The down side of buying and getting used tanks

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watermelon

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Jan 5, 2006
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Three months ago, I bought a 50 gallon tank with stand, lights, hood, filter, gravel, everything with it for $85.00..I thought it was a good deal until today, the whole tank cracked open, and 50 gallons of water came gushing to the floor in less than 2 minutes..I am lucky I own a home and it was not an apartment with carpet..

I got a free tank last month, an 80 gallon with stand and canopy..I thought he was generous until today, I found out that the stand is warped and cannot hold a tank because it will crack the tank..And another thing I found out today, the tank leaks..So when I picked up the tank last month, he told me that there were no leaks..In short, I was a garbage truck hauling off a very heavy piece of junk..And another thing, I bought a undergravel filter online for this tank today..At the time, I did not know the tank leaked or the stand was warped.I bought it at ebay, and all sales are final as what they buyer stated..Well, I guess I lost money buying and gaining used aquariums..

Just had to vent, I know there are some good deals out there for used tanks but I guess, I was not so lucky..And all this is from craigslist.org..
 
Where they need them or not, All used tanks are rebuilt and Re-sealed. put under 45PSI with water, no leaks
 
Make sure that any tanks, new or used are completely level.

A stand made of 2x4's needs to be constructed carefully. This includes commercially-made stands with this sort of lumber as an internal framing. It's prone to warp, and a warped stand will stress a tank to destruction.

If there's any sign of slopped-over silicone, the tank will leak, guarenteed. If you see it, at the very least you will need to razor blade off all the internal silicone and re-seal the tank.

It's probably a good idea to test any tank outside (if it's not freezing) or in the basement, at least for overnight, preferably longer.
 
No, but the used acrylic 55 I bought is in horrible shape. It's bowed and scratched up and hurts my eyes to look into. After this POS I am completely turned off acrylic tanks. ><
 
I bought another tank from craigslist again today..I could not resist, a 110 gallon with home made stand, with the biggest aquaclear power filter,an undergravel filter, powerheads, heater, glass top and flourasent light plus two big 12 inch bichers for $125.00..It seems like I could never pass up a good deal..He was going to give me more fishes for free but I was so scared of being in a stranger's home that I had to leave..I know if I bought it new, it would be around $700-$800?

Anyway, I was browsing the pet stores and I had to replace the tank that cracked, and they wanted $100 for a 55 gallon tank alone with no top or anything..So, I said forget it....I am going used..Even thou there are pitfalls, I would consider buying used again because of the deals..

All my tanks are going in the basement now as my wife request..In the basement it is all concreate plus it does not matter if it leaks or explodes down there since rain water floods the basement during fall and winter..
 
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That is why i always fill my tanks in the bathtub for 2days to make sure everything is not leaking.
 
watermelon said:
I bought another tank from craigslist again today..I could not resist, a 110 gallon with home made stand, with the biggest aquaclear power filter,an undergravel filter, powerheads, heater, glass top and flourasent light plus two big 12 inch bichers for $125.00..It seems like I could never pass up a good deal..He was going to give me more fishes for free but I was so scared of being in a stranger's home that I had to leave..I know if I bought it new, it would be around $700-$800?

Anyway, I was browsing the pet stores and I had to replace the tank that cracked, and they wanted $100 for a 55 gallon tank alone with no top or anything..So, I said forget it....I am going used..Even thou there are pitfalls, I would consider buying used again because of the deals..

All my tanks are going in the basement now as my wife request..In the basement it is all concreate plus it does not matter if it leaks or explodes down there since rain water floods the basement during fall and winter..
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i agree..... i can never pass up a good deal.
 
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