Question about using Old Tanks

fishyaddict

fishyaddict

AC Members
Jan 25, 2006
118
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Auburn, NY
Ok we found this great deal on two 55 gal talls, everything included for $25 can't beat it...but i talked to the seller and he told me the tanks haven't been set up for a few years, which made me wonder about the seals? Anyone have any thoughts on whether they would still be good?
 
Only one way to find out. If you have a safe place to fill them up like a garage I would test them out first. Better to test and be sure than to find 50 gallons of wtaer on your living room floor.
 
I'd buy them and wouldn't think twice. Like hike said, set them up in the garage and fill them up. Leave them for a day or two and see if they leak. If they don't, move them inside and set them up. If they do, tanks aren't that difficult to patch.
 
Buy them! also buy some aquarium silicone. When you get them home, set them up outside and pull out any really loose silicone, only the stuff that comes out reall easy. Then put a nice bead of new silicone over the old stuff and wipe it in with your finger. Let dry for 24 hours then fill them up outside on a level area. Leave for 24 hours, if no leaks then empty them and bring them inside and set them up.
CAUTION: never move tanks unless they are completely empty, the extra weight of water, gravel, or sand will stress the joints more and cause leaks when you pick it up.
 
Unless the tank leaked before, you shouldn't have any trouble with it.
 
Looks like we'll be getting them (there were 2 other people interested, even though he only posted it yesterday). Just sent a email confirming that we want them. Don't know if we'll set both up, but if we use the better of the two and fix up or clean up the other, we could even resell it and get back what we paid for everything. Should be getting them on monday.
Thanks for all the help.
Wish us luck! Any other tips would be great.
 
I would buy them but....

If they were exposed to high heat, like an attic space or closed garage, or left in direct exposure to sun, the sealant can be brittle. Even so, re-sealing if leak tests prove it is needed isn't that rough. IMO, do not put new sealant over old! Search out the manufacturers site for use of their proucts and I think you will see them recommend not to. Plus friends and I have foolishly tried this, and it does not work, long term. Short cuts on re-sealing mean short term. Of course, shortly someone or two will report how they got away with it.

Before you decide to go the easy route, pour a 16 ounce glass of water on your carpeted floor. Now multiply that by 440 times and you will get the result of a poor quality re-seal job on a 55 gal tank.
 
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