used tanks question

[fish_keeper2]

as im sure some of you know im upgrading some of my tanks(2 actually)soon. i was going for 29USgal. i remembered yesterday that in my local paper here sometimes has large tanks at seemingly good prices. i was wondering how i would go about getting one, ie testing it out and cleasing it etc. im hoping i get lucky and find a 55 gal with all equipment for the same/similar price as it would cost me to get a 29 gal kit. one more thing, i told my mom about this and she thinks used tanks are a bad idea, what can i say to her to try to convince her of the pros of doing so.

 

[J_acon]

I can't think of why they would be a bad idea. I have bought used tanks and never had a problem with them. Maybe try testing them b4 buying? (like filling them with water if possible)

 

[fish_keeper2]

acording to my mom it could be covered in disease and make my fish sick, and small hole in the silicon and it would leak and stuff like that......sometimes i think she just pretends to know what she is talking about. what exactly is safe to use to disinfect the tank

 

[Fish_Mike]

Hot, hot water, as it will kill most of the Aquarium's germs and bacteria.

 

[trisha1972]

All of my tanks are used. I got them at yard sales for little of nothing (ex. hubby came home last weekend with 4 ten gallon tanks with hoods, filters, heaters, gravel, decorations, extra equipment, TONS of chemicals, TONS of food) for $35. One of my 55 gallon tanks came from a yard sale for $20.

I rinse mine out (outside) with the garden hose first. Then I take BOILING water and mix alittle aquarium salt into it and scrub the insides down with a CLEAN RAG USED ONLY FOR AQUARIUMS. Then I rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse, let air dry, then rinse, rinse, rinse, and rinse again before bringing them into the house and setting them up.

 

[fish_keeper2]

thanks fo the help. i guess now i just gotta look and hopefully i get lucky

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Ask if the tank has been empty for a long time(like 6months or more) as the sealent/silicone(whatever tanks are stuck together with, can't remember) holding the tank glass together can dry out to much and become brittle- meaning the tank can fall apart or get leaks when filled with water and i have known some people to buy old tanks and have them leak like this before.

 

[itZme]

I would really be afraid to put boiling water into a tank since the glass is not tempered but I am sure you could use water that was as hot as the tap would give. (140 F or so)
You can clean the tank with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water and a brand new scrubby sponge so you don't introduce soap into the tank. Just be sure to rinse well so the vinegar won't affect your PH.

All of my tanks have been used so far (10 of them total) and I haven't had any problems. The good thing is that lots of times you will get extra suppies, chemicals, air pumps, filter media etc... from used setups.

Good Luck!

-- itZme

 

[fish_keeper2]

thanks again

 

[Ethos]

I'd just asked my mom if she'd like to pay the difference between the new and used tank.

I'm sure it'd work on her. She knows I make below minamum wage in a year!
My brother makes $500 a week! He spends most of it on college! What a loser lol......I'd get the free ride from my parents....lol....hhmh.....I'm gunna need a job soon...I wounder if I could work at my LFS...hmhm

 

[trisha1972]

I didn't mean pour the boiling water directly into the tank. I meant boil it, add salt, then use it. I do mine outside, so even if I took it straight to the tank, it wouldn't still be boiling.

 

[fish_keeper2]

trisha1972: i figured that. i wonder y no one else did

well i will be getting a new tank(new to me but wether it actually new or used all depends on the future) as soon as i get a job myself. tomorrow i have a second interview at Chilis(for those of you who dont know this is a restuarant) so wish me good luck . im going for a host or buser which doesnt pay the best but its better than nothing. again wish me good luck

 

[Siamese Fighter05]

Goodluck with the job interview, I was given a used tank not long ago and everything is going well. Touch wood

 

[john5748]

Good luck with your interview I hope everthing turns out well for you

 

[fish_keeper2]

thanks