Building new aquarium worth it?

[Jvesche20]

There’s this guy selling a broken down 180
Gal for $50. Is it even worth trying to put back together and setting up? Is there too much risk. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

[Jekyl]

I feel like if someone is selling a tank that size for that cheap there are problems. Normally that tank used that still holds water would be worth hundreds

 

[Redfoxtang]

What do you mean broken down? Like all the glass is separated? If so if your handy and like project I did this with my 265 completely torn it down and rebuilt it from bottom up and is stronger than ever!!

 

[ZoWhat]

If he's willing to fill the thing up with a garden hose and let me look for leaks, I'd consider it.... best done sitting flat on a garage floor (no stand). Garage floor will show wetness pretty quick

Also run a very bright LED flashlight from the inside out inspecting for SCRATCHES

 

[Jvesche20]

I feel like if someone is selling a tank that size for that cheap there are problems. Normally that tank used that still holds water would be worth hundreds

Meaning just glass no silicone. I’m assuming there was a leak or something that’s why tore it apart.

What do you mean broken down? Like all the glass is separated? If so if your handy and like project I did this with my 265 completely torn it down and rebuilt it from bottom up and is stronger than ever!!

Yes all separated. I’m thinking about considering it but never built a tank from scratch and don’t wanna create a leak or have it explode on me

 

[Redfoxtang]

It takes time and preparation. Remember you only wanna silicone 1 time and don’t wanna scrap it off multiple times if you mess up. I can help you if you decide to move forward with this!!

 

[Jekyl]

As long as you have some tools and buy the right materials it shouldn't be hard to do. I would definitely fill it outside and leave it for a few days before trusting it in the house.

 

[Jon Fishman]

I would attempt it for a reptile but would never trust myself to get it to hold water again

 

[Jvesche20]

It takes time and preparation. Remember you only wanna silicone 1 time and don’t wanna scrap it off multiple times if you mess up. I can help you if you decide to move forward with this!!

Awesome I think I’m gonna do it.

As long as you have some tools and buy the right materials it shouldn't be hard to do. I would definitely fill it outside and leave it for a few days before trusting it in the house.

I gotta see with the measurements if I can fit it down my stairs into the basement to see if I can build outside. My current tank 125 barely fit but that was tall wise but sure about wide. I have a workshop in my basement might have to set it up there.

I currently have a 125 that’s pretty mature. If I somehow manage to break this tank down and set up this new one will I screw anything up? I don’t know how to go about this. Corals are mounted and growing over or in the rock work. I don’t really have a spot to keep 150+ lb of rock with coral. I have a QT tank I can house the fish for the time being. Any suggestions? I do have a 25 gal frag tank that I can put some corals but what do I do with the ones that are encrusted to the rock?

Also do I need a top brace? Glass thickness is 1/2” and 5/8” on bottom. Was doing some research and saw that if glass is thick enough then you won’t need a top brace but I’m not sure

 

[Jvesche20]

I would attempt it for a reptile but would never trust myself to get it to hold water again

That’s what I’m worried about lol. I wanna try but I’m scared I’ll mess it up

 

[Redfoxtang]

Excuse the mess but that’s what I did for the top. Of course my glass thickness is probably different from yours. It’s 1/2”

 

[ZoWhat]

Meaning just glass no silicone. I’m assuming there was a leak or something that’s why tore it apart.

You need to watch this video:

 

[Jvesche20]

Excuse the mess but that’s what I did for the top. Of course my glass thickness is probably different from yours. It’s 1/2”

How long is your tank? I messaged the seller back so hopefully I can go and see the glass soon.

 

[Redfoxtang]

84” long

 

[Jvesche20]

84” long

What kind of silicone did you use?

 

[Redfoxtang]

ASI silicone. I got it from amazon for 8$ a tube. But they do sell it on BRS for 11$ a tube I used 5 tubes I believe.

 

[Jvesche20]

ASI silicone. I got it from amazon for 8$ a tube. But they do sell it on BRS for 11$ a tube I used 5 tubes I believe.

Alright I finally got the glass. Took me almost a week but I got it. I guess there was someone else ahead of me that was going to buy the glass but he never showed up so I ended up snagging it. He also gave me a bunch of t5 lights for free. No idea if they are used or how to tell if they are still any good. Anyways heres what I got. I'm sure that I'm going to need help down the road doing this.

 

[Redfoxtang]

Alright I finally got the glass. Took me almost a week but I got it. I guess there was someone else ahead of me that was going to buy the glass but he never showed up so I ended up snagging it. He also gave me a bunch of t5 lights for free. No idea if they are used or how to tell if they are still any good. Anyways heres what I got. I'm sure that I'm going to need help down the road doing this.

Whenever your ready, I’m here to help!!

 

[Jvesche20]

Whenever your ready, I’m here to help!!

So the next step would be the silicone obviously. After I purchase this is there anything else that I will need?

 

[Redfoxtang]

3 in. Corner Clamp

Amazing deals on this 3In Corner Clamp at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-4-Pack-Caulk-Tool-Kit/3665108

I also would buy longer clamps to hold the glass while you are setting it in place!! This is a start. I hope you have a harbor freight near you because these tools are way cheaper there and get the job done for what your doing. Also a no drip caulking gun I liked because I wasn’t making a complete mess.