Your Fish’s Home: Should You Use a Used Fish Tank ?
Friday, May 18th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Fish tanks and aquariums are not only great additions to the family, but also exciting ways of interior decorating. Because they come in all sizes and cater to enthusiasts and novices alike, fish tanks are incredibly popular. But when you decide to purchase a fish tank for your new family members, do you buy new or used? Read below for some examples of why you should consider buying a used fish tank, where you can get them, and some risks you may face along the way.
Why A Used Fish Tank?
The number one reason to consider a used fish tank is price. This is especially true if you want to purchase a larger tank and establish a true aquarium setting for your fish. Brand new larger tanks can easily cost over $500, so opting for a used fish tank may help you find a bigger, better tank within your price range.
Where Can You Get Them?
There are several great places where you can acquire a used fish tank. For a larger tank, such 100 gallon tank, you will want to check out the classified ads in the paper. For a smaller used fish tank, there’s no better place to look than your own community yard sales. Chances are great that you can find a great deal on a used fish tank that is still in decent shape.
Online auctions are also good resources for finding used fish tanks of any size, small, medium or large. If you purchase from an online site, do be careful of shipping fees and insurance costs as they could make the deal you received on the used fish tank moot point.
The Hazards of Using a Used Fish Tank
As with any type of used equipment, there are risks involved in purchasing a fish tank that has already been used. Specifically, you really don’t know the care and maintenance that has been performed on the fish tank you are purchasing. This is especially the case if you purchase your fish tank at a yard sale, as yard sales have no formal regulation. Online auctions do hold themselves to a standard and have methods of determining and disclosing things that may be wrong with the items sold. Still, be sure you understand ratings and procedures before purchasing a used fish tank though an online auction.
