Leaving the hobby - need help pricing out main tank

[mharris7]

Well, not totally leaving the hobby, but I definitely don't have time to give a large tank anymore. I'll probably keep a nano or something with some easy to keep corals.

But - I'm trying to figure out what to sell all of this for. I'd kind of like to sell it all in once shot as a package deal. Here's a link to the post in the for sale forum:

http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=21904

I'll post some pics and a more detailed list of items later, but help with fixing a fair price is appreciated. I don't mind selling a bit cheaply if it will ensure the tank and critters go to a good home.

Thanks all,
-Mike

[GaryP]

Take whatever you paid for it and cut it by 50-75%. Unfortunate but true.

[Bill S]

From experience, I can tell you that Gary's right. It's worth, generally, somewhat less than 50%.

[jrnannery]

I feel bad that we are losing a fellow aquarist, at least from the big tank ranks. Reality being what it is, however, I would like to make an offer on about 8 pieces of live rock (squashed grapefruit size), the chromis, if he is in the inch to an inch-and-a half range, and, how large is the tang?

I don't mean to be predatory, but if it helps you AND me.....? ;)

[ackelley]

How much do you want for the metal halides and the Live Rock per pound? And what size are the metal halides can i mount them in a 55 gal tank?

[mharris7]

Here's a pic of the lights. I was messing around in the tank so I'm waiting for the water to clear until I take some tank pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/ravenmore/IMG_0204.jpg

[mharris7]

You can mount the lights in a 55 - it would be squeezing it in though.

I'd really like to sell everything at once. I don't want to mess around with piecing it out if possible. If I don't get a decent offer though I might have to do that.

So, what do you think the whole tank is worth? :)

[mharris7]

tanks still a little cloudy - couple of shots though. This one shows the yellow encrusting sponge that is growing everywhere:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/ravenmore/IMG_0213.jpg

[mharris7]

here's the whole tank:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/ravenmore/IMG_0223.jpg

[betiuminside]

I sent PM first on the other sale forum 1st if you part out. :) thanks

[GaryP]

I think you probably need to create a new thread in the for sale forum at this point.

[mharris7]

Hi Gary - thanks. I do have a thread over there. I posted over here because I'm having a hard time figuring a price for the whole tank and wanted suggestions. I didn't feel the for sale forum was a good place to ask for help on fixing a price. :) I was thinking something like $900 to $1300 for everything. Lock, stock, and barrell. Is that a good ballpark? I figured I spent more than half of that just on the rock (which now has corals and coraline algae all over it). I'd also like for it to go to a good aquarist, so I don't mind taking a hit if it is someone who will take care of it. Even though the tank is a bit neglected now a lot of my blood, sweat, tears, and money went into this. I'd like to know it will go to someone who will care about it. That's why I didn't put it on Craigslist and came here instead.

So, if anyone wants to chime in on if I piecemeal stuff out please feel free to follow the link to the for sale forum in the first post. Just looking for ideas on a price as a whole in this thread.

THANKS! :D

[ackelley]

I am new to the hobby and just getting started so I am looking for some metal halides to put in my tank. I am not shore how much they are worth though. So if you don’t end up selling it as a whole thin I will be more than happy to help you peace mail it. :} I will watch the boards. Thx Allen

[jroescher]

I'd like to have some of that yellow encrusting sponge.

[GaryP]

I think you are starting to see what most people run into. Its a lot easier to piece out a system then sell it as one unit. You'll probably do better on price that way too. Give it some time and see what happens.

My main point was that this thread has turned into a "I want this, and I am interested in that thread." The two previous posts are an example of exactly what I am talking about. It's served its purpose and you probably need to start referring people to the For Sale thread. Thanks.

[ackelley]

you are right sorry i dont know much about pricing

[GaryP]

That part wasn't a problem at all. Good luck.

[mharris7]

Thanks Gary - you're right of course. There are a few problems I was looking to avoid with parting stuff out IME (sold a big tank when I had to move to Austin a few years ago).

-you sell stuff that is required to sustain items you haven't sold yet. example - I sell my lights or pumps but still have corals and critters that need them.

-people buy the popular stuff and leave you with a bunch of leftover stuff that you have to figure out what to do with.

-managing multiple buyers, some wanting the same items. Boy I had some folks get ticked when I sold the other tank. Ex. I had one guy call saying he wanted to look at something and that he'd be by at a certain time. He didn't show at that time and was about an hour late(no communication on his part). In the meantime, someone showed up for something else and ended up also wanting what the other guy was coming over to see (think it was some LR...). Since the first guy didn't show I sold it - only to have him show up a while later and get really ticked. It can be a bloody nightmare.

You're right though I can make more money I suppose piecing it out. If I don't get an offer today I'll probably start piecing things out tonight.

[Willow]

ok.. so piece it out.. but specify what has to go first (livestock.. etc.).. and give the people a time limit.. if they aren't there or don't contact you within a certain amount of time.. the item goes to the next person who wants it...

granted it may take longer that way.. but at least you won't be stuck with dead animals (and it is a way of dealing with no shows)..

[Willow]

oh.. and for the less popular stuff.. sell it as a package.. they buy something they want.. you toss in another item... (ok.. so it's just a thought)..

[GaryP]

Everything is first come first serve.

Any live stock you have left, take to the LFS and get what you can there for it. or contact a tank service guy and see if he will take it

[ackelley]

fin addicts in san antonio (i have been told) will sell your livestock and stuff for a cut of the price :}