Tips on buying second hand fish tank

[BoringTheBuilder]

Hi
Is it possible to be sure if a 2nd hand fish tank is in perfect condition just by seen photos and talking to the seller on the phone/asking the right questions?

I guess it isn't possible

Well, it's not possible to tell just from photos but if you pay by paypal (NOT CASH!!) then you can check it out when you get there. As long as all the glass panes are intact then any leaks at the seams can be fixed really easily.

Filters, heaters etc you can't really tell until they've been up and running for 24 hrs but I would say most sellers on ebay are genuine. Most of them are just geeks that have somehow ended up with too much equipment, not that I've been there or anything...

It is gumtree
So not sure if paypal will be any help?

Surely they won't be posting it and you'll have to collect?

You won't know for sure if it leaks or not until you fill it and leave it for a couple of days.

Not sure on Gumtree, never used it. Paypal is good at getting your money back whether it's Ebay or not but not sure on the procedure- there should be a page on Gumtree that tells you about it. Have you asked the seller if they have any returns policy or anything like that?

I've had loads of second hand tanks and they've all been fine. I do know someone that got ripped off and he paid cash so couldn't do anything about it.

The seller is delivering. I asked all the right questions and seems fine. I will pay cash after delivery and inspection so I think the seller will not be messing about if they are going through the trouble of carrying and driving 1 hour to deliver a 4ft tank?
I think I will take the risk...

Yes, if they are delivering then you're probably safe. As I said, most sellers are pretty genuine.

Now more importantly, what are you going to put in it?

Jolly, they are delivering in person and charging courier chages. Eau, Goldfish in it of course. But it comes whitout gravel. How much will I need and there is any particular kind you suggest? Colour?

Ah, lovely goldfish Have you already got some and you're upgrading? They'll love their new home.

Pea gravel is good for goldfish, it's small enough to not get caught in their mouth. They like to dig around so something small-ish and smooth is important. Or you could use sand; the cleaning method is slightly different but easy enough to get the hang of. You can use play sand (the non-coloured sort) because it's non-toxic and then it's really cheap to do your whole tank.

I was given an old goldfish in an unsuitable tank so I'm upgrading him

Aw, he will love you forever

He will love you even more if you give him some plants to destroy rearrange

I've had & sold several tanks 2nd hand and never had a problem. Sometimes you get scratching if they've been cleaned a bit vigorously but even that is much harder to see with the water in!

Thanks