Is this used 75 gal tank for $500 a good deal?

[MUB]

I've been trying to get into this hobby for a while now watching sales and I just saw someone post a 75 gal tank for $500 (700 CAD) with the following specs:

- 75 gal reef ready tank with a corner overflow (48"x18"x18")
- 4 years old
- Custom stand
- 40 gal SUMP
- Reef Octopus 150
- Eheim 300W heater (will definitely get new ones)
- 2 lights = Fluval Marine 3.0 and USA Orbit Marine (both 48 inches)
- Max Water 6 Stages RODI
- Live rock, sand and fish but I doubt I'll take them as it's a 3 hour trip

Seems like a lot of stuff for $500 so I'm a bit worried. Theyre also including bunch of other equipment and tools. They sent a video and the tank was running fine. They said there were no scratches but of course I'll check when I go.

What else should I look for? Are these lights good enough or should I get 2 AIs instead?

 

[MUB]

Too bad you are in Canada I have a pretty fair setup for sale around that size.

Are you near Niagara Falls?

Edit: Nevermind, just saw you're in CA.

 

[ScottJ]

Good you passed on it. That stand was UGLY!

 

[Crustaceon]

It's a great point. Also true: if a tank is well cared-for, the equipment may still be in poor condition. I speak from experience...

That's true. A four year old heater is still a four year old heater regardless of how clean it is.

 

[Tamberav]

I agree. Earlier you mentioned that the main value of used systems is from the live rocks. Why is that? I'm not buying this system at all but if I ever find a system that's similar to this with live rocks, is it "safe" to buy it? Won't the problems of a neglected tank stick with the rock and cause problems in a new system? Just curious.

The stuff on that system was low value stuff... aged live rock is priceless and expensive per lb... if it is clean/well cared for. It is like skipping all the frustration of uglies or maybe dino and getting stability faster.