The steal of the century!!!!

[Kibouchi]

I've been very well educated in the importance of making sure you don't scrimp on your equipment.

However, I went down to my LFS this afternoon to study fish specimens for my tank. I was going to get a 75 gallon tank because it was the only tank I could find that was a reasonable reef size that I could afford. I tried finding a 90 gallon tank but they were all at least 400 dollars.

There was a 105 gallon $750 dollar tank at the LFS that was on clearance for $199. Naturally, this begins to spark some major suspicion. I asked what was wrong with the tank, they said it was on sale because it was formerly a display tank that they cleaned out and were trying to get rid of to make room for the new inventory (it's a small store)

Not wanting to get excited I requested a leak test, so we took it out back and filled it with the hose, then I said I wanted to stick around for awhile. So my buddy and I went back inside and browsed for awhile, then I went back out to check the seals. Absolutely no leakage.

So then I asked what kind of stand it needed. Turns out the width and depth measurements are the same as the 75 gallon tank, it's just taller. So it still fits on the stand that I've picked out. It was a great deal. I'll get a lot more real estate out of this tank and it still fits perfectly into the little spot in my house I picked out for it.

[Parrothead]

Not trying to rain on your parade, actually a good find, what you need to do and do it is soon as possible is, with it being a display tank coming out of a lfs, go back to the lfs and talk to the store owner or manager and find out what if any medications where ever put in that tank, especially any copper based meds. they can and do leach into the silicone sealant and even the glass, this can cause issues down the road with inverts and corals, it can be cleaned, "not an easy or fun task", but can be done, find this out now, so if it has you can begin the process.

Again good find, check on what I've mentioned, go down to the store, don't just call.

[twisted]

+1 on parrots comments.
Great find! Once you have the medication answer, its time to do LOTS of research on what to put in your tank since you are already educated on equipment

[Kibouchi]

Sounds good, will do

Also, the brand of the tank is "Oceanic". Just thought I'd let you know.

[Ninong]

That size tank is usually used as a fish-holding tank, not a reef tank. If so, don't buy it.

How is it drilled?

Did you ask them why they took it down?

[Kibouchi]

Also, one more thing I forgot to mention. I guess it's got Starphire front glass, and comes with a lifetime warranty, which is also good.

[Ninong]

Also, one more thing I forgot to mention. I guess it's got Starphire front glass, and comes with a lifetime warranty, which is also good.

Oceanic tanks don't come with a "lifetime warranty." Ask to see a copy of the "lifetime warranty."

Apparently they have changed their warranty. However, I suggest you read the requirements: Oceanic Warranty

You might also want to check with the manufacturer to see if their warranty applies to a tank previously used as a display tank.

P.S. -- If this tank was used as a fish-holding tank, I wouldn't buy it for use as a reef tank.

[tedlepplin]

hey kibouchi that does sound like a real bargain!! good spot

not wishing to be pesemistic and i am sure you have thought of all these points already but jus to chip in;

1. tank is going to be heavy, really heavy, do you have a good solid floor? I bought some stuff 2nd hand a year or so ago and the guy selling it had an empty 7ft tank in his garage he showed me. It was all set up but had broken a floor board, it was and old house but the weight of the tank shifted more on one side and it cracked. he said he had come home from work to find half the contents of the tank on his lounge floor and he lost out big time $€£......

2. bigger skimmer, bigger and more powerheads, higher powered lights, more l/r needed, more food more salt more r/o you get the idea........bigger and more expensive gear will be required...

like parrot twisted and ninong have said you dont know the history of the tank, how long has it been set up for, and whats been in it.

i guess what i am trying to say is a good deal now might cost you more in the long run. if the tank is the same size as the 75 but just deeper you will need some pretty heafty lighting to reach the bottom so your electric bills will be more, but you might not really be able to have many more fish due to the fact it has the same swimming space in it as the 75......

if you have a budget, I would start working out what you will need, how much flow how much l/r how much light and price it up before you decide on the tank.

i just thought i'd mention it to try to be helpful.......

[Flyboy450r]

I agree with tedleppin. You said a 75 was the only reef tank you could afford. I have a 29 and its very expensive. I have alot more in it than i have ever imagined. I dont know your budget but if your on one a 55 would be a great tank. Just making a suggestion. I know im dreaming of the day I can hang with the big boy's and have my 180 or larger but Im taking on step at a time. Good luck either way. If this tank works out for you there's a lot of diy on the internet if you have the time and the skill id look into some of those projects. Once again good luck and have fun

[Kibouchi]

I agree with tedleppin. You said a 75 was the only reef tank you could afford. I have a 29 and its very expensive. I have alot more in it than i have ever imagined. I dont know your budget but if your on one a 55 would be a great tank. Just making a suggestion. I know im dreaming of the day I can hang with the big boy's and have my 180 or larger but Im taking on step at a time. Good luck either way. If this tank works out for you there's a lot of diy on the internet if you have the time and the skill id look into some of those projects. Once again good luck and have fun

Haha, sorry. I work at Intel so I probably could afford a bigger tank, but I've got a wife who isn't really interested in the hobby nearly as muh as I am, plus she's got hobbies of her own. So I'm trying to maintain the hobby while trying to be somewhat fair to her and respect her hobbies and interests.

I went back to the store. Turns out I misunderstood. It was a display tank. Never held fish or saltwater or anything. It was literally a tank on display representing that product line. It's been there for months so they marked it down. I was a little suspicious because while I can understand a markdown, 199 from 749 is a drastic drop in price. The guy said that they have a tiny store and a new inventory. They HAVE to get rid of the old ones to make room. No meds or chemicals have been added.

Being the non-trustworthy man I am, I made sure to ask those questions discreetly, then I went over to the clerk and asked the same questions and got the same responses. So unless they are conspiring, it seems legit. While I understand all the precautions to take, there's no way I'll ever really know until I do it. If I get it and it's a bad tank, I'll just have to suffer the consequences, but I'd hate the idea of not buying it simply out of skepticism and spending far more than I needed to on a tank.

Thanks for the advice guys!

PS - Oh, and yes, I have a perfect area in my downstairs that's on tile, right near the back slider door, and near a lot of outlets. It's also and out-of-the-way, low traffic area that can be seen from anywhere on the first floor. So it can be easily appreciated, and won't be touched.

[Ninong]

That makes all the diference in the world. It's not actually a used tank, just a tank that has been sitting there on display. Sounds like an extremely good price to me. Be sure to keep your original dated receipts for both the tank and the Oceanic stand so that the "lifetime warranty" will be in place.

[Parrothead]

I agree, if it is a floor model and never saw water buy it, just be aware as mentioned, lighting will have to take a diff. turn, start researching MH's, I don't think T-5 ho's will penetrate that deep. Post the dimensions that will help us with lighting suggestions

[Kibouchi]

I agree, if it is a floor model and never saw water buy it, just be aware as mentioned, lighting will have to take a diff. turn, start researching MH's, I don't think T-5 ho's will penetrate that deep. Post the dimensions that will help us with lighting suggestions

Yeah, depth is something I was a little concerned about as coral needs to have really strong sunlight and be close to the surface. Perhaps I could build up my live rock a little higher to close some of the gap?

If I do MH's will I require a chiller? I was planning on getting a sump, so if I need a chiller would I be able to put it in the sump and have it pump back through the return pipe?