Habitat - Indoor :: Thoughts about a used filter....

[Cim*Forever]

So there is this fantastic deal on used.com in my area. Someone is selling their Fluval FX5 for $150 because it is too strong for their set up! I sent them an email asking how long they have had it, how long they have used it, and if it is still under warranty.

What are your guys' thoughts on purchasing a used filter?

Thanks

[BullDog]

I bought my Fluval 404 used from ebay. The guy said he only used it about a week. When I got it, it was very clean, and didn't smell, so I'm sure the guy was telling the truth.

I've had it for about 3 years now, and have had no problems with it. The only thing I had to replace about a year ago was the impeller, but that was more my fault than the age of the filter

$150 sounds like a good deal if it hasn't been up and running for too long. You can give it a rinse out with vinegar to make sure it's nice and clean.

[mat012]

I dont know I thought I had a great deal on a giant eheim from craigslist on the cheap. Guy said it had never been used and came free with his tank. I fell for it. Turned out it had never been used BY HIM! The thing is ancient, came with no tubing, connectors - just the pump and the canister. I would have had to spend at least another $100 to get media, tubes, etc to get the thing up and running. Not worth it.

See if you cant find a "new" never been used one on ebay. One recently went for about 175. Or if the used one is close go see it. I dont think I will buy a used on sight unseen again.

[shellieInIreland]

Hey, Im not too sure about a used filter, ,my first one was really bad the water got murky so fast. but i got a FLUVAL2 PLUS with black filter pads and white and the black ones are if you are giving them medicine it removes traces and it gets rid of disclolouration i use that once a month so maybe the filter would be ok if you tried out the filter pads?

[Chrisbarnett]

If it's in good condition upon seeing it, I would go for it. Like bulldog said, you can always give everything a good rinse down with vinegar.

[Cim*Forever]

Ah thanks for all the replies guys, it seems he has changed his add to his whole setup, 45 gallon tank, fx5 and lights for $250. Sadly my tank is bigger or else I might have baught it

[BullDog]

Bummer :p

Like Matt said, check out ebay. I got mine for around $220 CAD with shipping, and that was when the $ was a bit lower... about .95 US. I've seen a couple go for 175-200 The bonus for buying on ebay is that most of them come with a bit of media - Mine came with carbon and polish pads.