Bought a used tank from a store - started leaking

[Aqualoon]

On June 5th I had a used tank and stand delivered to me from a local aquarium store. Filled it with water about a week later and it's been up and running ever since.

Came down this morning and it's leaking, looks like from the bottom front of the tank. In the process of draining it right now while I just watch it leak into buckets (killing me to watch this).

Anyways, I'm kinda known to be rather passive/push over and I wasn't going to contact the store because it's been over a month. Friend called to chat, told him what happened and he mentioned that I should try to contact the store to see if they'll do anything. He used the analogy that if he bought a refurbished PC from a store and a month later it stopped working the first thing he would do is bring it back to that store.

What do you guys think?

From their inventory of used tanks, it's obvious that they buy used tanks from the community and resell them. To do this and turn a profit they would have to buy these tanks rather cheap.

I have always bought used tanks off of craigslist before and never had issues - in fact sitting next to a tank right now that I have had for over 5 years and it was bought off craiglist for a bit cheaper then what I paid for this current leaker.

Luckily I have another 125 gallon all setup and ready (had already purchased fish online for it, had to cancel orders this morning ). It's a more SA biotope so looks nothing like my Topheus tank sadly. But it's not leaking and has filters on it so I guess I'm really lucky in that aspect.

 

[BIG-G]

You could talk to the LFS they may help. I doesn't hurt to ask.
If it was a stupid great deal it would still be worth it to keep it. If I were you I would just repair and reseal.
from the other side of this, you knew you were taking a chance buying a used tank.
I have bought several used tanks for the larger ones I always resealed them before I set them up.

 

[krichardson]

Not sure what good it might do but I would mention the leaking tank to the shop that you bought it from.They probably don't leak test every used tank that they come upon and there is no way of knowing if they deliberately sold you a leaker.In the worst case at least you can reseal the tank as was already suggested.

 

[AquaAlex1993]

This is the thing that scares me about used aquariums.
Please hear me out on this. A lot of people really suggest going the used route but with the used route you're taking a big risk especially with big tanks.
With a used aquarium:
~ You don't know what was in the tank prior to purchase if it was used for fish or reptile unless clearly stated
~ You don't know if the tank holds water and if the seals have ever been replaced. I will NOT ever buy a tank that has been resealed because it's 50/50 and I don't have the time or patience or money to play Russian Rolette.
But there are good things too, mainly being the price and equipment and everything that comes with it. I recommend checking the seals and the tank out before purchasing. Have the person fill the tank or have them video it to make sure the tank holds water. If they want your money to purchase it, then they should be able to refill it even just half way.
Tanks that are already set up or recently taken down are the only used aquariums I get. Ones with fish in it already are a steal!
I do love buying new tanks better because I know they are fresh, be my own tank and have no worries! Just wish a damn 6' tank was not so expensive.
But all used tanks are NOT bad! You just have to be diligent, cautious and have patience and you will find a good one.

 

[skjl47]

On June 5th I had a used tank and stand delivered to me

Came down this morning

wasn't going to contact the store because it's been over a month

Hello; Did not leak for a month. Not sure how to put this on the shop with a used tank.

What do you guys think?

Hello; You have run the tank for a month. You likely have moved it around or at least done things with the tank. I figure you knew up front that a shop likely cannot "warrant" a used tank the same as a new tank. I do not recall that you mentioned a discussion of a warranty/guarantee when the tank was purchased. Did you ask about the policy? Sounds like you went for saving money and the risk is something like a leak. Maybe the shop will help but unless they stated ( written warranty is better) a return policy I do not see how they "must" help you. Maybe they will. My guess is used tanks are much like used cars, "as is" unless a warranty is written.

you can reseal the tank as was already suggested

While it is no fun I have resealed tanks and they have worked well for me. Several tthreads on the forum about this.

 

[krichardson]

While it is no fun I have resealed tanks and they have worked well for me. Several tthreads on the forum about this.

Yes agreed and I have sealed a tank or two myself over the years.

 

[Allan01230]

that's why I always buy new not worth the aggravation inmy opinnion

 

[Aqualoon]

Here's my plan of attack for this thing.

Going to try to sell this thing to someone who has some experience with resealing tanks, I have never done it before and therefore wouldn't feel comfortable doing so. Let me know what you guys would expect to pay for a tank that needs sealing - was thinking like $50.

Hoping to find someone on craigslist or my local aquarium club that has a spare 125g sitting around that I can get a deal on. Heck depending on the deal would offer them up the leaker for free if they wanted to try their hand at it or even if I got a deal I would do a pay it forward thing and offer the tank up for free to the club.

Whenever I manage to get a new tank, I'm going to move it to the other wall (it will be in front of windows) but I'm doing this so I can move the couch over to where this now large stain is. My reasoning is so that I can get the hardwood spot treated - easier to move a 60lb couch then a fully setup aquarium.

And so I can share my pain, here's the damage - excuse the pet hair in the 2nd pic. With dogs and cats and me running around all frantic like hair was flying (perhaps some of my own as well!).

 

[krichardson]

Good plan....somene in your aquarium club might help you out.