Is it worth it?

[BoatGeek]

Someone local is selling this for $200, 55 gallon bow front drilled.

The stand is basically a shell I could easily rebuild / re-enforce but I'm scared of the tank..how hard to clean it up? I read about using vinegar? is it worth it?

 

[Kershaw]

I wouldn't pay it

 

[BoatGeek]

Thanks, I've never bought a tank that large before so I just wanted someone else's opinion.

 

[bubbaque]

I would not either

 

[Alanc425]

Cleaning it wouldn't be terrible after you let it soak in vinegar. I'd be more concerned with how long its been outside and laying on its side for.

 

[BoatGeek]

It hasn't been outside long, couple days. Also comes with 4 buckets of rock (dead now), and the old sump.

Was thinking of offering her $100 if it can be cleaned without too much effort.

 

[Triggreef]

I'm sure you could find better and cleaner in that price range. I bought a 90g perfect and clean for a hundred dollars a while back. For example.

 

[hybridazn]

That appears to be a 72 gallon bowfront. It's def been used and abused lol. If you really like the tank I'd send an offer over, but def nowhere near 200. Clean up shouldn't be bad but just time consuming. Make sure the seams are still intact and plyable, if the silicone is harsh and solid I would pass

 

[BoatGeek]

I checked the seams, nothing was peeling or hard.
hmm.. really thinking about this, guess it all depends on the price. There are tanks on craigslist nearby for $250ish, but never drilled and not usually a bow front.

 

[Kershaw]

There are much better deals out there. I paid 400 for a beautiful 125g rimless 4sided low iron glass. With out one scratch. Just be Patiant.

 

[BoatGeek]

That's the hardest part of this hobby for me, patience!

 

[Untamedrose]

Id offer 50 maybe 75.... but wouldnt pay 200.

Thats goings to take some work....yes vinager will help with lots and lots of scrubbing and scraping.

 

[badd]

Only thing I would be worried about is the glass being etched... mine is etched and only way I have found to clear the glass back up ..is buffer and compound... razor dont touch it.. soaked in vinegar.. muratic acid ..nothing touches it.. 200 is way too much..if glass is etched... pic is included to show how milky the glass will look when etched.

 

[BoatGeek]

thanks for all the insight guys, I've decided to pass and wait for something better (cleaner!) lol.

 

[BoatGeek]

badd, you're right and bring up a great point. I could go through all this work and money then end up with a nasty scratched up tank underneath. Doesn't seem worth the risk, better to pay a little more and be happy in the long run.

 

[badd]

badd, you're right and bring up a great point. I could go through all this work and money then end up with a nasty scratched up tank underneath. Doesn't seem worth the risk, better to pay a little more and be happy in the long run.

And the only reason bought the tank..was because it was free...lol.. one of these days when"not if/could be years..could be tomorrow" I have a tank crash.. I will buff the glass and clean up the foggy glass..

 

[Roboson]

I just had this same dilemma a few months ago. I found a 36 gallon bowfront on Craigslist and the thing was basically buried under some guys deck and was caked in dirt. I had no idea what it's condition was like, but he filled up with water and it had no leaks at all. I ended up buying it and taking it home to clean. Turns out it was in perfect condition and is soon to be my perfect tank. I only paid 40 bucks for it which was a real steal even with the cleaning. $200 is a much bigger risk though. If you could get it for 75-100 then I'd give it a second thought.

 

[meir]

That's the hardest part of this hobby for me, patience!

Same I know what you're feeling but you rly don't want to make a mistake that you can't fix because you didn't wait the extra day

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I'm going to jump in and say the same thing, don't do it. Not for that price.

 

[PostShawn]

I hope the tank wasn't standing up on its side like that for very long. I'd ask them to clean it before you pay for it. Then you can see if there are scratches you don't want to deal with. If they scratch it up you just pass on it. Or you offer to borrow a hose and do a quick light cleaning to get most of the stuff off before you pay for it. But as is it's kind of a mystery bag purchase. You don't know what you're really getting into.
I would personally wait for a better tank even if you have to pay more. Just for reference I'm getting ready to sell a 65g for double that with a sump, MH lights and a very beautiful custom sturdy stand and canopy.