Selling the Home, help on price

Not sure which section this would belong to, I can't find anything more specific than "general" so here I am. (again)

I decided, It is time for my ginormous tank (60" long x 25" tall x 16" deep, ~100gal)to go to a new home. I know I have to move sometime soon and it is just way too huge to move during a busy moving day and who knows where else and how often I have to move. It took 3 strong people to carry the thing into the house after I finished the inside remodeling but before putting anything non-permanent in (substrate, snake, decorations, etc.)

I am however, having a pretty hard time figuring out a fair price to let it go for.
I bought it for $50 from a friend who the tank didn't mean anything to at all, it was basically trash for the guy so he didn't care about the price much. It was a fish tank (I know, not ideal but I think I made it work).
A used empty and plain tank this size i think costs about $200.
I have put in secure lids, as well as built the entire insert (background & sides with shelves). It is also set up so that the thermostat probe can run all the way down without being visible at all. Thanks to the insert being made of foam, the tank is pretty well insulated for a glass tank.

Online,if I try to find an insert (which doesn't even seem available that size without custom ordering it), I would spend $288 just for the insert alone and it would only be a background and sides made of 5 separate pieces and would not include basking spots or any other shelves.
I feel like I have tastefully improved the tank's look by a great amount.
Also included in the sale are the UTH (duh), heat lamp, a large tree bark hide, the fake plants (8).
At additional costs i included the thermostat, thermometers, hygrometers, and water dishes

Was wondering what people's input was for how much I could sell it for.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/sho...mageuser=67628

are you located anywhere in the New England (home of 5 time Super Bowl Champion Patriots Nation) area? If so I would love to check the enclosure out. I'm in the market for an upgrade

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

are you located anywhere in the New England (home of 5 time Super Bowl Champion Patriots Nation) area?

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Unfortunately, I'm not :/
I'm in SoCal ~1hr north of Los Angeles.
I was going to include the craigslist link but I wasn't sure if that's allowed,so I didn't. [emoji51]

It probably depends on if the glass has scratches or stains on it? Unless you're in a hurry, I'd just list it on CL as $150 and see if you get any messages about it in a couple weeks. If you get nothing, then lower the price LOL! That's how I do it!

Ok, thanks. I did look at the link, that's a beautiful setup you created!! SoCal is a long way from Boston though! I would imagine shipping would cost a few hundred bucks. Oh well, hopefully you can find somebody who appreciates all the work you put into it and gives a snake a great new home. Meanwhile, I will keep looking. Good luck, hopefully you can get some decent money for it too. And just to throw a number at you, I'm thinking you could get $300+. Probably more considering the accessories. Unfortunately, you pretty much never get back what you invested on something like that, which is sad, because you put the time and love into it on top of the money invested.

I'd personally list it for $250 and see what bites you get. You know people will be lowballing you, so you start higher than you want and they lower it, so in the end you get the price you really want and they think they are getting a deal :D

100 gal is big. Here in NY people ask $700 for a 100 gal used fish tank setup so if its just a tank ect for Reptiles I'd ask $250 for sure.

I definitely agree with ask high and it'll work out for you and the buyer

Oh man! You guys are killing me! I listed it for $750 for now. I tried to get an estimate from a company that makes these custom where customers send them exactly what they need and all that. They didn't reply yet but their "stock" tanks that are somewhat similar to mine and most are half the size, are priced around $1000. I probably spent around $200-$450 on the whole thing including all the accessories.
So I thought a $200 tank + $60 insert + $200 accessories, and it being unique and hand made, could come out to about $700.
Unfortunately the glass has calcium deposits from its fish tank life but they're not terrible.
Since I'll be buying the new set up basically completely new, I wanted to get at least a bit more than I'll spend on the new (much smaller) one. And I don't think that a 60gal brand new set up (basically the same mine but smaller) should cost more than the one I have now with 100gal. Even if it's brand new with protective film and shiny throughout. Snakes don't chew anything and it hasn't even been completed for a year yet. I think I got the empty tank in the beginning of June, Green Beans moved in probably around a month after that.


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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

100 gal is big. Here in NY people ask $700 for a 100 gal used fish tank setup so if its just a tank ect for Reptiles I'd ask $250 for sure.

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What is the difference between a 100gal fish and a 100gal reptile, price wise? Why is it such a huge difference?

I have a few 55 gallon fish tanks set up as well.To the best of my knowledge the adhesive is different to make it water tight, and I believe that at a certain size the glass is thicker to hold the weight/water pressure. But I could be mistaken...
As far as your asking price, unfortunately, nobody wants to pay for all your hard work and effort put in to it. Often times, and with most products, customization actually decreases the value and narrows your possible customer base. People will pay extra for their own customization, but tend to see used customization as "used", which depletes the value. I hope you are able to get closer to your asking price than everybody is suggesting, but I would be surprised.

