Is it safe buying 10 year 160 gallon used tank?

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S

spas

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 2, 2011
58
8
38
Mississauga, ON, Canada
Hello Folks,

This is my first post - we have kept fish in the early 70"s (when I was a little kid) and again in the early 80s' in my early teens. Well after several years out of the hobby the bug has bit me and I want to setup a tank.

I am looking at a used 160 gallon 48"x48"x18" tank. It is made with 1" thick glass. It is approx. 10 years old.

Is it safe buying a tank that large that is 10 years old - does the silicone begin to loose strength over the years? I talked to the existing owner and he said the tank has been moved 3 times, once with original owner, and twice with the existing owner. It is currently up and running so there are no leaks. Not sure if moving a large tank affects its structural integrity or not?

I am planning to go see it tomorrow. Is there anything I should look for (i.e. red flags) that might want me to think twice about this purchase. He said there is some algae growth around some of the silicone up the sides.

BTW - what is best way to move a large tank of this size - the owner said something about glass suction cup handles?

I am planning on stocking it with 2 or 3 oscars and maybe a red belly pacu and maybe a jack dempsey....

Any help would greatly be appreciated!!!

Many thanks in advance...
Steve
 
Hello; Look for chips along the edges of the glass. Small chips are often not a problem, I have a couple tanks with small chips that are fine. I cover the exposed edges of my all glass tanks with a plastic corner protector made for the outside corners of wallpaper.
If the tank is empty and clean the inspection should be easy. If the glass and frame is in good shape any future leaks can be repaired. moving any tank, especially a large one, can cause a leak so if you buy it a leak test may save some grief after you get it home.
Look at the surfaces of the glass for scratches. I bought a dirty tank and after getting it home and cleaning it, discovered a multitude of scratches on the inner surfaces. The tank was only good for non show purposes.
When moving a large tank be sure to have a clear, smooth, flat place to sit it before picking it up. Anything sticking up enough can crack the bottom when the tank is put down on it. Maybe a smooth sheet of plywood or the like on the floor of a pickup.
Some members on this forum have told of sitting a large tank on saw horses or stacks of cinder blocks and having the tank fall and break.
algae can stain the silicone. Some have reported being able to scrub the algae off, but that could losen the silicone and lead to a reseal.
Take several stout friends with you and get a clear understanding worked out about the procedure before the tank is picked up.
If you have to leave the tank in the open cover it so that any rain cannot get in it and later freeze.
Remove all of the water and gravel and other stuff berofe try to move a tank.
 
I had the chance at buying a used 135 gallon, I did everything as stated above. Checked for chips, cracks, and dried out old silicone. It looked good and passed my leak test. Still holds water today. While I was cleaning it I noticed the inspection tag with the manufacturer date on it..... February of 1998!! This tank is 14 years old and still going strong. Good luck. I say buy it.
 
Hi Guys,

Just a follow-up - decided not to proceed with this tank. There are several scratches all over the front glass, there is a small chip (looks like a stone chip) right in the middle of the inside front glass. All of the edges of the silicone is peeling and there is mold\algae growing behind the silicone....

I will keep looking or if I can't find something I might decide on building a custom acrylic tank...

Thanks again,
Steve
 
if it helps you out..
my 75 gallon was sitting in my basement for almost 20 years and has made it through 6 different moves.. NEVER once having water in it at that time.. (used it for my iguana's back when i first bought it)..
put it on my back deck last year.. filled it to the top.. checked for leaks 3days full of water.. none..

it now is fully loaded in my living room..
 
I think you made a good decision spas. I recently upgraded to a 125g, and had to pass up a few before being happy. Even if it was a good deal, and held water fine (assuming the silicone and chip were not big problems) you probably would not have been happy with the view into the tank. Good job not jumping on the tank too quick.
 
My experiance with tanks--buy a new one. Not worth the damage a leaker will cause you. Can't afford big one buy a smaller new one or save up the money first. Old saying you get what you pay for applies here. I know I had bad experiance with cheap secound hand 125; LOL
 
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