Bought a used tank....

OutsideBrian · Feb 2, 2019

... and of course it leaks

Question is do I try and re seal it and trust it. Or bite the bullet and do what I should have done to start with and buy a brand new one?

davocean · Feb 2, 2019

New silicone will not bond to old.

It's a lot more work to break down and seal properly than what I would be up for, I'd definitely buy a new or tested used tank.(and I'd lean towards new)

Big G · Feb 2, 2019

Could always try sealing it and filling it and letting it sit for a few days some place safe like a garage.

Instigate · Feb 2, 2019

All of my tanks have been used and I've never had a leak or failure. I think you were just unlucky. That said, if you can afford to spend on a new tank, why not? I wouldn't bother with the hassle of resealing, it's a lot of work to do a proper job.

sandswhitson · Feb 2, 2019

What size tank are we talking about? Something small I wouldn't think it is worth the effort. If we are talking a 120 or larger then depending on your skills it may be worth the effort.

Scotty Buttons · Feb 2, 2019

You could always re sell it on craigslist as a reptile tank. Try to recoup some money and buy a new tank.

cracker · Feb 2, 2019

Sorry B In my OP, it's not worth it. did You get other stuff with it? Like a stand maybe?

mtraylor · Feb 2, 2019

That sucks. Yeah I would just do what you thinking about in the first place. Take old tank back where you got it.

OutsideBrian · Feb 2, 2019

It is a 65g glass tank. I am handy I just don’t know that I want to deal with it. I got it from a friend of a friend and saw it up and running. Not blaming the guy at all, probably just happened in moving it around. Yes I did get it with a stand, skimmer, return pump, and a bunch of other odds and ends so I’m really not taking a loss at the price I got it.
Just sucks looking at spending another $500 or so for a new tank.

davocean · Feb 2, 2019

OutsideBrian said:
It is a 65g glass tank. I am handy I just don’t know that I want to deal with it. I got it from a friend of a friend and saw it up and running. Not blaming the guy at all, probably just happened in moving it around. Yes I did get it with a stand, skimmer, return pump, and a bunch of other odds and ends so I’m really not taking a loss at the price I got it.
Just sucks looking at spending another $500 or so for a new tank.

You should be able to find a fitting footprint for much less than that unless you are looking at rimless and or starfire or something.

Petco dollar a gallon sale, they do up to 75g I believe.

sandswhitson · Feb 2, 2019

For a 65 I wouldn't mess with it. We picked up a new 120 and it was less than $500.

OutsideBrian · Feb 2, 2019

I was just looking online at tank costs. I guess my options are anything from 40breeder up to another 65g, but I want it to be a “reef ready” tank which I think is where the cost comes in a bit. Any suggestions on tank dealers?

I suppose I could just pick up a petco 40 breeder and do some sort of home made hang on back pvc overflow?
Then work on this 65g in the spring when it’s warmer to work on outside?

sandswhitson · Feb 2, 2019

Tanks are easy to drill. I wouldn't do a hang on the back overflow. I have drilled a couple of 40 breeders and a 120 and didnt have any issues.

PatW · Feb 3, 2019

sandswhitson said:
Tanks are easy to drill. I wouldn't do a hang on the back overflow. I have drilled a couple of 40 breeders and a 120 and didnt have any issues.

They are easy to drill. Our local club did a demo on it. You could probably get a LFS to do it for not too much $.