How to Sell an Aquarium or Fish Tank (UK Guide)

Used tanks typically sell for 30–50% of the new price if everything works and there's no scratching.

Add value for: stand, sump, lights, return pump, heater, skimmer, RO unit. List each item with its brand and age.

Drop value for: scratched glass, cracked silicone, missing lids, dated electronics.

Browse TankBase, eBay and Facebook Marketplace for similar local listings before pricing.

Drain the tank first — clean empty glass photographs far better than dirty water.

Take five photos minimum: full front view, side view, inside corners (to show silicone), all included equipment laid out, and one wide shot showing the stand.

Shoot during the day near a window. Avoid flash.

Title: dimensions + brand if known. e.g. 'Red Sea Reefer 250 with sump and stand'.

Body: tank litres, dimensions, age, what's included, what works, what doesn't, and whether livestock is included or rehomed.

Be honest about scratches and silicone age. Buyers will spot it on pickup anyway.

Buyer collects — almost no one ships glass tanks.

Take cash or accept bank transfer that has cleared before they leave.

Empty the tank fully before pickup. Lift with at least two people from the bottom corners — never the rim.

Don't sell fish to someone who can't show you a cycled tank ready to receive them.

Local fish shops will often take adult livestock for store credit.

Post separately in the TankBase community for hard-to-rehome species.