Large Used Tank Questions before buying and transportation

[PaulieReef]

Hey all,

I am not necessarily new, but I have never bought a used tank before, and about to buy a BIG used one.

I did some research on what to look for and I am going to see the tank this Saturday before buying and picking it up the following Saturday.

The deal is kind of unbeatable which makes me nervous, full 240g tank setup including, 3 Kessil 360 and 4 vipar spectrum light boxes, 90 gallon sump, apex classic with two energy bars, protein skimmer, return pump, the works, only for $2000.

The main thing I am worried about is the seal of the tank, the tank is about eight years old, two owners, first had it for six, current has had it for two.

Main things to look for, excess bubbles in the seal between glass panels, chips in the glass, any salt creep at the base of the tank or edges.

I already am planning on resealing the inner silicone of the tank as it is eight years old.

Is there anything major I should look for when I go up saturday? The tank is currently up and running, upon inspection on Saturday and the approval of buying it, the previous owners will begin to break it down for transport the following week.

For transport I plan on renting a 10' uhaul, as putting an eight foot tank in my 5' bed just doesn't seem smart. I also plan on putting a thick foam/rubber pad under the tank in the uhaul to prevent damages while traveling (1h 30 minutes distance).

Thoughts/concerns/missing anything?

Excited to be part of the reefing community again.

[Michael Hoaster]

It sounds like a good deal and it sounds like you're covering all the bases. It's great that you can see it in action before deciding. I can't think of anything else you could do. Maybe let a little air out of the trailer tires? It may be a good idea to contact some glass tank builders and ask for transport pointers.

[Sk8r]

If you can get big styrofoam sheet for it to sit on, plus some U-Haul big orange straps with takeup ratchet to keep it steady and prevent rolling---it would help. I'd also use cardboard scrap to brace the sides and inside, to cushion against any point-impact in some highway desperation maneuver. Hopefully the transport will be gentle and emergency-free. Definitely have your help lined up and heavily bribed with pizza to get that item safely indoors.

[PaulieReef]

Originally Posted by Sk8r

If you can get big styrofoam sheet for it to sit on, plus some U-Haul big orange straps with takeup ratchet to keep it steady and prevent rolling---it would help. I'd also use cardboard scrap to brace the sides and inside, to cushion against any point-impact in some highway desperation maneuver. Hopefully the transport will be gentle and emergency-free. Definitely have your help lined up and heavily bribed with pizza to get that item safely indoors.

Good ideas!

[outssider]

I would check carefully for scratches. That's something you'll have to live with forever. Also I wouldn't reseal it unless it's bad, you may end up doing more harm than good unless you really know what your doing

[PaulieReef]

Originally Posted by outssider

I would check carefully for scratches. That's something you'll have to live with forever. Also I wouldn't reseal it unless it's bad, you may end up doing more harm than good unless you really know what your doing

Few scratches but nothing noticeable stepping back from the tank. As far as resealing, going to have to do it, the seals arn't terrible, but I don't want to have to do it in a few years when the tank is setup and established.

I will be doing a week long leak test after I reseal it and let it cure.

[Vinny Kreyling]

New silicone will not adhere to old silicone.
Good Luck with it.

[PaulieReef]

Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling

New silicone will not adhere to old silicone.
Good Luck with it.

Yup! I ordered a scrapper and some acetate, so it has a nice clean new surface!

[PaulieReef]

After much discussion, decided to just hiring a moving company that is fully insured. $575 bucks to move it, I feel is worth it.

[Michael Hoaster]

Sounds like a plan. Good luck!

[wsboyette]

Originally Posted by PaulieReef

After much discussion, decided to just hiring a moving company that is fully insured. $575 bucks to move it, I feel is worth it.

It's such a large setup, you are best to have professionals move it. I can't imagine moving a 240 gallon tank !

[Vinny Kreyling]

3 guys moved my 250-- should have seen the odd guy on 1 end.

[MondoBongo]

Originally Posted by PaulieReef

After much discussion, decided to just hiring a moving company that is fully insured. $575 bucks to move it, I feel is worth it.

i was coming here to say just this. professional movers are never a bad idea with large tanks.

i bought a large used tank a few years back (160g oceanic) and it was something else to marshal around. even with 3 large, strong people, we had a hell of a time getting it in the van and in the house.

as for the price. wanting to get rid of a big tank is a powerful motivator. i paid $900ish for mine (used) when i bought it, it came with some equipment. i sold/traded/gave away most of the equipment that i didn't need. used the tank for several years, and when it came time to get rid of it, i couldn't find any takers.

i ended up cutting the asking price all the way down to $250 with some free frags, still no bites. so i finally threatened to just call 1800gotjunk on my local reef group and someone finally came and got it for free.

there's a real niche market for large tanks. to some people they're quite valuable, to others, just a hassle, and that outlook can change quickly.

as far as the seal goes... my tank was built in 2005 and still had the original seals. it had been through 3 owners and was still tight as a drum. if those original seals look like they're in good shape, i would probably just leave them alone myself. if it ain't broke, ya know?