great if they have what you want. Typically they have more than I want so I have to figure out what to do with the extra if I am going to buy something. I wanted a fish tank and got a full set up (which is still running nicely) and lots of extra back up equipment for nickels on the dollar. The extra livestock went to the LFS, I give most of the stuff away that I don't want. Some people resell it and a few make a profit doing just that when they see a set up being dismantled.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

ive done it and have been very happy with the results. it is catered to that persons tastes, so you will want to put your own twist to it(at least i did)

 

[cooltowncorals]

It’s usually a slam dunk financially, just really figure out and research tank moves so you don’t lose anything.

Move it all and once it’s settled you can start playing with taking things out if wanted and adding news things.

If there is a fish that absolutely does not fit you plans (eats something you want to keep) remove it when you move the tank so you don’t have to catch it later.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

very true!

 

[Naekuh]

I have always had bad luck moving tanks more then 30 min from location.

Meaning... if it requires massive amounts of buckets and keeping all the live rock submerged, i will not attempt it as i have always failed. I will setup a new system at location B, move all live stock from A, and then move system A over if its something i intend to keep.

Things tend to not go well whenever i thought i could move a complete system without a interm.
I would assume buying a established system is the same.

But im sure others have had good results doing it.

 

[Stinson Beach Aquatics]

Thank you guys so much for the insight! I really appreciate the advice. I have the same worry of loosing corals or live rock from one location to another but if the price is decent, I guess considering it as a discounted setup with the opportunity to preserve free livestock is a decent mentality to have.

 

[VintageReefer]

Pretend like you’re buying from a fish store. Bring bags (your LFS or petco can supply them) and bag every fish and coral individually with tank water during the break down.

When you get home set it all up and replace the water and acclimate everything.

 

[Solo McReefer]

Lots of buckets, towels

And forehead sweat

That's what it entails

 

[Kodock]

I’ve done it twice and it was great both times. No death. The main thing to look out for is what you do with the sand, if it has it, between rinsing/new/seeding, etc. You’ll just want to prevent a crash or big cycle, especially if you have expensive, sensitive corals. Larger tanks are obviously harder, due to have large amounts of new water ready and weight.. not to mention how many containers to keep the rock submerged.

The rock should harbor your main biodiversity, so you’ll want to keep it submerged in the tanks water, in containers. You can seed with a small amount old sand for the fauna, but that bacteria left in the tank, or that hits air, is going to die off when it’s exposed to air on the move and will really just be an ammonia hazard. Careful stirring up old DSBs.

Not making a mess and finding lifting help is probably your main challenge. You can get large totes or small ones that are secure, just keep things submerged and aerate or maintain temps over long distances. I’d still use some of the old tanks water, makes sure the new water you have waiting has similar parameters and temp. If the parameters are very different you may need to acclimate some things.

Today, I would pay a LFS or related to move everything, not a moving company.

MOVING WITHOUT LOSING: Relocating Your Aquarium

We are a very mobile race of beings. We have access to every square inch of the planet and even the moon. Staying in one place for your whole life just is not an option to some. Jobs call for relocation. Families grow and need space to grow...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[ajremington68]

Thank you guys so much for the insight! I really appreciate the advice. I have the same worry of loosing corals or live rock from one location to another but if the price is decent, I guess considering it as a discounted setup with the opportunity to preserve free livestock is a decent mentality to have.

Do you have a listing you can share with us to see if it’s a good deal and we can get a good idea on the stress you will be buying? I would think the bigger the more difficult. Also hard thing is you buy everything happy because stability is key in this hobby, and they have been stable, but then in one day they get more stress than they have had in months or years and can take a turn for the worst. Or they don’t that’s the risk to it. If you can keep rock wet, and ideally keep like 50% of the old water I wouldn’t think anything would go bad, but if you have to make all new saltwater if you use a different salt then the seller you could be messing up parameters and throw stuff off. All things to consider but finacally it is the way to go, just don’t be scared to post it and ask for advice openly and people will be brutally honest if you are getting a CRAZY deal or getting scammed. Best of luck my friend!

 

[smitten with ocean life]

thats how i got my 125 gallon set up a coule of years ago. it was an hour away. lots of work, but went great. no deaths. take lots of pics so you can remember how things go together. and a couple of friends!

