Scored a good(ish) Acrylic Tank - Please ADVISE ON NEXT STEPS

[FJB]

I have had aquaria for over 5 decades but never had an acrylic tank. So, I need advice. Hopefully the pictures attached provide enough info.
A friend and neighbor is moving/downsizing and offered this acrylic tank for free. Tank is SeaClear, external dimensions 72x18x20(H). SeaClear lists it on its website as a 125gal, but I think it is about a 110-115gal. Last known use (years ago) was for a terrapin (terrestrial turtle) but is thought not to leak, and was an aquarium before that. Been empty in a basement for ‘several years’.

If usable, my plan is:

• Basement aquarium - a few blemishes don’t matter too much, and I have not seen too many.
• Must be safe and reliable. Basement has no actual drains. A leak will not be disastrous but will be a major pain.
• If blemishes are slight and just cosmetic, I probably would use it as is, although I could buff it if found too many or too objectionable (not so far).
• Prior to that I will test it outside for leaks, and decide whether to use it as is, or repair it if needed. Only then I will make a good wooden stand, which I know needs a solid, perfectly flat surface, supporting the entire thing – no problem

My questions (see images):

• Is the acrylic thick enough for peace of mind? (3/8" or 9mm)
• Does the bubbling in one of the seams seem bad enough so as to definitely need resealing? Or, if it doesn’t leak as is, it may just be fine just not good looking? (The seam shown is the only one where I see bubbling, the rest look quite good to me).
• For testing tank outside – I have a piece of ¾ inch plywood, larger than the tank. I was thinking on putting the plywood on my patio and the tank on top (patio made of pavers, so relatively flat but not perfectly so), and fill tank slowly and let it stand for at least the weekend. Would the plywood be sufficient support?

Many thanks for your suggestions!!!

 

[kno4te]

Lepisosteus

 

[Lepisosteus]

If it’s free take it. Add weldon 40 or acrylic rods to the seams and call it a day. Tank looks ok. I imagine at 3/8” it bows a fair bit n

 

[FJB]

Thanks! Will test it tomorrow but probably will add Weldon anyway as suggested. I have never done this before. Cheers!

 

[fishguy1978]

I would run it as is. But I'm a risk taker and only use free tanks

 

[twentyleagues]

Well only thing I can add is the plywood on the pavers should be fine for testing and math says 112. Of course that's whatever those dimensions are outside or inside so if outside you'd have to subtract total thickness of all panels to get true water volume. Safe to say 110. I also agree that seam looks sketchy some weld on 40 would be in my future if it was mine. I also agree 3/8 is going to bow a bit I think.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Thorough fill test and examination needed of course. It probably wouldn't hurt to reinforce the seams as mentioned. If it's me I'm only gonna use a tank like that in the garage or basement or even as a sump, not thick enough walls for my taste.

 

[FJB]

Thank you for the suggestions!
So I have determined that the tank does not leak as it is, but I like the idea of reinforcing the seams. Although the one seam I showed in picture is indeed the worse, there are a couple of other spots.
Now my question is,
1- What kind of Weld On I need for this? (40, 16, 3 ?). I prefer not to have to mix two components (Weld On 40), unless that is the best way to go. I have read several things here and at other sites but I can't figure out what is best for this application. Your experience and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[fishguy1978]

Thank you for the suggestions!
So I have determined that the tank does not leak as it is, but I like the idea of reinforcing the seams. Although the one seam I showed in picture is indeed the worse, there are a couple of other spots.
Now my question is,
1- What kind of Weld On I need for this? (40, 16, 3 ?). I prefer not to have to mix two components (Weld On 40), unless that is the best way to go. I have read several things here and at other sites but I can't figure out what is best for this application. Your experience and suggestions would be appreciated.

Weld-On 40 is the best option. It is technically liquid acrylic. It is not overly difficult to work with but it is very odorous so wear a respirator. It is very runny so getting the tank tipped to do all the seams will be the hardest part.

 

[twentyleagues]

I don't remember 100% but I think 16 is thicker and comes in a tube like toothpaste. I used that to reinforce the seams on a sump at the direction of a local acrylic place. It still holds water today been about 15 years.