what to watch for when buying a used tank

[fliynhi]

I found a great deal on a used tank in my area and was wondering what I should watch for. Obviously, I should ask/check for leaks but is there anything else I should ask about? Is it important whether it was a fresh or salt tank? My biggest concern is if they used any chemicals in the tank, and if so can those chemicals leech into the glass and cause me problems. I know its a loaded question, but I want to act fast to make sure I get it before anyone else has a chance. I hope I asked this in the correct forum. Any and all responses are greatly appreciated.

 

[Burbs]

if you are gonna use it for coral then you should ask if copper was ever used in it. copper will stay in the aquarium no way of getting it out if it was ever used in the tank.

 

[dsn112]

[welcome]

Ask about chemicals, what they have dosed is important. Any copper is a definate no.

Also inspect the glass and seals very carefully. Look for chips and cracks along all edges and corners. Try to ask for a leak test.

 

[Davidl919]

Carefully inspect the brace. If it is broken or cracked. It can be a future headache.

 

[fliynhi]

Thanks for all of the quick replies, much appreciated. I'm hoping to check the tank tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Tswifty]

Copper is a big no no...

Check the silicon to see if it is still in good condition or all chipped up...

leak test...

fill it with water to check for bowing...

look for scratches on the glass...

 

[asm481]

If the silicone has the pretty blue tint you do not have to ask if copper was used...just walk away!

 

[fliynhi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11846754#post11846754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by asm481
If the silicone has the pretty blue tint you do not have to ask if copper was used...just walk away!

Thanks for the heads up!

Another question pertaining to this thread. Does it matter if the tank was used to house reptiles?

 

[fliynhi]

Any suggestions if it was used for reptiles?

 

[weaselslucks]

if you wash it out i don't see a problem if it was used with reptiles. just make sure they haven't scratched up the sides

 

[fliynhi]

Oh yeah, I also meant to ask what I should use to clean the tank? I would imagine that most, if not all chemical cleaners would be out of the question. Thanks for all of your input.

 

[weaselslucks]

i would use a solution of white vinager and water. works good for hard water stains and saltcreep

 

[fliynhi]

thanks weasel. i appreciate all of your advice.

 

[goodfortune]

Another good cleaning solution to use is rock salt mixed with vinegar. If you use enough rock salt that it doesn't all dissolve in the vinegar, the rock salt can help to scour out stubborn deposits.

I've used this method before on old dirty tanks (and equipment) to make them look like new .

HTH

- Michael

 

[fliynhi]

do you mean rock salt as in the kind you would use to melt ice on a sidewalk? or the larger rock salt for the dinner table? thanks for the advice goodfortune, but your avitar is killin me. lol

 

[goodfortune]

Use a food-grade rock salt to be safe...it's the same salt that you would use in an ice-cream maker. I usually find it on the same supermarket isle as the spices:

If you have access to rock salt for water-softener use, it will be OK too.

Good luck...OSU fan!!!

- Michael

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11851874#post11851874 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fliynhi
do you mean rock salt as in the kind you would use to melt ice on a sidewalk? or the larger rock salt for the dinner table? thanks for the advice goodfortune, but your avitar is killin me. lol

 

[corals123]

i would never buy a used tank. my tank now is used and i think when i go bigger i will definitely go new. ipurchased a great tank and stand used, it was only until i had it up and running did i notice scratches and the sealant was loose. tanks are cheap and you can make or have a handy man build you one. i would wait and pay the extra money for a new

 

[Sophie-G]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11854332#post11854332 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by corals123
i would never buy a used tank. my tank now is used and i think when i go bigger i will definitely go new. ipurchased a great tank and stand used, it was only until i had it up and running did i notice scratches and the sealant was loose. tanks are cheap and you can make or have a handy man build you one. i would wait and pay the extra money for a new

Good idea to buy a used when it us up and running...That way no surprises...