used tanks and equipment?

Do you recommend buying used tanks?

  • Yes, the low price is worth it.

    Votes: 48 78.7%

  • No, it's too risky.

    Votes: 13 21.3%
  • Total voters
    61
As for testing for leaks, etc. Is it rude if I ask to do that in the presence of the seller, so I don't walk off with a leaky tank?
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Nope!

A "good" tank shouldn't leak, so I'd ask!

The seller may lie or B/S you...
 
aardvark1 said:
Nope!

A "good" tank shouldn't leak, so I'd ask!

The seller may lie or B/S you...
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Thought so. I was just wondering what the correct buyer etiquette is.

Should I leave the water in for longer than it takes to fill the tank? Will any leaks or cracks be apparent immediately? Or could I get it home, fill it up, and then a day later it explodes at a weak spot?
 
dorkfish said:
copper: this hasn't been a problem with any of my used tanks (I think I've gotten my hands on 6-8 used tanks), but the possibility is always there. A good way to determine wether or not the tank is safe for inverts/copper free is to set up the tank and through in some snails. Wait a few days - if the snails die, it's unsafe, if they live, it's safe. However, I personally haven't done this - I'm usually to anxious to set the tank up and give the fish in a smaller tank an uprgade - however I keep snails in all my tanks, so I'll know if it's OK after a few days.
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I think it would be more humane to just use a test kit for copper. If it tests 0, then add snails.
 
itstheantitang said:
I think it would be more humane to just use a test kit for copper. If it tests 0, then add snails.
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I've heard that the copper binds molecularly to the tank, so it may not register on a test kit. Even so, levels that do not show up on a test are still capable of killing inverts. That's what I think I've read, but am not sure.
 
plah831 said:
I've heard that the copper binds molecularly to the tank, so it may not register on a test kit. Even so, levels that do not show up on a test are still capable of killing inverts. That's what I think I've read, but am not sure.
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Read here from “The pH factor makes free copper unstable.”…….
http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/copsul.shtml

So if copper comes back out at low pH… I would think this is one time it would be ok to use a ph-down product. Maybe using some RO water (to lower kh buffering) and lowering the pH drastically and then doing the copper test might tell something. Don’t really know, only speculation.
 
I have no problem asking a buyer of the tank holds water. However, two of the tanks I've bought had to be resealed, even when the buyer told me, yeah, sure it holds water. I make a point of filling the tank up outside and letting it sit for a few days to inspect for leaks before I bring it into the house and fill it up. If you're careful, used tanks can be great deals.
 
I ask if it leaks. If I buy it, I set it up on a thick piece of styrofoam on the patio or in the basement and fill it to test it for a couple days. When I fill it up on the stand (also on foam) I wait a while before putting in fish.

I did have one used 29 gallon empty itself one night after being set up for a couple months, but that was before I started setting tanks up on foam.

I did buy one "leaker" at an estate auction for $5. It was 48 x 12 x 30 high ( 75 tall ? ) and they said it leaked. I took it apart. I will probably use the glass to build two plywood 50" x 24" x 30" tanks (150 gal). I figure that getting a 1/2" thick piece of glass 48x30 for $2.50 is a good deal.

If it looks like someone tried to repair it buy squirting silicone on the inside (sometimes with embedded gravel) I figure it will probably leak!
 
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