A few questions about well .... several things
- Thread starter Olunds
- Start date
I only buy use tanks because I'm cheap (efficient). Larger tanks are mostly made from Acrylic. So I buy a lot of used Acrylic tanks 
This is what I learned:
Acrylic is very similar to wood. You sand it to get the scratches out. Deep scratches need heaver sand paper (wet sandpaper). Eventually you work your way to buffing, then use the Novus stuff. I believe a lot of people start with the Novus too early and they are disanointed with the results. You can sand out almost all scratches. I mean if it's cracked you can't sand it out but other than that it will sand out, within reason of course.
I love to walk up to a used tank and see it almost white with little scratches. Start out with "damn, that's scratched up pretty bad" "might not be able to see the fish" They will say "it doesn't look as bad filled with water" LOL this is true but your working for the low ball (efficient) price
Extra holes? Use bulkhead fittings with caps.
Look at all the seams. If it's splitting the seam will look different in that area, whiter maybe and not as clear. All seams should be clear, a few bubbles is ok.
Good luck and take some pictures.
This is what I learned:Acrylic is very similar to wood. You sand it to get the scratches out. Deep scratches need heaver sand paper (wet sandpaper). Eventually you work your way to buffing, then use the Novus stuff. I believe a lot of people start with the Novus too early and they are disanointed with the results. You can sand out almost all scratches. I mean if it's cracked you can't sand it out but other than that it will sand out, within reason of course.
I love to walk up to a used tank and see it almost white with little scratches. Start out with "damn, that's scratched up pretty bad" "might not be able to see the fish" They will say "it doesn't look as bad filled with water" LOL this is true but your working for the low ball (efficient) price
Extra holes? Use bulkhead fittings with caps.
Look at all the seams. If it's splitting the seam will look different in that area, whiter maybe and not as clear. All seams should be clear, a few bubbles is ok.
Good luck and take some pictures.
If it were me I would use cinder blocks under the house as footings. Then build a box 16" on center to support the load. You will have to cut the vapor barrier underneath and remove the insulation to access the underside of the joists. Once everything is in place reinstall insulation, put the vapor barrier back up and tuck tape it. It might sound hard but it really won't be once you get started.
I would look at how the tank is positioned in relation to the piers. If the piers are 8 ft. on center or less and at least Two of them are under or close to under the footprint of the tank you should be fine. It is not neccessary to cut open the underside of the structure. The layout of the piers will tell you where you could add additional piers if nessecary.
I was not able to get the tank the first day because it wont fit in my explorer =/ and I didnt trust the guy enough to hand him cash to hold it. He sold it today before i could set something up. I will not miss the next deal even if it means renting a uhaul or tow truck. Thanks for all the help and all info will be useful cause i will be upgrading soon.
