Buying a used tank

Azazael13 · 07/31/2008, 05:26 AM

I recently came across a great deal on a large tank (150+). Before I actually hand over then money I had a couple of quick questions for everyone out there.

How do you check to make sure the tank isn't going to bow and that there are no leaks in it?

The seller has told me there are no leaks in it, but I want to be sure before I buy it. It isn't exactly reasonable to ask them to fill it up due to the size. I also want to make sure that isn't a reptile tank, just being advertised as a fish tank.

Thoughts?

scapes · 07/31/2008, 05:30 AM

the only way I know to test for leaks is to filler er up! if the person doesn't want to fill it up and waste his water, then if it's possible, I would ask if you could take it home and fill it up and if leaks then could you bring it back. I think those are really you're only options on checking for leaks. good luck!

atwinparadox2 · 07/31/2008, 06:26 AM

+1 can't test for leaks without filling 'er up.... if they don't want you to fill it because they don't want to foot the water bill then I agree see if you can take it home. You have a fire hydrant near the tanks location?

Just kidding, be weary if they don't want you to take it home to fill it either, it might have a leak.

crvz · 07/31/2008, 06:55 AM

If it's a water bill issue, offer them them another $5, which is probably twice as much as the water would cost them. Regardless, I've seen too many folks buy secondhand only to get it setup and find a leak. Not worth it in my opinion, I'd want to test it first.

Macimage · 07/31/2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

It isn't exactly reasonable to ask them to fill it up due to the size.

Actually, it is. You can fill it with a hose. It sounds as though that is your opinion and that you have not even asked them. I would go with the attitude that of course they are going to fill it with a garden hose so that you can see it.

If they refuse, definitely pass on the sale or offer an extra $5 for the cost of the water. If they still refuse, do not purchase it!

Also, if you are thinking of setting up a reef, you will want to know that copper medications have never been used in the tank as copper traces are lethal to corals and inverts.

Good Luck!
Joyce

JeremyWW · 07/31/2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Azazael13

I also want to make sure that isn't a reptile tank, just being advertised as a fish tank.

Thoughts?

The glass should be fairly thick, 1/2in or more if it's an aquarium. If it was a reptile tank it would probably be 1/4in or less. Good luck.

tkeracer619 · 07/31/2008, 08:54 AM

Its just a glass tank. If it leaks you can re-silicone it.

If it's and awesome deal then I wouldn't hassle with a leak test... would just look it over and make sure its in good shape. If its a reptile tank you can tell because the silicone is scratched off the inside.

Is it drilled? Is the center brace intact? How much do they want?

Quote:

Originally posted by Macimage

Also, if you are thinking of setting up a reef, you will want to know that copper medications have never been used in the tank as copper traces are lethal to corals and inverts.

Good Luck!
Joyce

I think that is a common misconception in the hobby. Obviously copper in dose is lethal to inverts but I don't think it ruins a tank by using it in it. I have dosed copper in a qt many many times, then turned that into a reef with all types of inverts. There is more copper in your salt mix then could possibly be left in the tank. Not a worry IMO if you clean the tank.

Azazael13 · 07/31/2008, 08:59 AM

I have talked them from their original asking price to $100 for it. My main concern is that it isn't a reptile tank. I now have two good tests for that.

Is there any type of leak that would prevent me from re-siliconing it?

As for drilled or brace, I am still waiting on a reply from the seller.

reefworm · 07/31/2008, 09:01 AM

absolutely check about copper based meds used in the tank. Macimage is dead on. the copper will get absorbed into the seals and no amount of cleaning will remove it all. it will leach back into the tank

tkeracer619 · 07/31/2008, 09:03 AM

No, there isnt a leak you cant fix. Is it worth it to you to rip the whole thing apart to resilicone... probably not.

The silicone between the pains of glass holds the tank together, the silicone on the inside is what prevents it from leaking. IF there is a problem it takes some masking tape, 2 hours, and a couple tubes of aquarium silicone.

I paid 100 bucks for my 150. Then I cut it apart to make my 125 gallon sump. IMO thats about right for a used 150.

tkeracer619 · 07/31/2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefworm
absolutely check about copper based meds used in the tank. Macimage is dead on. the copper will get absorbed into the seals and no amount of cleaning will remove it all. it will leach back into the tank

Is there a study showing this? I would like a link. MY first tank was set up as a FW tank with copper for 14 years before I purchased it for a reef. I washed it with vinager and set my tank up. Never had any problems untill a had a seem let go (the carpet sagged funny and wracked the tank)

phaedraeos · 07/31/2008, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefworm
absolutely check about copper based meds used in the tank. Macimage is dead on. the copper will get absorbed into the seals and no amount of cleaning will remove it all. it will leach back into the tank

I too have been doing a lot of research into this and have yet to see a definitive study proving that copper leaches into silicone and is never removable.

I have, however, heard many first hand experiences from people who DID have copper in a tank, some with extreme amounts, and were able to clean it successfully with water and vinegar (and some with a tiny amount of bleach), and have it be set up as a reef tank with no issues.

