Leak test?

**Slaphppy7** · 07-25-2013, 07:34 PM

Hey guys, couple of quick questions:

Whenever you buy a NEW tank, is it common practice to fill the tank with water, in a safe place (like outdoors) to make sure it doesn't leak?...I realize with a USED tank that this practice may be more common, I was just wondering if it would be a good idea to test a new tank before filling it up indoors.

What about cleaning a new tank?...my new tank came from the store with a few smudges and some tiny sticky spots, like a splashed soda or something...just use clean water and a clean rag to clean it up?

Thanks for sharing what you guys do with a new tank...

**imma24** · 07-25-2013, 07:45 PM

I have always read it's a good idea to test a used tank - I purchased one from a thrift store and used it to soak new plants - guess it holds water LOL

About cleaning a new tank - I've read it's good to use vinegar - perhaps others will chime in with what they've used.

**KevinVA** · 07-25-2013, 07:56 PM

I always wipe down a new tank with water. That would be typical of used tanks, too, except in the case that there is lime scale on them or something of that nature. Then White Vinegar would be best to remove anything difficult. White Vinegar is a great cleaning agent.

It's always a good idea to test your tanks before bringing them in, but sometimes they'll hold 100% all the time, and sometimes they'll give way during use. I had purchased a 10gal tank to hold snails and about 3 weeks into its' use, it started to leak down one of the seams. Easily replaced and luckily it was only a 10gal.

That being said, I just bought a 40gal breeder and two 20gal longs and did not test them before setting them up.

I guess I'm a risk taker and enjoy the potential for perpetual chaos in a relaxing hobby. "What could go wrong? Anything at anytime! Muahahahaha!!!!"

**Slaphppy7** · 07-25-2013, 08:02 PM

Thanks for the tips...I think I WILL fill up up outside the first time just to be safe, and wipe it down real good while it's still wet

"What could go wrong? Anything at anytime! Muahahahaha!!!!"

Exactly, I can just see the look on my wife's face after 40 gallons of water hit the living room floor...

**KingFisher** · 07-25-2013, 08:08 PM

When I get a tank whether it is new or used, I hose it out really good outside and also wipe the insides with vinegar to remove anything that might be In there. I fill used tanks outside to check for leaks but I have just gone ahead and set new tanks up in place

**Hardy85** · 07-25-2013, 08:13 PM

wait wait wait... are you busting out the 40g finally!!!!!!!????!!!!

**Longshot** · 07-25-2013, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by Hardy85

wait wait wait... are you busting out the 40g finally!!!!!!!????!!!!

yeah, What he said!?

**Slaphppy7** · 07-25-2013, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by Hardy85

wait wait wait... are you busting out the 40g finally!!!!!!!????!!!!

HECK NO, dang it...will (hopefully) get the stand built, and maybe painted, this weekend...then we're ON...I will be posting a new thread/journal for that tank, don't worry my friend, you'll be one of the first to know....I'm so ready I can taste it, but trying to maintain composure and take it one step at at time

**Longshot** · 07-25-2013, 08:21 PM

F0r a minute I th0ught I felt Hardy hoppin' up and d0wn in his chair, fr0m here. Well get 0n it , maaaaan!!!!

**Slaphppy7** · 07-25-2013, 08:28 PM

LOL. I'm TRYING to get on it, Longshot, believe me...you know what is REALLY holding up the whole shooting match?...WORK...dang job gets in the way of everything I wanna do...vacation days are always for stuff THE WIFE wants to do, it's about time to spend some hard-earned vacay time on something IMPORTANT...my new tank

Seriously, if I can get to the lumber yard this W.E., and get the stand done, then I can do the rest myself...i don't have a pickup truck or I would have already had the materials