Buying used tank

LetItReef · Sep 7, 2015

Hello,

Any input on what to look out for when buying reef ready tanks? I saw this acrylic tank with stand and canopy and has built in overflow and would like to buy it but would like to get some opinions first.

Thanks!

rajkovich207 · Sep 7, 2015

I don't no much about acrylic but check every seam for bubbles or cracks, if there's silicone, run your finger up in and if it moves or slides some it's no good and has pulled away. Hth

steve&mari · Sep 7, 2015

As said check for tiny cracks and check for leaks if possible but majority of tanks I've owned over 40 years in fw/sw I've never had a bad experience. Our current rimless was used. You can find some deals taking your time and looking for the right deal.

LetItReef · Sep 7, 2015

Thanks for the input! How about on the overflow? Anything in particular?

rajkovich207 · Sep 7, 2015

Check for the same things in the overflow, also look hard and close around the bulkheads if they've been over tightened it will Crack the glass or acrylic. Check the bulkheads themselves for cracks and look at the rubber seal the best you can for dry rot. Also be on the lookout for any water marks from dripping water around it.

steve&mari · Sep 7, 2015

rajkovich207 said:
Check for the same things in the overflow, also look hard and close around the bulkheads if they've been over tightened it will Crack the glass or acrylic. Check the bulkheads themselves for cracks and look at the rubber seal the best you can for dry rot. Also be on the lookout for any water marks from dripping water around it.

Yep exactly and if it's sat I'd change the rubber gaskets on bulkheads better safe then sorry later.

Harold Green · Sep 7, 2015

Throw some strong light into the tank and see if there are lots of scratches in the viewing panes. Sometimes they are hard to see in a dry tank.

rajkovich207 · Sep 7, 2015

Actually if you can get a flashlight to shine length wise through the pane of glass (through the edge of the glass) those small scratches light up like a glow stick

steve&mari · Sep 7, 2015

rajkovich207 said:
Actually if you can get a flashlight to shine length wise through the pane of glass (through the edge of the glass) those small scratches light up like a glow stick

Cool tip

hig789 · Sep 7, 2015

Normally scratches in acrylic show up more when the tank is empty ime. I sanded mine out that I bought used and it still had a few light ones you could plainly see when it was dry. After I put water in it you can't see them at all. On mine I just made sure all the seams didn't have bubbles or places where it wasn't sealed good.

LetItReef · Sep 7, 2015

Got it. Lots of checking needed when buying used tank.
Thank you!

LetItReef · Sep 7, 2015

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/hsh/5205665056.htmlBy the way, here's the tank that I am looking for. Thoughts?

barbarag · Sep 7, 2015

me personally I would want to see it full of water because I almost got one that I was assured did not leak and I got it home and it had a place that was about 12 in long that leaked thank goodness I did not pay first or I would be out 500 dollars

LetItReef · Sep 7, 2015

Agree with you barbarag. I will have to ask to fill it water, just to be safe.

barbarag · Sep 13, 2015

my daughter bought one and had it set up for about 2 months and the bottom fell out of it I guess they diden't notice that the bottom bracket was broke . She said that 100 gallons on the floor was a lot of water .