used tanks

jwill275 · 05/02/2009, 11:50 AM

My son picked up two tanks (20L / 40) that were used for reptiles in a pet shop. Can they be used for either fresh and/or salt water aquarims? What should I use to clean them? Can I use a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly?

Thanks

James79 · 05/02/2009, 12:16 PM

Clean them with a 1:10 muriatic acid/water solution and rinse well. Then follow up with a bleach and water rinse and let dry for a few days. I'd consider cutting out the silicone and resealing both, if your handy, but really shouldn't be absolutely neccessary unless the seal is damaged or stained.

My current tank housed a ball python for several months before becoming a reef tank.

Aurora D. · 05/02/2009, 12:33 PM

I definitely think that you shouldn't use them. Reptile terrariums aren't meant to hold large amounts of water, and their seams are much thinner than aquarium seams. I heard a story of a lady who used a terrarium for a reef and one day a couple of months after she set it up the tank burst all over her floor.

James79 · 05/02/2009, 01:08 PM

I didn't think of that possibility. Only use them if your sure they are aquariums and not built for terrariums. The glass thickness of the 40 should be 3/8" for an aquarium made of annealed glass.

jwill275 · 05/02/2009, 01:43 PM

They are definitely aquariums not reptile tanks. Where can I get the muriatic acid?

Thanks

James79 · 05/02/2009, 02:16 PM

Home depot in the masonry section or a pool supply store. May also be labeled as hydrochloric acid

05/02/2009, 11:50 AM	#1
jwill275 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Holbrook, NY Posts: 484	used tanks My son picked up two tanks (20L / 40) that were used for reptiles in a pet shop. Can they be used for either fresh and/or salt water aquarims? What should I use to clean them? Can I use a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly? Thanks __________________ John Current Tank Info: 40 gal Innovative Marine, Hydra 26 led

05/02/2009, 12:33 PM	#3
Aurora D. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 325	I definitely think that you shouldn't use them. Reptile terrariums aren't meant to hold large amounts of water, and their seams are much thinner than aquarium seams. I heard a story of a lady who used a terrarium for a reef and one day a couple of months after she set it up the tank burst all over her floor. __________________ Cats, Gardens, and Reefs... OH MY!!

05/02/2009, 01:43 PM	#5
jwill275 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Holbrook, NY Posts: 484	used tanks They are definitely aquariums not reptile tanks. Where can I get the muriatic acid? Thanks __________________ John Current Tank Info: 40 gal Innovative Marine, Hydra 26 led

05/02/2009, 12:16 PM	#2
James79 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 170	Clean them with a 1:10 muriatic acid/water solution and rinse well. Then follow up with a bleach and water rinse and let dry for a few days. I'd consider cutting out the silicone and resealing both, if your handy, but really shouldn't be absolutely neccessary unless the seal is damaged or stained. My current tank housed a ball python for several months before becoming a reef tank.

05/02/2009, 01:08 PM	#4
James79 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 170	I didn't think of that possibility. Only use them if your sure they are aquariums and not built for terrariums. The glass thickness of the 40 should be 3/8" for an aquarium made of annealed glass.

05/02/2009, 02:16 PM	#6
James79 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 170	Home depot in the masonry section or a pool supply store. May also be labeled as hydrochloric acid