Used tanks: How to spot problems?

Linden

Linden

A box of animals way off the ground
Jun 11, 2006
81
0
6
Minneapolis
I want to get another 50-55 gallon tank and stand.

I have never bought a used tank. What are some common problems/issues to be aware of when buying used?

How can you tell that little kids haven't been using the tank for a fort? To me (and my landlord and the cafe downstairs), leakage is not an option. I do have a place out back to test a new tank, but then I have to deal with the hassle of getting my money back if it is defective. Argh.
 
The most obvious thing would be any cracks or if you can see any gaps or a lack of silicone in the seams. Applying some light pressure at the corners might show you a gap that you didn't see. I'd ask to have the person fill it up for you to see if it leaks on the short term. Other signs might be excessive scratches, damage to the plastic rim, etc. I would always negotiate a return policy during the haggling. If the guy isn't willing to let it go with a guarantee, that speaks volumes right there.
 
A guarantee within reason I meant. Most people I know wouldn't sell it as a good product if it wasn't either though and wouldn't go back to the person when they damaged it. And most of the times I've haggled for stuff, it's been a part of the process for me and I don't think I've had a person not say that I was to talk to them if something went wrong. IMHO if you're going to make any deal, you put your reputation on the line. But I'm a farm kid and that's the way we're raised in my area. A man's word should be worth something in this world, not just a piece of paper with his writing on it.
 
Go for obvious structural problems, ie cracks scratches etc. Test it for leaks somewhere outside just in case, if it does lea it's no biggy, scrape the silicone off and reseal with aquarium safe silicon, I've done it before, and the tank was definitely still a bargain.
 
Besides the obvious signs of physical damage and seeing it hold water (preferably it should be full when you go see it), check the stand for signs of rust if metal or wood rot if wooden. It may be from sloppy maintenance or leaking equipment, but could be slow seepage from the tank.
 
How much structure does the cross bar in the 55 gallon provide? The plastic rim up top has the cross bar being held on by some sort of putty or something but everything else is fine, if this top cross bar piece fails does the tank collapse?
 
The cross brace is, IMO, very important. If it has been broken this tank is good for a terrarium or similar but not for an aquarium. Although you can sometimes buy a new brace, the removal of the old and installation of the new is a hassle. Safer, easier, and probably (landlord and all) cheaper to buy new.

Charlie
 
The first used tank I bought was a 55g. I really didn't know what I was doing and didn't realize there was no center brace. It bowed out about 1/2" on each side when filled - not a good thing.

I called the LFS and asked what the dude thought. He said, "I think it will make a really great reptile tank." I drained it and went over and put down $70 on a 55g at his shop.

OOPS!!!
 
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