New "used" tank.. Yeah or Nay

[Dastins]

I got a really good deal on a 90 gallon tank online. I haven't set it up yet and its been dry for about a year. The tag on the bottom says manufactured in 1996. I've heard that a tank more than a few years old isn't fit to use. It's there any way to test the structural integrity of the tank without risking a collapse?

 

[Dtackett]

well when you consider there are people on this forum that have had the same tank setup for 20-30 or even 40 years, I think a tank from 96 is ok. but if youre concerned you can reseal the tank pretty easily.

 

[Dastins]

I was just worried because it's been dry for a good while. I don't see any damage or cracking. Didn't know if there was any way of testing before filling.

 

[Dastins]

What type of silicon would you suggest?

 

[Dtackett]

not really. you can fill it outside and let it sit for a week and see if it leaks.

 

[Dtackett]

you can use ge1, but I prefer rtv 108. its a lot stronger.

 

[Dastins]

Thanks!

 

[4FordFamily]

I do not buy used glass I've almost burned down my house and also did successfully destroy the kitchen and 1500 sq foot finished basement because of used glass. No, no, no. Not for me.

If it needs sealed even more no...

Not worth it. I buy everything else used though

 

[Dtackett]

ive bought new tanks and had blow outs and bought used tanks and they've been perfect. but ive bought more new tanks that held water than used.. but that's why I use RTV 108 instead of regular silicone lol. I do a complete reseal on any used tanks now a days.

 

[ludnix]

Is resealing an aquarium that trivial? I thought you could not bond silicone to old silcone and needed to completely remove all silicone from the old panels as well the trim and completely rebuild the tank?

 

[Dtackett]

no, it wont bond to the old silicone, you scape it all except for whats between the glass panels. that's not the seal that holds the water in, that's the structural bond that holds the tank together. its fine. you put the silicone on with full contact on all seams and youre fine.

 

[pelphrey]

I've used ASI silicone to reseal tanks. I use it now to install baffles. Like @3FordFamily i no longer buy used tanks, just equipment.

 

[Dastins]

I should have just waited for PetSmart's dollar a gallon sale and then argued the tax with them.

 

[jonneyb]

I know this post is a couple weeks old but Dtackett is right its very easy to reseal a tank, remove all silicone inside tank, clean with acetone, and re-silicone. first tank I did was 24" tall octagon corner tank 2 years ago, no leaks and still holding strong.