Tank quality

[USMA36]

Is there a way to tell the quality of the tank without knowing the manufacturer or how old he tank is. I am looking at purchasing this tank drilling and mounting an overflow myself. Is there an easy way to tell if the back panel is tempered? This is the tank I am looking at. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/permalink/385059278527223/

 

[smoke]

A lot of times you can tell if glass is tempered by looking at it with polarized glasses

 

[Luis Figueroa]

A lot of times you can tell if glass is tempered by looking at it with polarized glasses

What are you looking for once you have the glasses on?

 

[cbutkos]

What are you looking for once you have the glasses on?

Go look at the back window of your car, you'll see a kind of crosshatch pattern that means it's tempered...

Also as far as "quality" look at the thickness of the glass in general older tanks have thicker glass...Though there are other factors in play there too...you want a tank with nice silicone that isn't all broken up and and few if any scratches

 

[smoke]

Go look at the back window of your car, you'll see a kind of crosshatch pattern that means it's tempered...

Also as far as "quality" look at the thickness of the glass in general older tanks have thicker glass...Though there are other factors in play there too...you want a tank with nice silicone that isn't all broken up and and few if any scratches

Correct! The glass will look kinda waved or with a pattern. If it looks clear it is not tempered.

 

[Rick.45cal]

There's this:

 

[mtraylor]

Check the seems (silicone) and ensure there are no nicks in them from razors etc. If there are stay away from it. Also check the view planes to ensure there are no deep scratches or excessive scratches. you may need to clean the panes to see it. The main key is the thickness of the glass. Cheap tanks use thin glass.

 

[USMA36]

Is 3/8 thick enough for a 90 gallon?

 

[cbutkos]

Is 3/8 thick enough for a 90 gallon?

It's good enough, the older tanks were 1/2" if you're not getting a good deal on it, or if the seams look a little weak you may want to hold out for a thicker one...But as far as safety is concerned it'll hold