used tanks

[jwill275]

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]

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.]

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]

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]

used tanks

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

Thanks

 

[James79]

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