I bought a used 125g. I filled it up and it did not leak. My questions is would you suggest resealing it since it is used and I have it empty or do you think it will be ok if it is not leaking now? This is the largest tank I have ever owned and the first used tank I have bought. Do most of you reseal used tanks before setting them up?
Reseal or Not?
- Thread starter rhite
- Start date
I never reseal used tanks that I get. If they need to be resealed, I will not buy them. Did the previous owner reseal the tank do you know? or is it original silicone? What type of shape is the tank in? I would leave it with water in it for a few days, then start setting it up if it doesn't leak.
I always look at the silicone seams on used tanks once I get them home. I use a very bright light and check that there is no missing or lifted edges anywhere. If they look as good as a brand new tank, I still leak test the tank for a week but make sure the tank is on a flat, level and secure surface.
I have yet to buy a used tank that met all these requirements, so I strip the interior silicone, remove any residual silicone skin, clean thoroughly, prep all sealing surfaces with denatured alcohol or acetone, let dry and caulk. I prefer to let the silicone cure for 1 week and then water test for an additional week. I haven't had a single failure using this method, so I'm comfortable with doing it this way.
I have yet to buy a used tank that met all these requirements, so I strip the interior silicone, remove any residual silicone skin, clean thoroughly, prep all sealing surfaces with denatured alcohol or acetone, let dry and caulk. I prefer to let the silicone cure for 1 week and then water test for an additional week. I haven't had a single failure using this method, so I'm comfortable with doing it this way.
The guy I got it from was using it until he upgraded to a 175. I filled it up and left the water in it for a week, only because I was lazy and didn't feel like draining it. In general the tank is in great shape. I will take the advice and look at all the seams with a bright light. I have a problem with patience, lol. I want to get this set up! Just don't want to walk in one day and find 125g of water on my hardwood because I skipped a step do to impatience.
if the silicone looks like it needs resealing then i would reseal it. it always better to be safe then sorry.
the silicone on my 130 gal AGA tank is completely original... and the tank was built in 1997. no leaks or problems.
Yeah the only way i would recommend resealing is if you bought it and the person you bought it from said it needed a reseal or how old is the tank i mean i bought my 150 gallon tank knowing it needed to be resealed and it was made in 1998 so knowing that i did it myself and Its sturdy and holding water for a year and a half now (knock on wood)... But i agree with everyone else if you have a gut feeling that single piece of long silicone has a tare or cut into and you dont trust it i would do the reseal job. Cant go wrong with the Quote (better safe than sorry).