New or second-hand aquarium: which should you choose to get started?
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
A second-hand aquarium costs two to three times less than a new one: expect 40 to 60 € for a fully equipped 60-litre tank versus 100 to 130 € in a shop. It’s the best bargain in fishkeeping… provided you check the watertightness and the condition of the equipment before paying. New remains the better option if you want a warranty and recent LED lighting.
Contents · 5 sections
Why is buying used such a good deal in fishkeeping?
Many aquariums are resold nearly new after an early give-up: resale value drops fast while the glass itself barely wears. On classified-ad sites, a complete 120-litre tank with cabinet often goes for 100 to 180 €, when the new equivalent costs over 350 €, as detailed in our complete 120-litre budget.
What must you check before buying second-hand?
- The silicone seals: they should be even, with no bubbles or lifting; a yellowed seal is harmless, a peeling one is not.
- The glass: no chips on the edges and no deep scratches on the front pane.
- A water test: ask to see the tank filled, or fill it for 24 hours at home before the final setup.
- The electrical equipment: filter, heater and lighting plugged in before your eyes; our detailed advice in used equipment: what to accept.
- The tank’s age: beyond 10 years, plan on resealing the joints (15 € of aquarium-grade silicone).
When is buying new the better choice?
New wins for large volumes (beyond 200 litres, a leak becomes a household disaster), for tanks backed by a 2-to-5-year manufacturer warranty, or if you want a modern kit with properly sized LED lighting and filtration. A first purchase in a pet shop also means on-the-spot advice, a real plus when you’re discovering the range of tanks and habitats.
How much do you actually save?
On a complete 60-litre project, buying used brings the bill down from around 220 € to 120-140 €, substrate and plants included (those are always bought new). The savings cover two or three months of running costs, or a better light unit. Find all our guides on the fishkeeping hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can an aquarium that has leaked be repaired?
Yes: you cut out the old inner seal with a utility knife and lay a fresh bead of 100 % aquarium-safe silicone. Allow 15 to 20 € and 72 hours of curing, then a one-week water test.
Should a second-hand tank be disinfected?
A clean with diluted white vinegar, a thorough rinse and complete drying are enough. Never use bleach on the seals or any scented household product.
Is the equipment supplied second-hand reliable?
The filter usually is, the heater rarely beyond 3 years: budget 15 to 25 € for a new heater — it’s the part whose failure costs fish the most.
In our shop, for this use: Ceramic pebble hide for shrimp and small fish (€20.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Fishkeeping universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.