buying a used aquarium, what do I look for?

[rcl]

I'm thinking about buying an aquarium used from somebody and I'm wondering what kind of things I should look for, what tests are neccessary/etc. Is having the tank be filled with water and checking for leaking with my eyes good enough? This is a 120gal and a pretty big purchase (off craigslist.com classifieds), so I'm trying to be as thorough as possible so that I don't get burned.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[HeatherSweetness]

Take your time checking for leaks and then disinfect it well. I would just be sure it's in overall good condition and not filthy. Nice looking seals and clean glass.

 

[Dragonslair]

1. Check to see where the tank has been kept/stored. Are you happy with what you see?
2.Check to see if any of the silicone has shrunk from the inside of the tank.
This often where severe pressure has been excerted from a full tank for a while and then emptied. the connsequence is that the glass doesn't contract as much as the silicone causing possible leaks under pressure.
3. A 120 G tank should have strengthners, maybe in the form of glass strips near the top of the tank. Make sure they are all secure and none of them show signs of damage. Aviod the tank if any damage to the strips. This shows the tank is twisted.
4.Check all around the tank, particurarly the corners for any signs of chipped or fractured glass. Again avoid the tank if anything is shown. Look out too for any signs of dullness from inside the glass. you will never get it to show clear again.
Whilst it may not be detrimental to the tank, it will detract from viewing the beauty of your fish.
Note too the gravel level, tide mark. Remember you will also need to bring your gravel up to at least that level to disguise the mark. Again that mark will never come off. Don't consider scrubbing the tank with any scourers, it will scratch the glass beyond repair.
Just a few things to watch out for!
hope I have been of help.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I will just add that it's not worth worrying too much about leaks. You can't tell until it has water in it, and re-siliconing is easy.

The main thing is how has it been treated? Look for scratched up glass and everything else mentioned already.

As far as #3 above, the strengtheners, not all tanks have them. If they do not have them, then the glass should be thicker then usual to make up for it.