Habitat - Indoor :: A TANK FROM A FLEA MARKET!!!

[jroc 518]

Here in Philadelphia they have a lot of flee markets in the area. Im willing to spend all the amout of money I need for my baby RES but I decided to go one to get supplies that I might need(such as stands and decorations). Well while I was looking around I found a 10 gallon tank with water heater and filter for only 8 dollars. I din't buy it because I wanted a bigger tank. After I left my friend told me that he saw a guy with a 135 gallon tank with the accesories(water heater, filter, and rocks , nets etc. for 50 dollars. The only question I have is if those tanks are ok and if they are safe to buy because they are cheap and im not sure if they are broken somehow. As I said im willing to spend money but thats real cheap and I can save a lot of money. Any ADVICE??? thanx in advance

[Chrisbarnett]

I replied to this question in the "Craigslist find" thread.

[jroc 518]

thanx I might just buy one. Sorry i did read it but took your advice to see what other peoplr think

[steve]

I also replied there...

Good points Chris. For glass tanks, they can be resealed if the silicone is damaged. Chips and cracks are a bad sign and those planes should be replaced, which is usually not an easy option.

You also need to make sure that it is an aquarium and not a reptile tank. Those are not designed to be filled with water.

I would avoid used filters, decorations and bulbs. Well, the filter would need to look brand spankin' new and I would definitely change out the media and have the filter disinfected.

[jroc 518]

yeah I will make sure but if i do see cracks or anything i'll just buy a new one. For the filter and stuff I might just buy a new one I don't want nothing going bad

[blulite]

i purchased a 30 gal tank from a flee market here in england. this came with filter, gravel, lighting controller, swich board, ornaments, air pump. everything exept the light bulb and the heater and i paid £10. this was a bargain in my eyes. it did leak from one of the joins in the corner but a quick fix with some aquarium sealent worked a treat.

there is absolutley nothing wrong with second hand tanks. after all i does save you money for other extras.

ive now got my eye on a 60 gal tank that needs a small crack fixing in the base but for £1.99 its a bargain and comes with lid and light.

so why not just buy it.

after all if the accessories are worth the price alone then there is no worries.

and do you know whats even better. i found the lid for the 30 gal with built in lamp only a week later at the same market. i also purchased am 8inch diameter heat lamp with bulb for £2 in a local charity shop.

tbh my entire set up including turt and 30 gal tank has cost less £40 or about $70 now thats easily a bargain.

plus i have some extra bits. a spare filter, a spare light holder a spare air pump and a lighting controler.