Buying A Used Tank

[dc1377]

Hello all - Just found this board so I should have lots of questions!

I currently have a 10 gallon tank and I am ready move up to a bigger size so that I can have a couple of loaches. Anyway, I found a used 55g on Craigslist for a very good price. Being kind of new to the hobby, I was wondering if there are any things that I need to watch for when buying a used tank. I'm going to have the guy fill it with water to make sure that it doesn't leak, but are there things that I need to look for in the sealant, etc.

I would think that if the tank doesn't leak, it would be fine, but again, I'm new to the hobby so maybe you all know something that I don't.

Also, what is the best way to clean the tank to get rid of any residual chemicals and such and get it ready for my fish?

Thanks!

DC

 

[Wills]

Hi second hand tanks are always a good option To clean the tank, I would take out the substrate and give it a good wash out with warm water.

Even if the tank is water tight make sure it has all the original brace bars across the top section.

Wills

 

[fluttermoth]

Second hand tanks are best cleaned with a strong salt solution and hot water (not too hot!), well rinsed and then left to dry completely; in the sun if you can.

 

[dc1377]

I guess this tank was his brother's - Not sure of the circumstances, but he doesn't know anything about it other than it is 55 gallons. My concern is that it could have been a salt water tank or there could be chemicals, etc. in the tank. Would it be ok to wash the tank with dish soap if I was sure to rinse it well? I don't want to damage the sealant, but I want to make sure I get the tank clean. Also, how should I go about washing the gravel and decorations?

 

[Wills]

I would just get new gravel or sand as old substrates can hide lots of nasties. If it was used as marine just rinse it out I had a Roma 240 for a while that was marine before I got it I just washed it out well with warm water and had no problems

Wills

 

[fluttermoth]

Don't use soap; honestly, if you're worried about chemicals being in there, don't be putting more in yourself!

All degtergents and soaps are really dangerous to fish, even in tiny amounts.

The best thing is plenty of clean water (to dilute any nasties) and a combination of strong salt + drying will kill nearly every pathogen your likely to come across.

If you have a problem with limescale or water marks, then you can go as harsh as straight salt and lemon juice and/or vinegar.

There's really no need for anything more than that (with a bit of elbow grease). Do it outside on a nice-ish day with the tank on an old blanket or spare duvet to protect it.

 

[Aqua Tom]

I have never washed a second hand tank to that extreme. I just give it a bit of a rub to get rid of any water stains. Then again I have never bought a tank that has been recently used so all the nasties have probably died off on their own.

 

[hoyfoys]

I have heard that it's a good idea to ask if it's been in storage long. If it's been sat around with no water in for a while the silicon that holds the glass together can dry out and get brittle and the tank could collapse once it has the water in it. If it's had water in it until the end then it should be ok.

 

[Aqua Tom]

I have heard that it's a good idea to ask if it's been in storage long. If it's been sat around with no water in for a while the silicon that holds the glass together can dry out and get brittle and the tank could collapse once it has the water in it. If it's had water in it until the end then it should be ok.

Realy? Not heard that before.

How would that work with a new tank then? They dont have water in & have been stored for ages in warehouses before they get to the shop.


Tom

 

[fluttermoth]

that's new silicone though; it only starts to dry out like that when they're a few years old.