Is this a good buy???

[MooDraMan]

I have a work friend who is getting out of Salt Water, turned her 125gallon tank into Fresh and wants to get rid of her equipment.

I am really new to the hobby, I have been reading as much as I can to try to learn. And I've been taking my Tank setup REALLY slow, to make sure I understand each part of the process.

I wanted to get everyone's take on some of this equipment.

Berlin Triple-Pass Protien Skimmer - $50

Magnetic drive utility pump - $50

(2) 250 W Metal Halid (XM lighting) w/ 6 20,000k bulbs $150

It sounds like a killer deal to me, But I wasn't sure if there some info I need to ask about this prior to purchasing.

Thanks ahead of time!

[kau_cinta_ku]

not familuar with the skimmer. what size mag pump? but the MH's are a good deal

[Capt_Cully]

agree w/ sam. depends on what size mag-drive pump. the lighting sounds pretty good, just remember, MH bulbs have a life expectancy. If they're used the bulbs may be trash. If they're new, that's a heck of a deal!

[palawan]

if the MH lighting has the ballasts and reflectors, the lightings a helluva deal.

[mspad]

Sounds like a good deal if you want a reef tank. If you are just going to do a fish only tank, you really don't need the halides.

[steven_dean17]

That's probably not the best equipment but it will be good to start, and it's used, so I would say buy it all, you can always resell when you find you need something else.

[papagimp]

It's potentially a good deal. I would have him specify which RedSea Berlin model that is, what model mag drive that is, and usage already put on those bulbs. regardless, the lighting seems to be a decent deal, but find out type of ballast and whanot just so ya know. And make sure they ALL work prior to handin' over the cash. I doubt a work friend would sell ya crap, but hey, I've got work friends that probably would, lol.

I'll agree with Steven, definatly a good start, and if you wind up not needing a particular item or two, can always resell as you progress in the hobby. I got closests full of crap that i just buy up when i see a good deal out there. Makes for nice swaps and trades later on

[MooDraMan]

This equipment belonged to another guy at work who had a reef tank setup for about 6 years, but had to sell it due to a move. He sold it do this girl at work...

The MH's include single ended Electronic Balasts and, and they're giving me 4 other 20,000k bulbs un-used.

I have been told by many now to pass on the Berlin Skimmer b/c of the high volume pump that it requires to run...

I think i'm going to go w/ the "Buy it all, sort it out later" theory on this one.

[KD9RG]

I would jump on it.

[Capt_Cully]

the unused bulbs and ballast make the light a great deal!

you could always use the skimmer for some utility purpose, i.e. curing rock.

And mag-drive pumps are reliable.