Help me make a purchase plz!

Guys I'm on craigslist and want to buy this tank, but I'm a newbie to this hobby and don't know what's good and what isn't good. Like a hang on overflow such as the one mentioned in this ad. Can you guys tell me the pros and cons, and if this is a good deal.

55 gallon bow front glass aquarium- fish tank

I havn't seen pics of this one yet but this is another one I'm looking at.

Saltwater Aquarium Breakdown

 

looks like a 46g bow front. i think you can do better.

 

The 55 gal is the better, nicer tank in my opinion.
The other one is 24" tall and only 30" long - 30" long T5 bulbs are not very common size, hence why he's using 24". Ask him if the 24" bulbs sit on the glass or need to be hung from the ceiling.
However, must folks are not to fond of the "hang on" type over flow boxes on the bowfront, and he didn't mention throwing in a sump. The 55 would be great if you drilled and did a sump.

Or you could nix the sump idea and keep that BH100 skimmer (a great skimmer!) and invest in a large CPR Hang on Refugium and you wouldn't need a sump for the 55...

just some thoughts, good luck

 

I think both cost to much IMO. I wouldn't buy either especially the first one.

 

lol, I agree with Alex. there isn;t a 55 gal bow front. The rest of the equipment looks ok ie. Koralia circulation pumps and the reef octopus skimmer. The lighting is compact flourescent which is outdated but can still grow corals if the bulbs are newer. To break down the value (second hand) on those pieces you are looking at around;

pumps 80

Skimmer 100

Light- not positive, no more then 100 dollars dependant on bulbs

Tank- 100 or so (you can find the 46 bow front all over the place)

Stand 30 bucks.

I am sure you can find a better deal. I bet you could get a 72 bowfront with 350 and that would give you more options

 

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback thus far. The problem is I'm limited to a 40" space in my room. If I had a 48" space the world opens up to me for tank sizes, unfortunately I don't have that room.

Can someone tell me the disadvantages of HOB overflow? disadvantages of drilled? What type of dangers do both systems pose? I dont wanna burn down my house or flood it.

Also, with a space of only 40" long, could anyone per chance help me find an ad on phoenix arizona craigslist that THEY themselves would like? (keeping in mind 40" long space in which to fit the tank)

 

Are you comfortable drilling the tank?

The HOB overflow relies on a siphon to drain the water. If the siphon breaks, your tank empties onto the carpet. With a drilled tank, the only danger is something plugging the drain which is hard to do.

 

I agree we bought a Oceanic 90 BF with stand on craigslist for 100 bucks. Be patient

E

 

There is a 46 bow for 50 bucks! I say buy it and get it drilled (80 bucks to have someone do it I think). then make it the way you want it

 

Tom, I see the tank but stands are expensive!