buying used aquarium. need input

[jbdreefs]

I am looking at a large used aquarium. I like it other than the questionable seam. I can see several air pockets in the silicone. I am thinking that this is my sign to walk away.

Anyone here reseal tanks, completely? Oceanic bowfront.

Thoughts?

 

[acroholic]

JBDreefs;915820 wrote: I am looking at a large used aquarium. I like it other than the questionable seam. I can see several air pockets in the silicone. I am thinking that this is my sign to walk away.

Anyone here reseal tanks, completely? Oceanic bowfront.

Thoughts?

Have you looked at seams in new All-Glass or Marineland tanks? They have air in the silicone seams as well, usually in the form of very thin lines or small microbubbles. Never been an issue in the many tanks I have owned with them. Check out some new tanks, and you will see what I mean.

Unless you are referring to a huge void in the actual seam itself, or something that reulted from owner type damage, it sounds like a normal thing.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Buying used tanks is a risk. You either accept it or you don't. I've bought several, including my current 180 and thankfully, have never had an issue. The best one's to buy are the ones that are currently holding water. That way you know if it leaks or not. However, that is not to say that it won't leak after you move it. Incorrectly moving a tank is probably the number 1 cause of leaks.

Resealing isn't a big deal either. Any DIY'er can do one. The right silicone, masking tape and away you go!

 

[jbdreefs]

Thanks, your opinions are of great value.

I was told about new tanks also having the bubbles, but I am skeptical and I do not believe every thing I am told from one source, especially the seller.

The pockets of air look like small worms, and I can imagine how they would be hard to avoid in the manufacturing process. My concern still is that one seam looked far worse than the other three, but again, if this was the last seem to be done when putting the thing together, I can imagine that the last seem would look the worst.

I was also told that the tank would still be under the lifetime warranty. A quick google search suggests otherwise without the receipt from the initial sale.

 

[scottw]

Tiny pockets happen, if I had concerns I wouldn't have bought my 200DD last week. I say go for it. I've never seen a tank that didn't have some small air bubbles/pockets


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[picoreefguy]

+1 its near impossible to get a perfect seam most tanks will have some small air bubbles in them. just use your best judgement and inspect the tank thoroughly all the way round.

 

[tony_caliente]

Run

 

[jennm]

Things to look for:

Chopped up silicone from people being careless with scrapers.

Salt creep along the lower trim, if there's a compromise in a seam, it usually starts as a slow leak, and water will seep up the trim and pool there, and as the water evaporates, moist salt is left.

Water stains in the stand, from slow drips - either from bad plumbing or slow-leaking seams.

A few small air bubbles usually aren't a concern, as there is also a layer of silicone holding the glass together, but without me laying my own eyes on it, I can't say for sure one way or another whether it's "ok" or not...

Buying any used tank can be a gamble, the bigger the tank, the bigger the gamble, because the bigger the mess if it turns out to be a dud, and with a second-hand tank, there is NO warranty, so you're on your own if it fails.

New or used, especially with a big tank, make sure you have a water escape rider on your homeowner's or renter's insurance. Most policies won't cover a spill and the ensuing damage unless there is a specific rider on the policy. Don't find out the hard way.

Jenn

 

[just josh]

Great info!!!

 

[ryansg1986]

The warranty is NOT transferred to the new owner. Dont listen to that. Is the difference in cost enough for peace of mind? thats what I always ask. Unless it's an amazing deal, walk. I got a 210g +stand and Canopy for $300. Couldnt pass it up. Did I sleep better when I had my brand new 90, yes. But after a 2 week water test in the backyard, which included me swimming in it, my mind was set at ease. Good Luck!

Saving money on a used tank may be great right now, but when you are cleaning water up, it's not worth it. If the seller doesnt have it sitting full of water, for more than 1 day, when you go to buy it, I would make them fill it or accept a return from you if it doesnt pass the water test at your house.

 

[jdwells]

I understand the concern but I say go for it if it's a good deal. I love finding ones that leak cause you get them dirt cheap and it's really really easy to fix. All my tanks I bought used. I just completely reseal them to be sure. As long as all the panels look good and aren't cracked go for it! A caulk gun a a couple tubes of GE1 are all ya need!


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[jbdreefs]

I am not doing the deal I found. As other members suggested, I started paying more attention to the seams of new tanks. The only thing I can conclude is that the seam (between the panels) is coming apart. Even if it doesnt leak currently, I would rather not risk 180 gallons of water falling to my floor.

The tank in question is not clean so I cant even determine the condition of the panels.

I may be missing a good deal, but my gut says no.

 

[jdwells]

Gotta follow your gut for sure. Where is it? How much? lol I might vulture it.


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[jbdreefs]

JDWells;916967 wrote: Gotta follow your gut for sure. Where is it? How much? lol I might vulture it.


Sent from my iPhone using http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1">Tapatalk</a>[/QUOTE]

Pm sent.

 

[jdwells]

Oh yeah that's not much of a deal if you're gonna have to reseal it anyway.


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[jennm]

Follow your gut. That's a rule to live by under any circumstance.

Jenn