Used tank purchase (not mine)

[JK47]

They said they bought the sump last year new for $200. I am brand new to sumps...but also thought it looked a little small too.

Seller said that the tank holds water and has never leaked. But they said that they are pricing it so low because it isn't a pretty tank. Said they added some extra acrylic to the inside corner seams for extra security. To my understanding shouldn't all seams be removed before adding new ones? I've never had acrylic tank before though.

Also said there are water stains on the inside which aren't visible from the outside.

I missed this comment and just recommended this to you above. If the appearance doesn't bother you I saw go for it. Just make sure it holds water (in front of you) prior to purchase.

It is also incredibly important to have the tank well supported underneath and level. Any seam issue means you need to take extra precautions to not further along more issues

 

[jaws7777]

I thought the same but wanted you all to chime in with fresh eyes.

Chris from midwest explained that there are usually bubbles along the seems but not in them. He said something about jow they cement acrylic on measuem peices differently and those show no bubbles but its a longer process = more $$$ lol

Agreed with this 100%. I have a tank that the corners would turn off any potential buyer but it is fine and has been for years. Just make sure someone knowledgeable has a chance to view the joint(s) in person before buying.

Haha thats you guys (someone knowledgeable).

clm08k if the tank ks empty now get them.to take pics of all the seems then ask them to have it fill so you can see for ypurself.

Also look to see how its supported tank between the stand im pretty sure there should be some plywood between the tank and stand

 

[clm08k]

I missed this comment and just recommended this to you above. If the appearance doesn't bother you I saw go for it. Just make sure it holds water (in front of you) prior to purchase.

It is also incredibly important to have the tank well supported underneath and level. Any seam issue means you need to take extra precautions to not further along more issues

Really appreciate that. My main concern is the tank not leaking or exploding. And that I can see the fish through it lol

I'm still new to the game, so wanted to get the advice from you guys who know what to look for . Wanted to make sure I know what I'm getting into before making an investment.

I thought the same but wanted you all to chime in with fresh eyes.

Chris from midwest explained that there are usually bubbles along the seems but not in them. He said something about jow they cement acrylic on measuem peices differently and those show no bubbles but its a longer process = more $$$ lol



Haha thats you guys (someone knowledgeable).

clm08k if the tank ks empty now get them.to take pics of all the seems then ask them to have it fill so you can see for ypurself.

Also look to see how its supported tank between the stand im pretty sure there should be some plywood between the tank and stand

Said she would take pics of all the seams for me. Will keep you guys posted. Again, thank you all for your expert advice!

 

[JK47]

Really appreciate that. My main concern is the tank not leaking or exploding. And that I can see the fish through it lol

I'm still new to the game, so wanted to get the advice from you guys who know what to look for . Wanted to make sure I know what I'm getting into before making an investment.


Said she would take pics of all the seams for me. Will keep you guys posted. Again, thank you all for your expert advice!

If it helps, here is a pic of the seam I was referring to. The bubbles would scare off most buyers. That's just the bar stock to strengthen the seam. It has been running for 6 years this way. The tank is so nice I don't want to get rid of it but it really bothers me. A lot

 

[DN328]

Nothing more to add. The stand looks good just make sure it is holding up well on the inside and no rotting wood.

Given the sump has been what owner had been using it should handle any back flow. Yes, bigger would be nice, but if it's doing its job then I see no issues personally with size.

 

[clm08k]

Thanks guys!

The owner just texted me that she went to spray it off and it sprung a leak. Uh-Oh......

 

[Hendre]

Thanks guys!

The owner just texted me that she went to spray it off and it sprung a leak. Uh-Oh......

Maybe not then. I would keep looking

A guy here was selling a 200 x 60 x 60cm tank with a sump, stand and cabinet for $250. Gapedi tank, built by a guy nearby and is of incredible quality. You should've been here

I'm actually getting taught by him and builidng a tank with him soon

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

Thanks guys!

The owner just texted me that she went to spray it off and it sprung a leak. Uh-Oh......

Well, there's your answer. The seam picture screamed diy or inexperienced assembly to me. It looked clear for the most part, but not professional.

Just keep an eye on Craigslist. Check it a few times a day for new ads and be ready to pounce on something good. A few pieces of advice when searching:

- do a search for "aquarium" and "fish tank"
- sort the results by newest first
- be patient in searching through the results

This is what I did when searching for my tank. People list their items under "fish tank" and "aquarium" so if you search for just one, you will miss the other. If you sort by "newest first" then you can just check the results down to the last spot you saw in the previous search. If you search for a specific size then you are limited to results for just that size and you will miss results that are similar but not exact.

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Grinch]

Yeah.... seems to me it likely had the leak before it was "sprayed", hence the price. If it were me, I'd walk away.

 

[jvc66]

The seems we're a little scary looking so it's a good thing you were cautious. When you find something else post it up and everyone will chime in!

Are you looking specifically for an acrylic tank too? I did the same for a while. Follow Travis advice with the Craigslist search and also do "acrylic tank" "acrylic fish tank" or "acrylic aquarium" should be able to cover all the bases then. Good luck on your search