Question about a tank I saw on FB Market Place

[TheLegendaryBarlowe072]

So Ive got a brand new tank that should be delivered any day now from Innovative Marine. But i've still been watching FB Market place looking extra equipment and for something I can use as quarantine tank that I'll probably setup in my basement.

What I find is...
Its a 55 gallon, with a 30 gallon acrylic sump, 2 viperspectrum LEDS, and a tunse powerhead and some kinda heater. Its full of old live rock and has a clown and a hawkfish, plus what remains of a clean up crew in it. Tank stand is pretty ugly, painted purple for some reason but still solid. $250

Pictures of the tank that were posted were old, the live rock looked fairly clean. So I went to look at it. Hoping I could use some of the live rock to add to my new aquascape of dry rock maybe seed it a bit. Clean the old tank and set it up as QT. But when I get there you cant even see the rock anymore covered algeas and aptasia. Some of these green algeas look like they could have been benifical macros but I didnt have the knowledge to identify them or the forsight to take pictures. The seller is very open about the fact that he doesnt care for it or do any but the bare minimum of maintance. ( His definition of bare maintance is diffrent then mine) Anyways none if looked like anything I would want in my display tank and so seeding with that live rock is outta the question now.

But I'm now I'm thinking I need to buy it just to save it. But I feel like its going to be huge project. And I dont think it will function as a QT tank for a long time if ever. I told the guy I'd think about it and come up with a transport plan and let him know.

My Question is would you do it?





These photos are not the current condition!!

 

[PharmrJohn]

Well.....No. But I have PTSD from a tank swap I had to do years ago when my used 75g started leaking and I had to do a swap out for a 90. I just don't trust anything but a new, high quality tank. As for a QT, with the size of DT you have, a 40g breeder would do nicely. You could put one together with quality equipment (sans stand) for 5 or 6 bills. With mid-grade level equipment for about half to three-quarters that.

Concerning the addition of LR from another tank, just realize that whatever issues he had with his tank will more than likely be transferring to yours. I'm not a fan of adding LR from another's tank.

Kind of a downer post, I know, but I'm very conservative as to what I do and the procedures I keep.

 

[Reef Wizard]

So Ive got a brand new tank that should be delivered any day now from Innovative Marine. But i've still been watching FB Market place looking extra equipment and for something I can use as quarantine tank that I'll probably setup in my basement.

What I find is...
Its a 55 gallon, with a 30 gallon acrylic sump, 2 viperspectrum LEDS, and a tunse powerhead and some kinda heater. Its full of old live rock and has a clown and a hawkfish, plus what remains of a clean up crew in it. Tank stand is pretty ugly, painted purple for some reason but still solid. $250

Pictures of the tank that were posted were old, the live rock looked fairly clean. So I went to look at it. Hoping I could use some of the live rock to add to my new aquascape of dry rock maybe seed it a bit. Clean the old tank and set it up as QT. But when I get there you cant even see the rock anymore covered algeas and aptasia. Some of these green algeas look like they could have been benifical macros but I didnt have the knowledge to identify them or the forsight to take pictures. The seller is very open about the fact that he doesnt care for it or do any but the bare minimum of maintance. ( His definition of bare maintance is diffrent then mine) Anyways none if looked like anything I would want in my display tank and so seeding with that live rock is outta the question now.

But I'm now I'm thinking I need to buy it just to save it. But I feel like its going to be huge project. And I dont think it will function as a QT tank for a long time if ever. I told the guy I'd think about it and come up with a transport plan and let him know.

My Question is would you do it?





These photos are not the current condition!!

I personally wouldnt do it not in that condition. Generally my rule of thumb if its let go that bad it could have potential problems. bad seams, cracks, who knows what else

While you could get it and can clean it.

A QT tank is supposed to be sterile and that has so much gunk to clean

Bottom line is yes its doable but there will be work. Whether you value time is your choice.

im sure others will have differing opinions

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I would say no. Even if he let you have it for free, it would be a lot of work and you have a big project coming.
Maybe if you got it for free and the rock is real, ie; Fiji or Tonga etc. You would have to move the tank, ditch the sand, throw all the rock in a brute, throw in a bunch of berghia, and cuc. keep it out of the light. fill the tank up with citric acid, etc.
Unless you have a lot of time on your hands...
But I just know my circumstances not yours, so it comes down to you.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Bottom line is yes its doable but there will be work. Whether you value time is your choice.

im sure others will have differing opinions

Apparently not so far....