Question about used tanks

[Dmerriman]

Ok, I’m totally new to the hobby. I located a good tank (70 gal, sump, pump, lights, prior reef system setup owner went to a larger tank). I know I need to clean the tank and reseal it. Cycle, etc. just wondering how to clean the tank and any beginner tips to know off the bat.

 

[Pistol Peet]

how long has it sat no water

 

[T-J]

Ok, I’m totally new to the hobby. I located a good tank (70 gal, sump, pump, lights, prior reef system setup owner went to a larger tank). I know I need to clean the tank and reseal it. Cycle, etc. just wondering how to clean the tank and any beginner tips to know off the bat.

You can't really reseal a tank. If there are seal issues, don't get it.
As far as cleaning, most use straight up water, some use vinegar or acid to scrape off any calcification. For beginner tips, decide on what type of tank you want: Fish only (FOWLR), SPS dominant, LPS dominant or mixed. This will drive lighting and flow concerns, which will be some of your biggest $$$$ items.
Also, welcome!

 

[Pistol Peet]

Cleaning procedures are going to depend on if it was just broken down or if it's been sitting without anything for several months

 

[rapid]

You can't really reseal a tank. If there are seal issues, don't get it.
As far as cleaning, most use straight up water, some use vinegar or acid to scrape off any calcification. For beginner tips, decide on what type of tank you want: Fish only (FOWLR), SPS dominant, LPS dominant or mixed. This will drive lighting and flow concerns, which will be some of your biggest $$$$ items.
Also, welcome!

??? Why can’t you reseal a tank ? Scrap off silicone bead tear down sides of tank clean clean clean secure back into a tank with new tanks safe silicon ?

 

[Dmerriman]

how long has it sat no water

I would say at least a month

 

[xxkenny90xx]

I have never torn down the sides when resealing tanks. Just scraped silicone off, clean, and reseal. Feel free to argue but it works.

As for cleaning the tank i would clean everything in vinegar water including running the pumps in vinegar water. BUT if any of the pumps have magnets on them do not use vinegar on those

 

[Dmerriman]

You can't really reseal a tank. If there are seal issues, don't get it.
As far as cleaning, most use straight up water, some use vinegar or acid to scrape off any calcification. For beginner tips, decide on what type of tank you want: Fish only (FOWLR), SPS dominant, LPS dominant or mixed. This will drive lighting and flow concerns, which will be some of your biggest $$$$ items.
Also, welcome!

Thanks! I’d like to gear towards mixed but still learning about the different setups, types, care, etc

 

[rapid]

I have never torn down the sides when resealing tanks. Just scraped silicone off, clean, and reseal. Feel free to argue but it works.

As for cleaning the tank i would clean everything in vinegar water inclusing running the pumps in vinegar water. BUT if any of the pumps have magnets on them do not use vinegar on those

Mmmh I was just curious lol may be a possibility to save some cash in the future

 

[Pistol Peet]

I would clean the tank with bleach seems how it's only beena month which is not long enough for ich and cysts to die just make sure that you let it sit for at least 48 hours after cleaning it so that way all the bleach is dry and at that point becomes harmless and is considered basically sodium which is salt this will kill The ich and cysts in it after this I would feel with your water you're live rock or rock and bacteria let it cycle then continue on from there you will be 100% good after this as far as the silicone goes fill the tank first see if there is any leaks if not then I wouldn't worry about trying to reseal anyting best regards in good luck

 

[T-J]

??? Why can’t you reseal a tank ? Scrap off silicone bead tear down sides of tank clean clean clean secure back into a tank with new tanks safe silicon ?

I would consider that "rebuilding a tank", which yes, is quite fine (If you know what you're doing). People think they can scrape down silicone and "reseal" areas with damaged seals. A quick search will show a number of threads advising that it won't fix the tank, and it's still considered "compromised". I'm not a tank builder, but IMO, I'd rather avoid it than take a chance.

 

[T-J]

I have never torn down the sides when resealing tanks. Just scraped silicone off, clean, and reseal. Feel free to argue but it works.

As for cleaning the tank i would clean everything in vinegar water including running the pumps in vinegar water. BUT if any of the pumps have magnets on them do not use vinegar on those

From my understanding, this is just cosmetic, and doesn't fix any integrity issues. I'm not a glass expert, just regurgitating things I've read.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

From my understanding, this is just cosmetic, and doesn't fix any integrity issues. I'm not a glass expert, just regurgitating things I've read.

Why would it be cosmetic? Silicone bonds very well to the glass. I've only done a couple of tanks but have had good success this way. @vetteguy53081 has much more experience with resealing than me

 

[vetteguy53081]

If prepared properly, there is no science to resealing a tank
You must scrape away ALL silicone and clean area well with alcohol. Thereafter apply a generous bead of aquarium sealant, not silicone and press into seam with a wet finger or popsicle stick and allow to dry 36 hours.
Thereafter, fill with freshwater and allow to sit for 36-48 hours looking for leaks and seepage
Aqueon aquarium sealant is excellent for repair