Should I buy this tank?

[vetteguy53081]

Not the best picture but I was just able to open it up. I’ll try again in the daylight tomorrow. This is the right rear of the tank in between the display and the rear sump. Tomorrow I will pull the tank all the way out and inspect further but it appears this is the only damage.
I was able to find the model it is a Max C-250.
Think I can silicone on both sides and use it still? I would do a leak test of some sort as well to make sure it will hold. But the right rear chamber is a return back to the tank.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Either way I have the stand and all equipment that came with it so not a bad find.

I think you lucked out. Repair:
Use a two part Marine epoxy. Let it cure 24-36 hours then cover with a layer of Aquarium sealant- not just silicone. It will hold just fine - WOW. . . . nice score !!

 

[Rscott]

Was that cracked glass?

 

[punkieg0]

Was that cracked glass?

yes, there is a crack from top to bottom between the display and the rear sump. Looking to see if I can fix it to be able to use it.

 

[vetteguy53081]

yes, there is a crack from top to bottom between the display and the rear sump. Looking to see if I can fix it to be able to use it.

That wall would only leak into the tank if it is cracked so I say a good risk. If it were the front/rear/left or roght- the whole panel would need to be replaced.

 

[punkieg0]

That wall would only leak into the tank if it is cracked so I say a good risk. If it were the front/rear/left or roght- the whole panel would need to be replaced.

I’m going to pull it out of the box today and inspect it for anything else. Fingers crossed that is all- then it would be the best deal!!

 

[Rscott]

They sold it to you knowing this?

 

[punkieg0]

They sold it to you knowing this?

We drove over 2 hours for a new in box tank. When we arrived we inspected it first and found the crack. They gave it to us for free at that point. So I’m trying to see if I can actually salvage the tank or not. I got the stand and all the equipment at least, but the tank would be an amazing bonus if I can fix it.

 

[Rscott]

We drove over 2 hours for a new in box tank. When we arrived we inspected it first and found the crack. They gave it to us for free at that point. So I’m trying to see if I can actually salvage the tank or not. I got the stand and all the equipment at least, but the tank would be an amazing bonus if I can fix it.

No kidding ?
We’ll score then!

 

[punkieg0]

I think you lucked out. Repair:
Use a two part Marine epoxy. Let it cure 24-36 hours then cover with a layer of Aquarium sealant- not just silicone. It will hold just fine - WOW. . . . nice score !!

So upon further inspection that is not the return chamber. On the older Max models they had the power center in the right corner. So essentially that crack is where all the electrical goes. There are other smaller cracks in some of the other chambers but I don’t think it is worth the risk that it would hold. So it would be the inner glass wall cracking down towards the right pump chamber.

 

[Marco S]

So upon further inspection that is not the return chamber. On the older Max models they had the power center in the right corner. So essentially that crack is where all the electrical goes. There are other smaller cracks in some of the other chambers but I don’t think it is worth the risk that it would hold. So it would be the inner glass wall cracking down towards the right pump chamber.

I thought the older AIO models were Acrylic between the sump and tank, but I guess not. Either way, it should be easy enough to remove that panel by cutting the silicone and removing it with a razor blade and getting another piece cut to the same size and resealing it. As long as it isn't the exterior glass you have no risk of water getting all over your floor. I would think it would be worth taking a chance and a lot cheaper than replacing the tank.

 

[ReefDude2019]

I thought the older AIO models were Acrylic between the sump and tank, but I guess not. Either way, it should be easy enough to remove that panel by cutting the silicone and removing it with a razor blade and getting another piece cut to the same size and resealing it. As long as it isn't the exterior glass you have no risk of water getting all over your floor. I would think it would be worth taking a chance and a lot cheaper than replacing the tank.

I had the exact same problem with an Innovative Marine 60 gallon shallow reef tank a few years ago. The LFS wanted $899 for it and when I found the cracks they sold it for $200 since the stand and all the equipment was still good. I took it to a glass company and they actually cut the glass to fit and resealed it for me. The total cost of the repair was about $250 and well worth it. I had that tank for about three years before I had to break it down.

The only thing was that the new glass was clear and not blacked out. It didn’t bother me though, (I thought it was kinda cool). The back and sides of the sump part were still blacked out so it wasn’t too bad and I got a $899 tank for $450.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I had the exact same problem with an Innovative Marine 60 gallon shallow reef tank a few years ago. The LFS wanted $899 for it and when I found the cracks they sold it for $200 since the stand and all the equipment was still good. I took it to a glass company and they actually cut the glass to fit and resealed it for me. The total cost of the repair was about $250 and well worth it. I had that tank for about three years before I had to break it down.

The only thing was that the new glass was clear and not blacked out. It didn’t bother me though, (I thought it was kinda cool). The back and sides of the sump part were still blacked out so it wasn’t too bad and I got a $899 tank for $450.

This is the route I would go