 

[CKW]

Hello all!
I’m curious if anyone has any advice or experience on buying used aquariums that are already fully established from the previous owner. I am interested in buying a used reef tank and numerous listings I’ve found include fully established setups with liverock, coral, refugiums, anemones, etc.. One listing in particular includes all of this and the tank is fully operational with no signs of sick livestock or corals. I’m curious if anyone has had any experience or recommendations for a situation like this. I know biosecurity could be an issue but since everything appears healthy (can’t know for sure) there is less of risk than sourcing from multiple vendors. I greatly appreciate anyone’s insight!

- Patrick

Well, planning, research, throwing out plans, building the setup and taking your time is part of the hobby (obsession).
Buying a complete setup doesn’t allow for that part. Personally I would not do it.

 

[slogan315]

If this is your first dive into saltwater, I’d recommend trying to trade in or give away the livestock to the LFS.

I bought a used running setup for my 1st tank, and it’s still going great. BUT, the first 6 months to a year felt rushed and like the tank was driving me. I regret not giving away or getting store credit for the few corals and fish, then taking my time to start up the tank how I want. Instead it was a lot of worry and late nights trying to compromise between setting up the system right and keeping these animals alive being brand new to the hobby. In the end, a few corals died from my beginner ignorance. No amount of reading replaces actual experience.

I’ve since bought a couple running systems, and they’ve gone very smooth. I second the individually bagging each fish and coral. If you want to keep the corals and fish, I’d recommend getting a cheap glass tank or Rubbermaid tub, and plan to move the livestock 1st to the tub, then breakdown and move the system second. Moving a system is a lot of work and stress without the added time constraint of livestock in buckets or bags. Also you can take your time setting up the system while the corals and fish are just fine in the temporary tank.

Edit: buying used full setups is a great way to get into the hobby from a financial perspective. There are so many savings that add up for all the small things like tongs, cups, buckets, testing equipment, excess additives, etc.

 

[PeterC99]

Worked well for me, Great idea but bring extra help!!!

 

[Stinson Beach Aquatics]

I’ve done it twice and it was great both times. No death. The main thing to look out for is what you do with the sand, if it has it, between rinsing/new/seeding, etc. You’ll just want to prevent a crash or big cycle, especially if you have expensive, sensitive corals. Larger tanks are obviously harder, due to have large amounts of new water ready and weight.. not to mention how many containers to keep the rock submerged.

The rock should harbor your main biodiversity, so you’ll want to keep it submerged in the tanks water, in containers. You can seed with a small amount old sand for the fauna, but that bacteria left in the tank, or that hits air, is going to die off when it’s exposed to air on the move and will really just be an ammonia hazard. Careful stirring up old DSBs.

Not making a mess and finding lifting help is probably your main challenge. You can get large totes or small ones that are secure, just keep things submerged and aerate or maintain temps over long distances. I’d still use some of the old tanks water, makes sure the new water you have waiting has similar parameters and temp. If the parameters are very different you may need to acclimate some things.

Today, I would pay a LFS or related to move everything, not a moving company.

MOVING WITHOUT LOSING: Relocating Your Aquarium

We are a very mobile race of beings. We have access to every square inch of the planet and even the moon. Staying in one place for your whole life just is not an option to some. Jobs call for relocation. Families grow and need space to grow...

www.reef2reef.com

How would you recommend moving the sand to prevent an ammonia spike? Is it worth cleaning it or is it better to leave it undisturbed?

 

[BZOFIQ]

It's going to be a long day - wear plenty of deodorant on the day of move.

I did it twice and would probably not do it again.

 

[exnisstech]

How would you recommend moving the sand to prevent an ammonia spike? Is it worth cleaning it or is it better to leave it undisturbed?

Pitch the sand. IMO its never been worth the effort to get it clean. Fresh sand rinsed or barebottom. I would also place livestock in coolers vs totes and it will keep temps more stable which you'll probably need. It a chore and will most likely take longer than estimated. That said I have no problem buying used gear or livestock from reefers but don't think I would buy an entire system. Researching and planning is part of the fun for me.

 

[Solo McReefer]

It's going to be a long day - wear plenty of deodorant on the day of move.

I did it twice and would probably not do it again.

I've done it once

To do it a second time, it would have to be the deal of a lifetime

 

[Solo McReefer]

How would you recommend moving the sand to prevent an ammonia spike? Is it worth cleaning it or is it better to leave it undisturbed?

Sand in an established tank is fish and snail latrine

Would you move a latrine?

I wouldn't move an old sand bed within a tank, unless it is siphoning it out

Too much bad juju in there

Let alone take it with me

I have a gallon of Prime for some unforeseen ammonia spike

I don't know the antidote for hydrogen sulfide, or whatever other evil spirits are in there. A priest maybe