I think the problem is that copper tends to remain in biofilms on the tank, not in the silicone. If you don't fully clean off old biofilms you'll have residual copper. However, if you give the tank a solid cleaning you should be fine.

phaedraeos · 07/31/2008, 09:53 AM

Check out this thread as well, if you're worried about copper:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...opper+silicone

reefworm · 07/31/2008, 10:39 AM

good info phaedraeos - and helpful thread. I stand corrected.

smoothdog · 07/31/2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tkeracer619
No, there isnt a leak you cant fix. Is it worth it to you to rip the whole thing apart to resilicone... probably not.

The silicone between the pains of glass holds the tank together, the silicone on the inside is what prevents it from leaking. IF there is a problem it takes some masking tape, 2 hours, and a couple tubes of aquarium silicone.

+1!

The glass should be fairly thick on a tank this size and if you look at the seams it should be obvious if there is any inconsistancy in the silcone, it would show up as a line or bubble in the silicone between the two pieces of glass. If it does leak be prepared to take the whole tank apart and re-silicone, silicone does not stick well to cured silicone. Besides, it would suck to fix one side just to have another blow out in 6 months.

boilermaker1 · 07/31/2008, 12:06 PM

I bought a used tank a few years back.... made sure it was ok by getting lucky enough that the tank was still full of fish and coral when I went to go look at it, then agreed to come back 2 weeks later when it was drained so I could pick it up.
if its already empty, I'd say fill it and if they wont fill it, then pass on it.

kyelr · 07/31/2008, 12:54 PM

For your own sanity, fill it up. We purchased a used tank that was nothing but a headache. We were assured that it didn't leak. Nothing like lugging around a 180gallon tank to repair the seals!

07/31/2008, 05:26 AM	#1
Azazael13 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tallahassee Florida Posts: 499	Buying a used tank I recently came across a great deal on a large tank (150+). Before I actually hand over then money I had a couple of quick questions for everyone out there. How do you check to make sure the tank isn't going to bow and that there are no leaks in it? The seller has told me there are no leaks in it, but I want to be sure before I buy it. It isn't exactly reasonable to ask them to fill it up due to the size. I also want to make sure that isn't a reptile tank, just being advertised as a fish tank. Thoughts? __________________ Percula Clownfish Current Tank Info: 2 foot cube (Salt) and 35G Hex (Fresh)

07/31/2008, 06:55 AM	#4
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	If it's a water bill issue, offer them them another $5, which is probably twice as much as the water would cost them. Regardless, I've seen too many folks buy secondhand only to get it setup and find a leak. Not worth it in my opinion, I'd want to test it first. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

07/31/2008, 08:59 AM	#8
Azazael13 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tallahassee Florida Posts: 499	I have talked them from their original asking price to $100 for it. My main concern is that it isn't a reptile tank. I now have two good tests for that. Is there any type of leak that would prevent me from re-siliconing it? As for drilled or brace, I am still waiting on a reply from the seller. __________________ Percula Clownfish Current Tank Info: 2 foot cube (Salt) and 35G Hex (Fresh)

07/31/2008, 09:01 AM	#9
reefworm Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Waxhaw, NC USA Posts: 2,139	absolutely check about copper based meds used in the tank. Macimage is dead on. the copper will get absorbed into the seals and no amount of cleaning will remove it all. it will leach back into the tank __________________ "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 29 gal. reef/assist with 75 gal. at the school

07/31/2008, 09:03 AM	#10
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	No, there isnt a leak you cant fix. Is it worth it to you to rip the whole thing apart to resilicone... probably not. The silicone between the pains of glass holds the tank together, the silicone on the inside is what prevents it from leaking. IF there is a problem it takes some masking tape, 2 hours, and a couple tubes of aquarium silicone. I paid 100 bucks for my 150. Then I cut it apart to make my 125 gallon sump. IMO thats about right for a used 150. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

07/31/2008, 05:30 AM	#2
scapes Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Millbrook, AL Posts: 2,520	the only way I know to test for leaks is to filler er up! if the person doesn't want to fill it up and waste his water, then if it's possible, I would ask if you could take it home and fill it up and if leaks then could you bring it back. I think those are really you're only options on checking for leaks. good luck!

07/31/2008, 06:26 AM	#3
atwinparadox2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kingston, PA Posts: 782	+1 can't test for leaks without filling 'er up.... if they don't want you to fill it because they don't want to foot the water bill then I agree see if you can take it home. You have a fire hydrant near the tanks location? Just kidding, be weary if they don't want you to take it home to fill it either, it might have a leak.

07/31/2008, 09:53 AM	#13
phaedraeos Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: boston Posts: 58	Check out this thread as well, if you're worried about copper: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...opper+silicone

07/31/2008, 10:39 AM	#14
reefworm Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Waxhaw, NC USA Posts: 2,139	good info phaedraeos - and helpful thread. I stand corrected. __________________ "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 29 gal. reef/assist with 75 gal. at the school

07/31/2008, 12:06 PM	#16
boilermaker1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 784	I bought a used tank a few years back.... made sure it was ok by getting lucky enough that the tank was still full of fish and coral when I went to go look at it, then agreed to come back 2 weeks later when it was drained so I could pick it up. if its already empty, I'd say fill it and if they wont fill it, then pass on it.

07/31/2008, 12:54 PM	#17
kyelr Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: In between St. Louis and Columbia Posts: 51	For your own sanity, fill it up. We purchased a used tank that was nothing but a headache. We were assured that it didn't leak. Nothing like lugging around a 180gallon tank to repair the seals!