Good Deal On A Big Used Tank

[newfishaddict]

What do you think of used aquarium equipment?

I feel it is risky but worth the risk....I think that if the tank and equipment are washed well, not more than 5 yrs old, it is perhaps worth the risk.

What about silicone aging? does anyone know if it has an "expected life"

Any comments welcome?
oops , sorry, perhaps this should be in hardware....?

 

[windsor-aquatic]

There is always an element of anxiety when buying a second-hand tank. One of the major concerns is, of course, leaking. If the tank has been in use and then left empty for a few months, the silicone drys out, and sometimes loses its elasticity. All glass panels will have a tendency to flex under water pressure, and the silicone is designed to allow for this. However, If the silicone has lost its elastic properties, the glass will tend to flex and the silicone will stay rigid, which is when leaks are likely occur. If the tank is in present use or has been until very recently, you should be O.K.

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. The best thing is to go and look at the tank. That will tell you much more than we can about the condition of the seals etc. If the tank is in decent shape, and isn't too old then i wouldn't worry about the silicone. Feel the silicone, if it's still spongy then fill the tank up and check for leaks. I'm sure there are a lot of new tanks in stores that sit there for months empty waiting to be sold. Just use some common sense. If you think there is a problem, offer less money and explain why, then reseal it yourself.
Good luck, i hope you get a good deal!

 

[Scott MacAdam]

I agree with the post above! if the seals seem bad, then offer a little less then use that saved movey to go towards some "aquarium safe" silicone. i'm pretty sure theres a good outline of how to reseal in the DIY section of the forums. check that out , it shouldn't be that big of a deal if you can get a good price for the tank

 

[liquidrookie]

I deal with silicone on a daily basis, and almost all manufactres of siliocone warranty it for at least 10 years. If its not pulling away from the joints you should be fine

 

[jkrekord]

get it get it get it
no im only messing you MUST make sure its in good working order first