It funny lately it has been getting more hectic with all the new members. But have you guys noticed how similar we are to vultures in the selling forum, LMAO! I admit im one myself, I just find it so hilarious how there is so many reply's in that same hour. I really noticed it today with the docholiday post. 16 replies youve got a pm (including me though lol) and the day hasnt even ended.[-smile_green] Im posting this in matter manner though, just some conversation.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Joined
·
1,276 Posts
Yeah, I think people realize that good deals can be had buying used equipment. Of course, it goes without saying that buying someone else's corals is good because they have been in somebody's tank and obviously have not died. But on the flip side, that doesn't mean it won't die in your tank! [D]
Here's an instance where the seller got the better end of the deal....
I first started, I didn't know much about marine systems. I bought a person's tank off ebay that was local. It didn't meet the reserve which was $1000 and the highest bid offered was $660. I should have taken this as a sign, but I didn't. I contacted the seller and saw the tank. It looked "pretty" to me because all I saw were pretty fish. He told me all the green hair algae (and there was LOTS) was a sign of a healthy tank. I didn't know much about equipment or anything marine related.
I offered the guy his asking price of $1000. He advertised it as a 150 gallon reef tank that was running for 3 years. Basically, the guy had a couple nice fish and about 4 corals, torches and leathers. He called it a reef tank. What did I know back then? [-gnasher]
I told the guy I was cycling my 75 gallon tank and that I would take parts from his tank to transfer into mine. I told him that I'd get the livestock when my tank was done cycling. He said no problem, that I'd have until the end of September. At that time, it was the beginning of September.
Well anyway, it was extremely laborious work travelling to this guy's trailer home which was a good 40 minute ride one way. We did this countless times back and forth to his house. By the end of the second week, he told us he wanted everything out of his house. So much for my tank being able to cycle properly.
When I tested his water, it had 70ppm Nitrate! [-bigeyes] [-censored] I didn't have anything else to test the other saltwater parameters. I knew I didn't want to use his water or else I could have my very own algae garden.
He said to scrub the rocks to get rid of the algae. Not only did I scrub them, I blasted the heck out of them with the garden hose. I'd show that algae a lesson or two and every other good bug in the rocks too! [-banghead]
Well, to make a long story short/shorter...the equipment I got ended up being so pathetic. The guy was using a Berlin Skimmer with a wooden airstone + pump. His pump was broken and he never bothered to get a new one. I wasn't told that until after I handed over my money. The really great metal halides he bragged about were the kind of bulbs you'd use to light up the aisle way at WalMart. I could go on and on.
I ended up having to buy all the equipment new, lights, filter, skimmer, powerheads. There is absolutely NOTHING in my 75 gallon tank now except for a few rocks and a mandarin fish that came from the 150. I've got more coraline growth on the rocks now in less than 5 months time than he did in 3 years time. Oh yeah, when I took measurements of the tank, it was a 135 too. I ended up selling all the equipment at dirt cheap prices. The equipment was "usable", just not what I wanted.
I should have just taken my $1000 and bought what I needed for my 75 gallon tank. I would have come out so far ahead. I didn't do my homework and I didn't know better. Instead, I gave money to a conman who sold me something that was certainly less than advertised. [-censored]
So you see, selling and buying can work both ways.
Here's an instance where the seller got the better end of the deal....
I first started, I didn't know much about marine systems. I bought a person's tank off ebay that was local. It didn't meet the reserve which was $1000 and the highest bid offered was $660. I should have taken this as a sign, but I didn't. I contacted the seller and saw the tank. It looked "pretty" to me because all I saw were pretty fish. He told me all the green hair algae (and there was LOTS) was a sign of a healthy tank. I didn't know much about equipment or anything marine related.
