Refurbishing a used 120 Gallon.

[Hugh Mann]

So, I recently aquired a used 120 Gallon aquarium, I was told originally sourced from a fish store going out of business.
Anyways, I picked it up for pennies on the dollar, even though it was evident it would need some touch ups.

I was told it was used for freshwater in its current condition.

I left it filled outside for an hour, no discernable leaks.

Seals are discolored, but otherwise seem to be in good condition.

Bottom edging material is missing on 3 sides.

Needs a thorough cleaning.

My main concern however, is when examining it under better lighting than a dim storage unit, I noticed 3 chips in the glass. I am wondering how big of a problem this may be down the road, and what, if anything can I do to fix it?

Also, the bottom edge material is missing along 3 sides, can anyone tell me how important that edging is, what would be good to replace it with?

 

[Hugh Mann]

Pictures because I hit 'post' instead of "Attach file"

 

[JonoB]

Those chips would make me not want to fill it up with water Thats a lot of water to spill in a house. But maybe someone else would have a solution for it.

 

[ca1ore]

That tank looks like it’s had the *$&* beaten out of it. Trouble with chips is there no way to know how much of a problem they are. Could last 10 years or 10 hours. If you are dead set on using it, I’d be inclined to remove the inner silicone and put in bottom eurobracing.

 

[Hugh Mann]

Fortunately it would be set up in my basement, so if it did let go, my sump would take care of a good bit of the water, and cement floor. But still definitely don't want that happening. At all. Livestock is well, live. And expensive.

I'm not exactly dead set on using it, but I mean, if it's salvageable, I definitely would. There's a glass shop here in my town I could get the bracing cut at. Does the eurobracing have to be one continuous piece, or separate lengths siliconed together?

What exactly would be the point of the eurobrace? Seals better, stronger structure?

 

[John Smith]

A chip in a corner might not be a problem. You want to inspect the area under magnification for any hairline crack which will propagate over time under pressure and/or vibration. Google "crack in glass". Good luck.

 

[Phil D.]

If it was me, I would not use that under any circumstances. It could go today, tomorrow or ??

 

[bdehlin]

That glass looks rough, and the silicone looks old and brittle, I wouldn't trust it

 

[NowGlazeIT]

There is one piece broken that looks to be a deal closer for me. And I’m a let it Ride kind of guy ha. Let me get a screen shot so I can circle the “nail in the coffin”

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Right here I can see the glass has chipped all the way threw. The glass is different colors that’s the dead giveaway. So sorry brother but this one needs a full panel replacement. Not worth the hassle imo

 

[Hugh Mann]

Thanks. I figured that would be the case. It does hold water, at least in the bottom 3 inches, but doesn't sound like I should trust it to hold a couple thousand dollars in livestock. Appreciate the feedback.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Holding water under no pressure will happen. When you go to fill it, you will realize true disaster.
Will make a great reptile enclosure but Not aquatic

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Thanks. I figured that would be the case. It does hold water, at least in the bottom 3 inches, but doesn't sound like I should trust it to hold a couple thousand dollars in livestock. Appreciate the feedback.

Yea the bigger the tank the more important those ratings of how thick the glass and spacing needs to be, and that corner has lost integrity. I just wouldn’t trust the weight of the water mainly. The silicone itself is strong but if it loses glass to bond too then it can blow.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Holding water under no pressure will happen. When you go to fill it, you will realize true disaster.
Will make a great reptile enclosure but Not aquatic

Yea still not trash imo as well haha

 

[Hugh Mann]

Well, I've been wanting a Ball Python or other snake for a good while now. Got the perfect enclosure for it.

Just means I'll have to save up and buy a 210 to compensate.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Well, I've been wanting a Ball Python or other snake for a good while now. Got the perfect enclosure for it.

Just means I'll have to save up and buy a 210 to compensate.

Bingo! Haha. Wish I could have some reptiles but the wife draws the line there. I used to own a California king snake that thought he was a rattlesnake. Coolest pet I’ve had to date

 

[X-37B]

I might use it for a sump
if the water level was only 7" like in my 40 breeder.
That said I have,
8 ball pythons
1 mexican black king snake
1 rainbow boa
1 albino red tail boa
and just ordered new baby
reticulated python.
Aquariums do not make good snake cages because pythons and boas need high humidity.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I might use it for a sump
if the water level was only 7" like in my 40 breeder.
That said I have,
8 ball pythons
1 mexican black king snake
1 rainbow boa
1 albino red tail boa
and just ordered new baby
reticulated python.
Aquariums do not make good snake cages because pythons and boas need high humidity.

To big to control humidity?

 

[X-37B]

To big to control humidity?

You can do it. Its just not optimal for retaining temp and humidity over 80+%. I use dresser drawer systems for the ball pythons.
Redtail and rainbow use vision cages with foggers.
King snake uses a small aquarium. Humidity is not needed and they hibernate in the winter.
Doing it right, like reef tanks, takes $'s lol.

 

[Hugh Mann]

So I had a chat with my local glass shop. To have replacements cut for the damaged panels, 1 lengthwise side and the bottom would be almost as expensive as buying a new tank of similar size. About a $112 difference. Might as well keep it as is and use it for a reptile. King snakes are pretty cool too.

However, if the side panel is salvageable, the chips aren't really that bad or deep, and just the bottom where the bad one is, that would be a $360 difference. To me, that would be worth the effort. Maybe flip the side panel so the chips are at the top, less pressure? I don't know, not a glass expert.