I tend to watch ebay allot and on occasion you can get a really good deal (or not).

Aquariums most often require local "pick up" only so that is a big factor.
It's important to ask the seller several questions (I like to anyway)

1. How old is the tank?

2. Does it leak?

3. are there any scratches, chips or cracks?

4. Is the plastic center brace intact?
(You'd be surprised how many are broken and that greatly corrupts the integrity of the tank and your purchase consideration should end right there!)

5. Was this tank used for Fresh or Salt water? (Salt tanks usually have alot of crusted sodium residue)

6. Do you have any more / better photos you can email me? (never hurts)

7. Did you clean everything up and how did you do that?
THIS QUESTION is vitally important as most people who want to sell something try to clean it up like new looking and don't care about the after effects you willl be purchasing. WHEN SOMETHING USED LOOKS TOO CLEAN OR TOO NICE, LET THAT BE A TIP OFF TOO! I'd rather see a used aquarium that was still a bit dirty inside and I will then clean it the right way.)

CASE IN POINT:
Look at these nice photos from ebay for this aquarium set up. Looks good right? Now notice the bucket immedietely to the right there in the photo. See whats underneath? It was just washed and left out to dry. There is still water under the bucket. Now notice anything else? There's still soap suds running down the side of the bucket which tells me alot. This was scrubbed clean with soap and whoever buys it (if they didn't know it) would be in trouble. At least here you have a subtle sign of it but how many more are washed with soap that you wouldn't know about.?? That's why its all outside on the patio in the sun, to dry out nicely. (Hose nearby etc.) Tank is spotless!

the other photo

Used aquariums. mmmm People tend to forget just how much water pressure is put in those tanks. Almost nine pounds per gallon. You have no idea where that aqurium has been or what it's been through. Like used cars, they are a gamble, at least that's MY opinion.

Personally I get new fish tanks. The only way I would get a used tank is use for terrariums (no water put inside) or a greenhouse with plants.

I tend to agree about used tanks. However, if you want to set up a 125 gallon tank then it's going to be quite an expensive job, especially if you include a cabinet. Some people haven't got any other option than to buy a second-hand. Personally, I wouldn't buy a second hand aquarium unless I've seen up and running with fish. At least you'll know it doesn't leak. I would also insist on moving it myself.

This will make you laugh. I bought a 30 gallon tank about three years ago. About two weeks after I had filled it with water, it started leaking. I got some stuff to try and seal the leak but it didn't work. Anyway, I decided to cut my losses and chuck it away. I just happen to have a skip in the driveway (not sure what you call them in the States) anyway, I don't think it had been in there two minutes before someone nicked it. Didn't bother me, it would have nice if they had asked though. I just envisaged them getting home filling it up with water and then finding out it had a leak, serves them right

We bought a tank with 2 small/medium Oscars in it (my first Oscar experience). The tank was filthy but the fish were looking good. I've done a water change immediately, cleaned the tank and started enjoying my fish - the next morning: 2 dead fish, no water left in the tank. The tank cracked through the night - nice and slow without a noise and the results were disastrous! Thought I'd share this with you - take care when buying second hand - may I add that this was the last second hand tank for a while.

real old thread i know but i just have to lmao at what ofl said. i would love to have seen there faces when the tank started leaking:)