Used tank advice needed

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Feb 12, 2007
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I went and looked at a used 125 gal today to move my Oscars into and have a couple questions.

First, the relevant info: Glass 125 gal long, with wrought iron stand, comes with a huge used (maybe working?) HOB filter (can't remember brand) and two new Aquaclear powerheads, air pump, and some other misc stuff for $150. The tank has been empty and sitting in a garage for a couple years but out of dirrect sunlight and in a relatively humid Oregon climate. It was resealed (HUGE beads) a couple years ago and the silicone is still blue and pliable feeling. The owner was a breeder and has tons of tanks so I'm assuming he know's what he's doing. He wasn't sure how old the tank was but he'd owned it for about 10 years he said.


Now for the questions:

1) What's the reasonable life expectancy of a glass aquarium?
2) Should I reseal it?
3) What are some ways I can reinforce the tank seams? I was searching through some threads and found some mention of corner brackets for the top corners of the tank?
4) What precautions should I take while moving this?
5) Are there any other important questions that I've forgotted that you can answer for me ;) :huh:

Thanks for any and all answers guys.
 
Buy the hardware for that price, but you could do better buying new with the possible exception of the stand. Especially if the HOB isn't even known to work. HOB's and powerheads are not expensive. But throw away the tank. Unless you really relish the thought of cleaning up 125 gallons of water when it hits the floor.

If the reseal job doesn't even look good, what does that tell you about the skill of the person who did the job? Do you really want to trust it?
 
1) What's the reasonable life expectancy of a glass aquarium?
I'm still using one that i have had in service for 22 years
2) Should I reseal it?
If the silicone is still pliable and all seams look like they are covered well, you should be fine...I test tanks in the backyard first to check for leaks.
3) What are some ways I can reinforce the tank seams? I was searching through some threads and found some mention of corner brackets for the top corners of the tank?
Again, if the seams are solid, you should be fine...Is the center cross-beam ok?
4) What precautions should I take while moving this?
Keep the tank level as you lift it....don't twist or torque....have plenty of help...put a thick blanket underneath the tank when you move it and make sure it doesn't slide around
5) Are there any other important questions that I've forgotted that you can answer for me
Wash out the tank well before you use it....
 
YoFishboy said:
1) What's the reasonable life expectancy of a glass aquarium?
I'm still using one that i have had in service for 22 years
2) Should I reseal it?
If the silicone is still pliable and all seams look like they are covered well, you should be fine...I test tanks in the backyard first to check for leaks.
3) What are some ways I can reinforce the tank seams? I was searching through some threads and found some mention of corner brackets for the top corners of the tank?
Again, if the seams are solid, you should be fine...Is the center cross-beam ok?
4) What precautions should I take while moving this?
Keep the tank level as you lift it....don't twist or torque....have plenty of help...put a thick blanket underneath the tank when you move it and make sure it doesn't slide around
5) Are there any other important questions that I've forgotted that you can answer for me
Wash out the tank well before you use it....
Click to expand...

Yes, the center brace is in good shape. One more thing, it's missing the bottom tank trim. No chips in the glass or anything but the trim is gone. Is this in any way structural or stricly trim?

One more thing, the ends will be completely hidden for about 6" in on each side so anything I'd reinforce the seams with will be hidden. It's not that I'm that worried about the joints. Just 125 gallons of water in my office at home makes me inherently nervous. I'd honestly want some kind of structural redundancy with any tank that large, new or used glass or acrylic. I know I'm being paranoid but that's just me.

And Kira, it's not that the reseal job doesn't look good. Quite the opposite actually. I was simply meaning that he layed in a very large bead of silcone as opposed to the really small beads you usually see in glass tanks. It's honestly the exact type job I'd do if I were resealing a tank. Better too much than not enough imo.
 
fastforward said:
One more thing, it's missing the bottom tank trim. No chips in the glass or anything but the trim is gone. Is this in any way structural or stricly trim?
Click to expand...

Well, the bottom trim protects the edges of the glass and helps distribute the affects of irregularities in the stand. If you proceed, I would build a new bottom trim/framing with wood...seal it first with marine seal and attach with aquarium sealer. Maybe negotiate a little lower price, or wait for the next deal....good luck on whatever you decide!
 
YoFishboy said:
Well, the bottom trim protects the edges of the glass and helps distribute the affects of irregularities in the stand. If you proceed, I would build a new bottom trim/framing with wood...seal it first with marine seal and attach with aquarium sealer. Maybe negotiate a little lower price, or wait for the next deal....good luck on whatever you decide!
Click to expand...

Alright, that's not a problem. Thanks for the advice YoFishboy :)

Also, if anyone else knows I believe I read somewhere that for larger tanks it's good to put something like foam/cardboard/weatherstriping tape, etc. between the tank and the stand to further buffer against any irregularities in the stand. Is this correct and what works best?
 
You will probably find a pretty even split for and against the foam idea. I happen to like and use a thin 3/8" layer.
 
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