The issue is finding someone with a need for the tank in the area. Also, more people keep fish than reptiles... I'd list it for 300-350 obo and see if you get any hits. It's a lovely set up but the transportation and the small niche of people who would actually use it narrows your potential customers and your potential profit, unfortunately.

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Originally Posted by Trisnake

The issue is finding someone with a need for the tank in the area. Also, more people keep fish than reptiles... I'd list it for 300-350 obo and see if you get any hits. It's a lovely set up but the transportation and the small niche of people who would actually use it narrows your potential customers and your potential profit, unfortunately.

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Unfortunately, I agree.

Since it was originally a fish tank, it should be water proof. So if I ripped out the interior to make it back into a blank canvas so to say, it would be worth more?


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Hmmmm....in theory I guess so. But I'm not sure. Are you positive it still holds water? And just checking for leaks won't do the trick unless you fill it. That much water is over 800 lbs, plus water pressure. Will the backing come out clean or is there adhesive that will remain on the glass?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Hmmmm....in theory I guess so. But I'm not sure. Are you positive it still holds water? And just checking for leaks won't do the trick unless you fill it. That much water is over 800 lbs, plus water pressure. Will the backing come out clean or is there adhesive that will remain on the glass?

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Im not sure if it will. I've never filled it with water.
The insert is made of (probably 6 cans) of expanding foam, covered in grout, and sealed. If I took it out, the outside (back and two sides) would still be covered in black chalkboard spray which would be a pain to remove. The foam comes off clean. I know that from the mistakes during the process, I had to clean off foam in certain areas and stuff... But I think it's safe to say that turning it back into a fish tank would be unrealistic. That would just be way too much work.
Since I'm planning on rebuilding this thing in smaller, I'll have enough project to do. Plus, I'd probably be crying if not bawling, during the entire procedure. I almost don't even want to sell it anymore now but I lowered it to 650 obo. *cries a little on the inside*

I personally think its value to you is probably worth much more than it is actually worth. Sorry, but you can list it and hope. But I did a quick check in my area, and that seems a little high. Good luck.

I agree, removing the insert probably wouldn't leave it in desirable condition as a fish tank. I can only imagine how tough it would be to do all that work only to remove it. I know for me, it would be worth more to me personally than what the going rate would be. I imagine it's probably the same for you. It's just such a small market. I might set a bottom dollar and don't budge on it, decide what it's worth to you and if nobody offers that or more, maybe hold on to it. If I recall, the main reason you want to sell it is the inconvenience of moving it right? I've moved my fish tanks a few times, plus my brothers once and a buddies (all 55 gallon) and that's always a nightmare due to the weight and the water. So I would imagine a tank your size is a pain too. But maybe think of it this way: after the added hassle of moving it, will you be glad to still have it? Does that outweigh selling it and not getting what you want for it? Would you miss it if you sold it? Just some thoughts. That would probably be what was going through my head if I was in your situation.

I'd sell it as a reptile tank, with the insert and pretty stuff, and hope for the best! I don't think removing the insert would increase the price by much, if any. If you're not a hurry, post on your local fb reptile groups too.

Thank you for all your input! It really helped :)

I personally really like the thing. It's probably the coolest thing I've ever built and I built some neat cabinets in the past. I think I would miss it but the new one would maybe help fill that gap since I'll be building that too. It's just so enormous and heavy. My brother in law attempted to earthquake proof it but he attached it to the cabinet it's sitting on. If an earthquake was to knock it over, the weight of it would pull down the entire cabinet as well.
It's a cool thing to have in the house and it's nice to look at too. It's pretty tall though and I'm pretty small. When I try to reach all the way down, the top edge hurts my armpit.

Green Beans, I think, is in no rush moving out of there. I know I won't have to move it until at least May of this year. So I'm not trying to get rid of it as soon as I can.

Maybe I'm just looking for a new project without having to add a whole new pet to my zoo... I also think I've learned from this tank and my next one may be even nicer. I don't know.




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I just realized you're local to me LOL. You should totally post the sale in these two facebook groups. I don't know about $700, but I think you can definitely find someone who wants it for maybe ~$250~$300?

"Southern California Reptile Classifieds"

"SoCal Reptile Keepers"

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

I just realized you're local to me LOL. You should totally post the sale in these two facebook groups. I don't know about $700, but I think you can definitely find someone who wants it for maybe ~$250~$300?

"Southern California Reptile Classifieds"

"SoCal Reptile Keepers"

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Thanks!!! I definitely will! :)


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I think you will get more as a reptile tank also with the insert and stuff. PetSmart and Petco have the dollar a gallon deals a lot so someone that's want a fish tank can just wait for that and get one for like $100.

IMO-leave the insert, it's worth more as a reptile setup. As a fish tank, old large tanks are not particularly valuable on their own, kind of a risk to refill and use depending on how it's been stored and moved. I paid about $500 for a brand new 135 gallon reef ready tank with low iron glass and that was a decade ago. I'd pay about $1/gallon for a reptile tank and you could probably get $100-150 for the tank alone easy but I think you could ask double that with the insert.

