The short version
- Typical range: £20 – £150
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Pet Supplies
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used fish tank is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for fish tanks, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £150 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £127 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £97 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £67 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £37 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a fish tank
- Complete setups with filter, heater and light
- Seals with no lifting at the corners
- Larger volumes, expensive new
- Stands and lids included
What lowers it
- Lifted or perished silicone seals
- Chips at the corners, which risk failure
- Scratched acrylic
- Missing lids and light units
How to work out what yours is worth
- Fill it outdoors and leave it standing to test for leaks
- Run a fingernail along every seam
- Confirm the filter, heater and light work
Once you have those three answers you can place your own fish tank on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leak test a fish tank before selling?
Yes. Fill it outdoors and leave it standing for a few hours. It is the single most reassuring thing you can tell a buyer.
What is the most common tank fault?
Perished or lifted silicone seals. Run a fingernail along the seams — any lifting means it needs resealing.
Do complete setups sell better?
Much better, because a beginner needs everything at once and a complete tank saves them sourcing each part.
More value guides: pet supplies guides · all value guides · browse live pet supplies listings.