Buying a used aquarium. What to look for.

anit77 · 07/28/2015, 09:01 AM

I've been wanting to start a reef tank for quite a number of years. When I finished my basement in the early 2000's I put a nook in a wall that is 6' wide by 36" tall. My plan was to put in a 220 gallon DT but when the economy went to hell all the plans got put on hold.
Back then I wanted a big DT and I'm not so sure anymore if that the right route for me. I may be moving in a couple years and would like to start out a little smaller and also I'll still be on a limited budget. I'm in no hurry and plan on doing a decent amount of DYI. Recently I picked up a 2 month old 55 gallon tank that hasn't even had water in it yet. I plan on using it for a sump for a 120-150 gallon DT. I'm pretty sure I want to start with a 48x24x24 to 30" DT.

In keeping my eye on Craigslist I'm seeing a lot of tanks that are 72x18x22. Some have been close to what I'm looking for but they all have been bottom drilled corner overflow. I really want to do a full C2C with an external overflow box and a Bean drain setup. I'm not sure if that type of RR tank will be good for me and I don't like the idea of having to cutout the corner overflows. Currently there is a 125g 72x18x22 tank for $400 that is setup for fresh water and not drilled. But I'm thinking I should pass on it and continue to look for one that is 24" wide.

My questions are:
1. Should I stick to the 24" wide tank for more room front to back?
2. Should I stay away from corner overflow tanks? Or can those holes be used for returns?
3. What would be the best way for me to setup the C2C along the full back of the tank? (I was thinking 3 1.5" drilled holes at the top equally spaced. Then putting in a single piece of black glass set at a 45deg angle for the weir.)

Any and all help is welcomed. Thanks.

ericarenee · 07/28/2015, 09:27 AM

Our Display tank is custom built 84x30x22 tall. I love the Dept from front to back . As far as the Reef Ready tanks with built in over flow or not. That is a Preference.. We had to buy a non drilled tank or pay a Fortune to have it drilled at a exact location . Due to how the Doors in the bathroom behind the tank are. We only have access to one side of the back. But the sump is in basement..

So You can get a Tank and Drill it yourself. Have it Custom Drilled to your specs.. or Buy one with Built in over flow......
I am not sure anyone could answer that question as its a preference thing..

For me i would hold out for a 24 INCH Deep tank...I have seen some very nice 60 inch 125 tanks that are quite deep.....

anit77 · 07/28/2015, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the reply. I will wait for a wider tank. There will be full access to the back and most of the sides of the DT from the rear. It will sit about 40" off the floor with the sump directly beneath. There is a storage room behind the wall where the tank will go with plenty of room for the sump and water storage containers. Water and power lines are already run.

I'm not afraid of drilling the glass I just want to do it right from the start. My initial plan is to have the holes and weir set to hold the water level 1/4 to 3/8" below the bottom of the top frame. Then gluing the a glass overflow box to the back of the tank. I've read about people using a 45deg angled piece of glass for the weir but I haven't been able to find any pics of one in use. Is there anything that will cause problems going this route?

07/28/2015, 09:01 AM	#1
anit77 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 24	Buying a used aquarium. What to look for. I've been wanting to start a reef tank for quite a number of years. When I finished my basement in the early 2000's I put a nook in a wall that is 6' wide by 36" tall. My plan was to put in a 220 gallon DT but when the economy went to hell all the plans got put on hold. Back then I wanted a big DT and I'm not so sure anymore if that the right route for me. I may be moving in a couple years and would like to start out a little smaller and also I'll still be on a limited budget. I'm in no hurry and plan on doing a decent amount of DYI. Recently I picked up a 2 month old 55 gallon tank that hasn't even had water in it yet. I plan on using it for a sump for a 120-150 gallon DT. I'm pretty sure I want to start with a 48x24x24 to 30" DT. In keeping my eye on Craigslist I'm seeing a lot of tanks that are 72x18x22. Some have been close to what I'm looking for but they all have been bottom drilled corner overflow. I really want to do a full C2C with an external overflow box and a Bean drain setup. I'm not sure if that type of RR tank will be good for me and I don't like the idea of having to cutout the corner overflows. Currently there is a 125g 72x18x22 tank for $400 that is setup for fresh water and not drilled. But I'm thinking I should pass on it and continue to look for one that is 24" wide. My questions are: 1. Should I stick to the 24" wide tank for more room front to back? 2. Should I stay away from corner overflow tanks? Or can those holes be used for returns? 3. What would be the best way for me to setup the C2C along the full back of the tank? (I was thinking 3 1.5" drilled holes at the top equally spaced. Then putting in a single piece of black glass set at a 45deg angle for the weir.) Any and all help is welcomed. Thanks.

07/28/2015, 09:27 AM	#2
ericarenee Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Louisville Kentucky Posts: 3,110	Our Display tank is custom built 84x30x22 tall. I love the Dept from front to back . As far as the Reef Ready tanks with built in over flow or not. That is a Preference.. We had to buy a non drilled tank or pay a Fortune to have it drilled at a exact location . Due to how the Doors in the bathroom behind the tank are. We only have access to one side of the back. But the sump is in basement.. So You can get a Tank and Drill it yourself. Have it Custom Drilled to your specs.. or Buy one with Built in over flow...... I am not sure anyone could answer that question as its a preference thing.. For me i would hold out for a 24 INCH Deep tank...I have seen some very nice 60 inch 125 tanks that are quite deep..... __________________ 240+G Mixed BB Reef tank.. 350 G Marine Pond. And the expensive stuff that runs it. Chic's are for Chic's You silly men Go Fishing or something... Current Tank Info: 240= gal Reef /550 Gallon Saltwater pond 72 G Bay front Tropical aquarium

07/28/2015, 09:54 AM	#3
anit77 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 24	Thanks for the reply. I will wait for a wider tank. There will be full access to the back and most of the sides of the DT from the rear. It will sit about 40" off the floor with the sump directly beneath. There is a storage room behind the wall where the tank will go with plenty of room for the sump and water storage containers. Water and power lines are already run. I'm not afraid of drilling the glass I just want to do it right from the start. My initial plan is to have the holes and weir set to hold the water level 1/4 to 3/8" below the bottom of the top frame. Then gluing the a glass overflow box to the back of the tank. I've read about people using a 45deg angled piece of glass for the weir but I haven't been able to find any pics of one in use. Is there anything that will cause problems going this route?