Free tank inspection

[The Lone Reefer]

Hey guys, I've had a reef aquarium for a short time many years back before having to take it down and move and have been hoping to get the stability (and money) to try again. For all intents and purposes I consider myself a noob.

I just received a hand me down ZooMed 40 gal from the family turtle keeper and noticed the frame has had a rough go of it from him trying different tops out. I expect this frame may as well go completely, leaving it frameless.

Pics attached, don't mind the yard shoes and teeball.
I need to know if this thing should be trusted to hold water in my living room. I'd definitely rather set up this than three old oceanic biocube I was planning to go with, so I can squeeze in a sump.

 

[andrewey]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I personally wouldn't run it in my living room. You should be able to pick up a 40 breeder for $40-50 at the dollar per gallon sale. While it may work rimless, the savings ($40) isn't worth it if it doesn't work out (thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in damage).

Have you thought of starting with the biocube and transfer over to a 40 breeder once the sale goes live again (around August/September I believe)?

 

[j.falk]

From my understanding, the critter cage / terrarium tanks with the built in mesh lids aren't made to be filled up with water and used as aquariums.

 

[r20crazy]

yea don't use that as stated above. meds for turtles coulda been used in it was well and could leach out of the silicone causing endless problems.

 

[j.falk]

When you first buy a critter cage, they have a sticker on them that says not to be used for aquatic animals.

 

[Shep]

Also, when it comes to aquariums it's better safe than sorry. Toss it out and pick one up from Petco or PetSmart when they are on sale.

 

[The Lone Reefer]

It was my father's, so I feel I can trust him that he hasn't used medications for his turtles (he only had them in to overwinter one season). And I had already verified with ZooMed that it can hold a full 40 gallons safely.

But he didn't seem to think pulling out a piece of frame was a big deal.
I normally consider the man pretty sensible, but I guess holding large amounts of water in living spaces is maybe his blind spot.

I'm leaning heavily towards it sitting out for large item pickup, and probably the stand too. I'm thinking I might take the heavy plunge and build a sump stand. Maybe one that'll hold a full 40 over and under?

 

[dbl]

In most cases, the frame on a framed aquarium is part of the design and considered structurally necessary. As suggested and as you are know leaning heavily, I'd suggest putting that one at the curb.

 

[j.falk]

It was my father's, so I feel I can trust him that he hasn't used medications for his turtles (he only had them in to overwinter one season). And I had already verified with ZooMed that it can hold a full 40 gallons safely.

But he didn't seem to think pulling out a piece of frame was a big deal.
I normally consider the man pretty sensible, but I guess holding large amounts of water in living spaces is maybe his blind spot.

I'm leaning heavily towards it sitting out for large item pickup, and probably the stand too. I'm thinking I might take the heavy plunge and build a sump stand. Maybe one that'll hold a full 40 over and under?

There are plenty of forum threads online showing where people have tried to use these as aquariums and they have failed with either the seals popping or the bottom glass breaking. 40 gallons of water on the floor is no joke.

 

[Bosreef]

IM GONNA BE BLUNT HATE ME IF YOU WANT

NOT WORTH IT !!!

Y chance it why??? To save 40 bucks I know everyones finance are different but if you can't afford 40 bucks then your not gonna have a good time in this hobby I can tell you that much.

Imagine pouring your heart into your tank (your gonna be in love with it) load it up with beautiful corals fish etc...
And you wake up one morning and everyting is dead!! And you have floors to replace possibly walls..
And I don't know your living situation if your renting and your lease says no fish tanks your LL is not gonna be happy prob gonna have to find a new place to live etc etc... ovet 40.00 bucks

All these budget builds i see on YT do not include the actual cost at all.

Just to ball park i just set up 20 gallon it cost me $1000+ and I have been in this hobby for almost 10 years.. thats before live stock. To put it into perspective I have spent $500.00+ stocking it

 

[Softhammer]

I agree. Under no circumstances would I put saltwater in a turtle tank. A new aquarium is literally the cheapest component in setting up a reef and can literally cause the most severe damage. Use the tank in your garage to cure rock and buy something purpose built.

 

[AiKkz]

Trash it, and get a 40 breeder at petco!

 

[The Lone Reefer]

Bo, you my friend are a delight.

I'm telling the old man thanks but I can't use it.

I'm honestly not crazy about the stand either. Anyone got suggestions for good plans for a 40 breeder? I'm thinking with 40 breeder sump too so I can go nuts with refugium. A mantis might be a delight to keep there someday when I'm sure my son is mature enough to be trusted around it. Do they need a closed top?

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Bo, you my friend are a delight.

I'm telling the old man thanks but I can't use it.

I'm honestly not crazy about the stand either. Anyone got suggestions for good plans for a 40 breeder? I'm thinking with 40 breeder sump too so I can go nuts with refugium. A mantis might be a delight to keep there someday when I'm sure my son is mature enough to be trusted around it. Do they need a closed top?

You also have to remember that the tank is rated for the pressure of 40g of fresh water (for turtles of course!) and saltwater typically weighs about 1/4-12 lb more per gallon. That would add a little bit extra stress the tank isn’t made for. Plus there’s no rim to support it. You would probably end up with some slight bowing and potentially a catastrophe over time. Honestly, I would just buy a SCA 40 kit with a stand, sump, skimmer, and all the plumbing on amazon. $800 may sound like a lot but it’s worth it. You’ll probably save a little bit by building it yourself but diy usually has a hard time coming close to the quality and performance of manufactured items. Not to mention the better glass than a typical 40b, rimless design, and a waterproof stand. You’ll also get a warranty.