Oportunity to buy a leaker?

[toyota44]

Have the oportunity to buy a 90g tank that leaks in one of the corners for $100 - $150. The lady doesn't know which corner it is, is it worth it? The LFS sells them new for $220 is this an op. to save some money or a risky gamble????? :roll:

 

[dvb]

I think that $150 more for a good quality new tank is well worth the piece of mind. I don't want to have to lose sleep over waking up to a wet floor. My wife would also not be too thrilled, and it is important that she is in favor of the tank.

 

[danmhippo]

If you are willing to strip all the moldings and test it. However, if there's a leak, chances are there will be another as the silicon may be wearing out.

 

[Emperator]

spend the $$ and get a new one. consider it an investment into "peace of mind".

personally, i would not take a leaker if it were free.

 

[Minh Nguyen]

The price of the tank is minimal in compare to the cost of the whole set-up, or the cost of the animals.
Minh

 

[monkeyboy]

The price of the tank is minimal in compare to the cost of the whole set-up, or the cost of the animals.
Minh

Or your head being inside the cabinet cleaning the skimmer if it broke...

IMO, used tanks are bad news. So leaky used tanks are terrible news!

 

[Enzo]

Leakey tanks aren't so bad. I have fixed my share of leaky tanks. I didn't even take the frame apart. The trick is to get All glass aquarium silicone glue and just put it along the edge of the tank. All around the botoom edge. then just get a small piece of paper or whatever and spread it along so it looks all neat and everything and your tank is like new. If you want to be extra safe just get all the edges of the tank. Silicone will only cost about 10 to 15 bucks at your LFS if they have it if they don't carry it get it from Bigalsonline.com. Just type silicone under keyword search. I would advise you on getting the chaulking gun style because it's easier to apply.
John

 

[easygoer2]

I found a trick to sealing a tank is to do the whole tank. You can't do a section and fill good about it. Also a nice way to spread the silicone is to use an ice cube. Hold it against both pieces of glass and run it along the silicone. It will look like new.

 

[texman]

I tried it many years ago and regretted it. Buy the new tank or buy both and turn the leaky one into a hydroponic weed factory. (with those used halides)

 

[thepup88]

I have also fixed many a leaky tank,even a few that were cracked,it really isn't a problem as long as it isn't to bad

 

[tstone]

If you are the least bit handy you can fix a leaker. Follow the suggestions of Easygoer and Enzo.

 

[bowfront]

Leakers can be fixed if you are on a budget. I've actually repaired tanks with whole sides cracked or missing in the past. Unfortunately the larger the tank the larger the concern with repairs. The deal here is to negotiate a heavy discount from replacement cost because don't forget you are buying broke and have to provide all the labor and materials to fix it. Barder the seller down to a point where you can't resist and then go to work. This is what I would do.

1. Build yourself a level surface outside to set the tank on it and fill it with fresh water. This doesn't have to be anything fancy just a surface that is level and will support the weight of the full tank.

2. Let the tank stand for about 8 hours to pinpoint leaks and mark them on the outside glass.

3. Drain the tank, clean the areas of leakage well and apply a heavy coat of silicon. As mentioned you may want to coat all seams depending on the tank age/damage.

4. Refill after 2 full days dry time and then let it sit for at least a full day to check for leaks before moving inside.

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
The difference in price is not worth the gamble. I will haul it away for free, or pay her $50 if I want to use it for my baby snakes.