Just curious, any luck? Or have you decided to lower the price? Or hold on to it?

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Originally Posted by Paty

What is the difference between a 100gal fish and a 100gal reptile, price wise? Why is it such a huge difference?

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I was saying a setup.. That would enclude Heater, Pumps, filter and a Stand.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I have a few 55 gallon fish tanks set up as well.To the best of my knowledge the adhesive is different to make it water tight, and I believe that at a certain size the glass is thicker to hold the weight/water pressure. But I could be mistaken...
As far as your asking price, unfortunately, nobody wants to pay for all your hard work and effort put in to it. Often times, and with most products, customization actually decreases the value and narrows your possible customer base. People will pay extra for their own customization, but tend to see used customization as "used", which depletes the value. I hope you are able to get closer to your asking price than everybody is suggesting, but I would be surprised.

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the only real differences with tanks is the top bracing. MOST large tanks, 100 gallons+, come with either cross top braces or eurobracing around the rim. Depending on how old the tank is/how thick the glass is it may not have bracing either, as I have a 150 gallon tank made out of 1/2 plate glass with no braces. They are all water tight IF silicone properly. The glass thickness on all new tanks will be dictated by size of the tank so unless it was custom made for reptiles only it would be a suitable fish tank as well.

Fish tanks command a higher value on the used market due to what they generally come with, I.E. stands, canopies, lights, filters etc etc etc. That gear adds up WAY faster than reptile gear for a tank. I have a 310, 125, and 150 running currently and just the 310 alone cost me more than all my reptiles, racks, rats and bedding combined.

A 100 gallon tank should easily be able to get you 200 bucks just by itself, that's still a pretty good deal for a used tank that big.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I think you will get more as a reptile tank also with the insert and stuff. PetSmart and Petco have the dollar a gallon deals a lot so someone that's want a fish tank can just wait for that and get one for like $100.

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They only honor up to 75 gallons in 99.9% of the stores, and good luck even getting a 75 once the sale hits.

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Originally Posted by predatorkeeper87

They only honor up to 75 gallons in 99.9% of the stores, and good luck even getting a 75 once the sale hits.

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I was in Petco yesterday and asked the guy when they were doing it next. He said he heard they were only doing it once this year, closer to the holiday season. And he said that they were only getting 2 of the 75 gallons for the sale. So they're gonna go quick. I still think a 40 gal breeder is a great buy for $40 though

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I was in Petco yesterday and asked the guy when they were doing it next. He said he heard they were only doing it once this year, closer to the holiday season. And he said that they were only getting 2 of the 75 gallons for the sale. So they're gonna go quick. I still think a 40 gal breeder is a great buy for $40 though

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A 40 long or breeder is a great tank.. I used them for years and years and still do for quarantine and Cleaning of there enclosures now..

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

A 40 long or breeder is a great tank..

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How much longer than the snake should an ideal tank be? I always thought they should have at least the option of being completely straight (even if they don't ever do that...)


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Originally Posted by Paty

How much longer than the snake should an ideal tank be? I always thought they should have at least the option of being completely straight (even if they don't ever do that...)


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I know Breeders that keep 15 foot Burms in a tote big enough for them to coil.. Then theres people like myself who have a 8' display for him...
My Balls have a 4' enclosure. They love to stretch and climb. Some people have baby Balls that are stressed and their snake needs a smaller enclosure to help them feel safe. Ive never had that problem in 29 years but I also have Hides and PVC they climb to help take up room. My temps are good ect.. So I never have had a problem thank god giving them a nice big enclosure to enjoy.

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Originally Posted by Paty

How much longer than the snake should an ideal tank be? I always thought they should have at least the option of being completely straight (even if they don't ever do that...)


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Generic rule of thumb was: length plus width = length of snake; so a 4x2 enclosure for a 6' snake. Also heard the diagonal length = length of snake.
Personally, I believe it depends on the species of snake and there are a lot of variable.
:)

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

Generic rule of thumb was: length plus width = length of snake; so a 4x2 enclosure for a 6' snake. Also heard the diagonal length = length of snake.
Personally, I believe it depends on the species of snake and there are a lot of variable.
:)

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For some reason I feel like it should be at least as long as the snake... I have a ball python 46". He never stretches out in a completely straight line but I really really feel like he should at least have the option to do that. I'm not a snake (obviously) so I don't know how they think but I'm imagining that he might feel cramped of he is able to touch both ends (longways) at the same time...

This is the first time I've heard of any animal that is in an enclosure, smaller than the length of the animal while being the ideal size according to experts.

I work with a lot of different animals including ones that hide in their huts most of their time. I know you can't compare a snake to horses, dogs, cats, rodents, goats, crabs,etc...

I was just really surprised that this is what's advised by experts that have been caring for them over decades.

I'm not doubting that the experts are right in any way. I am just curious why it's like this for snakes, ball pythons in particular. Especially since they spend the majority in their enclosure.