Second Hand Rio 125 / 180

[keenonfish]

Hi folks I have decided it is time to upgrade to a larger tank now and get serious about this hobby. I am considering either a Fluval Rio 125 or 180 second hand and wonder if anyone can give me any pointers i.e.
what equipment they originally come with
is it any good and would you expect it to be in reasonable conditon after say a couple of years use (not including the heater which I would possibly replace anyway)?
Also what else to look out for generally i.e. known issues with the stands or tank seals etc...

Also could anyone give me an idea of a reasonable price to pay for a complete setup (no fish). Prices seem to vary wildly on ebay and I often scratch my head as to why..? I have seen anything from £50 to £100 and it seems it is the small things that make a lot of difference but could be wrong!

Last but not least I have measured the back of my Ford Escort and am fairly sure the 180 would just about fit but would appreciate someone to confirm who knows better!

Any help appreciated before I get finger happy on ebay

 

[rabbut]

Fluval don't make a Rio range Please could you clarify a Juwel Rio 180/125, or one of the Fluval Roma (or the Fluval equivilant to the Rio) range?

Scratches are the main price killer. If it is scratched, it will achieve far less than another tank that is mint Idealy, you want to view the tank before purchase, to get a good view of condition. Look on the seams for any sign of algea under them, or air bubbles, that simbolify weak points. Likewise, check if the tank is empty, that the front and back pains do not move when outward pressure is applied. There are numerous things to look for when buying a tank, so it would be best to take an expirienced aquarist with you to look it over. Make sure if it is the Juwel Rio range, that there is the plastic "base" supplied with the tank. The Rio 180 is also braced I believe, so ensure that is present

Any Chipboard stand is significantly weakened by being dismantled and re-build. Avoid this at all cost, and ensure that the stand does not wobble when pressure is applied, unless it is the base itself moving

All the best
Rabbut

 

[keenonfish]

Doh! I mean't Juwel not fluval I have seen one with a Fluval external filter so I got mixed up! I certainly ain't going to be taking an experienced aquarist with me as I don't know any near me I think I will have to use my best judgment!

Anyway thanks for the advice I will keep an eye out for that brace!

Any transporting tips welcome

 

[rabbut]

Make sure it is empty, and is sat on a level base at all times. Make shure a strong person is with you at your end. Though a Rio 180 won't be overly heavy to lift, the aquardness of it would lead me to surgest 2 people lift it. They are floating base, so do not place polestiren under the tank, or you will crack the base pain Otherwise, it is self-explanitory

 

[flash22]

your get are rio 125/180 in your car if its a hatch (had both in my corsa and rio 300 with the back seats out not at the same time of course lol)

juwels come with an internal filter what also contains the heater and powerhead (pump) early ones come with T8 lighting the newer ones have T5's

not much to look for really scratches on the glass and check the silicon. Cabinet wise make sure none of the chip/mdf has blown early rio doors do expand when wet and can look unsightly