New future reefer

[jthompson0555]

Hello all im new here.

So ive wanted to get into saltwater for years and a month or so ago i decided to go for it. I started by doing some YouTube research then forums as well as scouring craigslist for a hopefully close as ready to go as possible setup. Having had experience in a pet shop i had a very slight base knowledge to get me going and in my mind shoukd always go for as big as affordable with salt as the water tends to be more stable. So i was looking for 100g or above. I found a nearly ready to go setup that was at the top of my budget that was only missing a skimmer. I however did not have a truck so i couldnt take the deal. I found another "everything needed setup minus lights" that was a little cheaper same size and would be delivered. So i jumped on it. It was a 125 with corner overflow and sump seller claimed to have a skimmer and all equipment needed to get started for fish only. When he arrived and unloaded tank they had cracked the back glass, they had siliconed the cracks and claimed the tank woukd be fine i paid them and they left after they took off i started going through equipment as they'd brought quit a bit. There where two biowheel filters a sumps that was very dirty but may still be usuable with some reconfiguration a return pump and multiple air pumps but no skimmer. I had gone ahead with deal assuming the equipment was worth it even if tank needed to be replaced it is clearly my fault for not going through the equipment first to ensure it was what i needed. So i was left with a dilemma. Scrap all but sump and pump and start over or continue. After some searching i decided i can repair the tank i set about removing the broken pane of glass. The top rim was by far the hardest part of the ordeal. Once removed the panel cane right out and that is where i am now back panel removed waiting on new panel to be cut and brought to me. My plan is to use the two corner holes as drains and have the new panel drilled on both ends for return lines. I may purchase a smaller setup to get me going then slowly collect the equipmemt to get the 125 going and move over as im dying to get a tank up and running now a question is if i start up the 125 would there be any issue starting with only fish and no lights? For a tank of this size it seems the lights needed for a reef are one of the most expensive parts. Also anyone with experience have any tips or warnings on replacing a glass panel? I must say thank you all for sgaring your knowledge and experience i have learned quit alot just by reading through the forums here. Josh

 

[CarrieB]

New future reefer

Golly. I hope they didn't take you for too much selling you a cracked tank!

Reef tanks are hard to do on the cheap. I also bought a cheap used tank and found that all of the equipment except two T5 lights was useless. (That was okay because what I wanted was the rock and it was worth the asking price.)

You really need to know what you want and what you are getting to figure out whether a used system is a good price. What may seem a lot of money may actually be a good deal if it really does include the big ticket items (lights, skimmer, return pump, live rock, RO/DI, etc.) but only if they are quality and in good condition.

I'd recommend finding your local reef club and ask for someone to help you shop.



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[CarrieB]

Also, you are going to need a quarantine tank. There's nothing wrong with setting that up first. Just try to make it something that will be useful long term.

Oh, and yes, the big lights can wait. Fish don't need them. RO/DI you need up front and a return pump and power heads. The skimmer can wait until you add fish.


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[billdogg]

I really do hate to be the bearer of bad news, but here it is anyway. New silicone WILL NOT adhere to old silicone. The only proper way to repair that tank will be to completely disassemble it, remove all traces of the old silicone, and then, using a good quality silicone adhesive (not silicone sealant), put all 5 panels back together. It is not an easy task on a small tank. It is way more difficult on a larger one, especially if you have no previous experience doing the job.

Should you choose to go ahead and replace just the one panel, it may very well hold together for awhile. When, however, it fails, it will mean 125 gallons of water on your floor. Until you have experienced something like that, you really cannot imagine just how much damage 125g can do.

Bottom line?

I would buy a new tank, but then, I like to sleep through the night.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Paying for a used tank with a broken glass is like buying a used car with a motor that doesn't work. I might not have taken it if it were free.

Check with your local club or LFS in your area and see if there is anybody who does rebuilding of glass aquariums. Odds are you won't find anybody, but it is possible. And it's likely the cost will be close to the cost of a new tank. It's a huge job and previous experience is a huge plus.

 

[xREEFINaintEZx]

I was about to do the whole disassemble and re silicone on a 55 gal and that made me nervous. I'm all about DIY, however after researching I was not comfortable with the risks. If if was 40gal or smaller I'd say go for it. I'd hold off and aquire your other equipment. No idea where your located, Best new tank deals I've ever seen was petsmart on black Friday.