Buying a used tank

[venom550pm]

i bought a used oceanic tech tank 120g, a few months ago used for $300.00 it is in great shape and doesn't leak, the stand i didn't want as it was a POS. The tech tank had dual overflows in the center and the overflow box was glass on the inside, the back of the tank is black and there is no center brace on the tank which makes aqua scaping and catching fish that much easier, so i guess its what they call euro bracing. Here are some pics of the tech tank, they don't sell them new anymore.

http://www.oceanicsystems.com/products/tech-series.php

 

[zigzag1]

I agree with this one also.

Used equipment is just that....used. You don't know what trouble the previous owner had, you don't know how they took care of it, and you surely don't know the real reason why it's up for sale.

Buy anything new that you can....it's just that much easier. It may seem expensive up front, but you won't be thinking that when the $1000 skimmer you just bought for $500 breaks down....or the $1500 fish tank that you bought for $400 springs a leak....or the ballasts go out in the $1200 light fixture you got for $500.

Heh, my reefkeeping philosophy is just the opposite. Avoid paying the huge markups on hobby stuff.. Buy used, if at all possible. Nearly my complete setup is used. And though you may have warranty problems with used equipment, you can have those same problems with new equipment as well - unless buying top-dollar primo stuff typically (tunze, ecotech, deltec, etc.) and thats really still no real garantee that you wont drop it and break it, or the like. Just my opinion.. GL!

 

[sslater0679]

Heh, my reefkeeping philosophy is just the opposite. Avoid paying the huge markups on hobby stuff.. Buy used, if at all possible. Nearly my complete setup is used. And though you may have warranty problems with used equipment, you can have those same problems with new equipment as well - unless buying top-dollar primo stuff typically (tunze, ecotech, lifereef, etc.) and thats really still no real garantee that you wont drop it and break it, or the like. Just my opinion.. GL!

My first tank was a 29g freshwater hand-me-down that I converted to saltwater, I've had it going for 2 years now and no problems. I have yet to buy a new tank. This 90g looks to be a good buy. I'm picking it up tomorrow. I will take some before and after pics and post them here.

 

[DanEnglish]

I have almost never bought a new tank. last tank was 5 years old, one before that was 20. With any used tank I carefully reseal, which is really pretty easy. From what I have heard you should really only trust the seal for about 6 years.

 

[sslater0679]

I have almost never bought a new tank. last tank was 5 years old, one before that was 20. With any used tank I carefully reseal, which is really pretty easy. From what I have heard you should really only trust the seal for about 6 years.

If I want to reseal this tank what is a good sealant to use on a glass tank.

 

[Stumped]

If I want to reseal this tank what is a good sealant to use on a glass tank.

You're probably better off just buying a new (or another used) tank if you have to re-seal it. In order to properly do it you have to take the tank apart, remove all the silicone completely, then apply an appropriate silicone before re-assembling it.

It sounds easier than it actually is, and takes a lot of work. If you are interested though you can check out the DIY forum. There are lots of threads that detail the process.

 

[sslater0679]

Well I got my tank home. Here are the before and after pics. All of the seals look great.

Before



After

 

[PokerReefer]

Guess there is no turning back now. When buying used , just use common sense. Ask to have it leak tested and talk with the seller. If it dosnt feel right walk away. My main concern would be if it was a fresh water tank and if medications were used. In that case I would look for something else.

 

[sslater0679]

Guess there is no turning back now.

 

[sslater0679]

That's strange I did a quote and it posted the reply above, and I didn't even type that. Strange.

 

[sslater0679]

PokerReefer, in reply to your post, this was a saltwater tank, the guy still had it full of water and when I looked at it Sunday, I didn't see any signs of leaking. I have been staying away from looking at fresh water tanks for that reason.

 

[Ethan Music]

Sorry totally forgot I posted on this thread. Doesn't look like a oceanic tech tank. Their overflows are directly in the middle and have 2 drains and returns. Nice cleaning job by the way =] good luck on your build I just finished filling my with Ro water.

 

[sslater0679]

Sorry totally forgot I posted on this thread. Doesn't look like a oceanic tech tank. Their overflows are directly in the middle and have 2 drains and returns. Nice cleaning job by the way =] good luck on your build I just finished filling my with Ro water.

Thanks. It didn't take much to clean it a lot of wiped off real easy.

 

[sslater0679]

There are a few light stains where some of the alge was. Any solution for getting the stains off. I don't want to put any harsh chemicals in there. should I try a vinegar and water mix?