Buying a Used Tank

[Nate92]

I am currently in the process of buying equipment for my first reef tank build. In order to save some money, I would ideally like to buy used equipment. I found a glass tank today at a good price (with an awesome stand and canopy included), but the tank itself had some scratches. How noticeable are scratches on a glass tank once the tank is filled with water? Further, is there an effective way to remove scratches from a glass tank? Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Oscaror]

I am currently in the process of buying equipment for my first reef tank build. In order to save some money, I would ideally like to buy used equipment. I found a glass tank today at a good price (with an awesome stand and canopy included), but the tank itself had some scratches. How noticeable are scratches on a glass tank once the tank is filled with water? Further, is there an effective way to remove scratches from a glass tank? Thanks so much for your help!

Welcome to R2R! I once got a scratch in my tank and I noticed it filled out with algae creating an unsightly green lien on the glass, wasn't fun I heard a general rule that if the scratch is deep enough to catch your fingernail you can't do anything about it, otherwise it can be mended. There are many videos on youtube about how to buff out small scratches from glass.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

don’t even bother trying to buff out scratches in glass. i’d skip this tank.

 

[Nate92]

Welcome to R2R! I once got a scratch in my tank and I noticed it filled out with algae creating an unsightly green lien on the glass, wasn't fun I heard a general rule that if the scratch is deep enough to catch your fingernail you can't do anything about it, otherwise it can be mended. There are many videos on youtube about how to buff out small scratches from glass.

Thanks for your feedback, Oscaror!

 

[Nate92]

don’t even bother trying to buff out scratches in glass. i’d skip this tank.

Thank you for the feedback!

 

[Nate92]

Apologies for the low quality.... but here are two pictures of what some of the scratches look like.... not sure if this is normal wear and tear or if the tank is beat up....

 

[jdpeters]

Pass on it they will drive you nuts

 

[Oscaror]

Apologies for the low quality.... but here are two pictures of what some of the scratches look like.... not sure if this is normal wear and tear or if the tank is beat up....

Those scratches are more trouble than they're worth

 

[Nate92]

Those scratches are more trouble than they're worth

Got it- good to know. Thanks again!!

 

[Nate92]

Pass on it they will drive you nuts

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Coralreefer1]

If it is a good size, why not use it as a Refugium or sump where a pristine tank doesn’t t have to be as crucial as with your main tank. Be careful,to ensure their are no leaks in the glass itself and the silicone seals. Fill the tank up and watch for leakage. Also, if tanks have been emptied and allowed to dry, the seals tend to get dry rot which can not only damage the sealant but degrade the strength of the tank itself.

 

[Beefyreefy]

I'm about ready to upgrade to a larger tank, but I'm currently using a 90 gallon tank that I bought used with some scratches. You can definitely notice them because they'll fill with algae. To be perfectly honest, the joy of a big reef tank has always outweighed the displeasure of some scratches. They really don't bother me. If you are OCD (I'm not, LOL!), I would definitely find a tank with out them. Here's the thing though... Unless you are really, really careful, you will eventually get scratches anyhow. I would buy another one with scratches for a really good deal, that's how I ended up with this tank in the first place.