Buying fully established tanks?

[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

 

[kvansloo]

Verify tank is healthy with water tests, Moving them is lots of work and time consuming, Be patient take pictures of everything while it is setup so you can try to get it back in the area it came from. Once set back up, I would still put all fish in QT and watch them closely feeding them for a few days, easier to watch and catch if needed just in case. they are going to get stressed no mater what. Also when I have done this if there is a sand bed I replace it.

 

[SDudge]

Not sure if still relevant but I just bought a used established 100g. Moved it with the 12 fish it had. Took a whole day to move but was worth it for the value for money that the used set up was.

Defo inspect the tank, livestock & equipment thoroughly. If you are having any doubts then bail.

I kept the rock, but will look to replace slowly with my own aquascape. Ditched the sand and added my own sand bed after the move.

I kept about 70% of the water and then topped off the rest with my own.

Before setting back up I gave the tank and equipment a well needed clean.

I risked it a bit and did not QT the fish, a week in so far everything looks good. I figured the deal was worth it with or without the fish, so worth the risk.

 

[Harpo]

Old tanks scare me

 

[Bitter old man]

Verify tank is healthy with water tests, Moving them is lots of work and time consuming, Be patient take pictures of everything while it is setup so you can try to get it back in the area it came from. Once set back up, I would still put all fish in QT and watch them closely feeding them for a few days, easier to watch and catch if needed just in case. they are going to get stressed no mater what. Also when I have done this if there is a sand bed I replace it.

why qt if fish that are going in same tank? If you moved your tank would you quarantine again?