I offered the guy his asking price of $1000. He advertised it as a 150 gallon reef tank that was running for 3 years. Basically, the guy had a couple nice fish and about 4 corals, torches and leathers. He called it a reef tank. What did I know back then? [-gnasher]
I told the guy I was cycling my 75 gallon tank and that I would take parts from his tank to transfer into mine. I told him that I'd get the livestock when my tank was done cycling. He said no problem, that I'd have until the end of September. At that time, it was the beginning of September.
Well anyway, it was extremely laborious work travelling to this guy's trailer home which was a good 40 minute ride one way. We did this countless times back and forth to his house. By the end of the second week, he told us he wanted everything out of his house. So much for my tank being able to cycle properly.
When I tested his water, it had 70ppm Nitrate! [-bigeyes] [-censored] I didn't have anything else to test the other saltwater parameters. I knew I didn't want to use his water or else I could have my very own algae garden.
He said to scrub the rocks to get rid of the algae. Not only did I scrub them, I blasted the heck out of them with the garden hose. I'd show that algae a lesson or two and every other good bug in the rocks too! [-banghead]
Well, to make a long story short/shorter...the equipment I got ended up being so pathetic. The guy was using a Berlin Skimmer with a wooden airstone + pump. His pump was broken and he never bothered to get a new one. I wasn't told that until after I handed over my money. The really great metal halides he bragged about were the kind of bulbs you'd use to light up the aisle way at WalMart. I could go on and on.
I ended up having to buy all the equipment new, lights, filter, skimmer, powerheads. There is absolutely NOTHING in my 75 gallon tank now except for a few rocks and a mandarin fish that came from the 150. I've got more coraline growth on the rocks now in less than 5 months time than he did in 3 years time. Oh yeah, when I took measurements of the tank, it was a 135 too. I ended up selling all the equipment at dirt cheap prices. The equipment was "usable", just not what I wanted.
I should have just taken my $1000 and bought what I needed for my 75 gallon tank. I would have come out so far ahead. I didn't do my homework and I didn't know better. Instead, I gave money to a conman who sold me something that was certainly less than advertised. [-censored]
So you see, selling and buying can work both ways.
I have to see it before I buy it...usually...Ebay can be a scary place.
Pat
Pat
I have had all good experiences with ebay,most of the things I have bought from there is books so you pretty much know what it contains before you buy it, but on a major purchase I would be sceptical also.
Well Im newbie and I think that the trading/selling forum is great! People who buy stuff then get out of the hobby should sell off to people like us, whats the alternative, take it to a fish store so they give you 5 dollars a coral? Plus majority of the stuff at a fish store is not captive rasied and I really feel that this is important, I dont know about you but if you've ever been to a reef that was harvested it would break you heart. I have and trust me its really sad to see how much simply dies and never makes it anywhere, pieces of sps laying all over the ocean floor. I guess this is like reef thrapy, Hi my name is Todd and Im a Reefer Junkie. Im your usual Vulture found hanging in the trading forums looking for good deals. Well thats my 2 cents.
Its funy how many people sell but dont ever trade? Those corals like xenia that grow fast, why not sell it off when you cut it back might as well since you raised it, and let the vultures feed, LOL.
I for one search for things to fill my aquarium, right now its pretty bare and I just cant justify the costs involved at LFS, there just too high.
Its funy how many people sell but dont ever trade? Those corals like xenia that grow fast, why not sell it off when you cut it back might as well since you raised it, and let the vultures feed, LOL.
I for one search for things to fill my aquarium, right now its pretty bare and I just cant justify the costs involved at LFS, there just too high.
i traded my entire 72" VHO light setup (5 bulbs, reflector,hood,splash guard,fans) for some coral on here. lol i didnt know kenya tree grew so damn fast. lol Anybody willing to drive to Kalamazoo who wants some Kenya tree Let me know.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Michigan Reefers
Michigan Reefers is dedicated to the marine reef aquarium hobby. Learn more about reef aquariums and maintenance, and view our large collection of coral and marine fish photos.
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
Join now to ask and comment!
