Risks of buying a used Tank?

[verano]

What are some of the risks of buying a used tank?

[Lady Hobbs]

We've had good and bad experiences here. Something about buying a tank that's been in storage for years would bother me. But if you could see it set up, or at least a recent photo of it set up, then I wouldn't be afraid to buy a used one, altho I never have. You also want to make sure it's a fish tank and not a reptile tank.

Years ago my son said he nabbed a 100 gallon for me that had sat behind a friends garage for 4 years all thru the winter and summer. I told him to forget it.

[Scrup]

I've had one bad leaky used tank so far, and 12 good ones. Usually people will tell you if it leaks.

The biggest risk is that it leaks. There is not much that can be absorbed into the silicone, and nothing can really be absorbed into the glass.

[guppy107]

All my tanks except for the first one are used. Have not got a bad one yet. I have never bought one that was not set up at the time I bought it.

[korith]

I've bought all my tanks used, except for a few, never had any issues. If you have any doubts about the tank, ask to see the tank filled up with water, then look for any leaks. Also rub your finger along the silicone, to make sure it's not peeling and is adhered to the tank. Can look at the trim too, to see if it's attached to the tank. Look at the brace on the tank to make sure its not broken. If it's been used for reptiles may want to stay clear of it. Oh you can also notice any silicone patch up jobs, sometimes when people fix the tank the wrong way, they just add more silicone on top of the old silicone. The proper way is to remove the old silicone and clean the glass then apply the new silicone to it adheres properly.

[TKO_Darkside]

Both my 55 gallon and 5 gallon were used. The 55 I got from craigslist and the 5 I got from a garage sell. Like everyone else said, ask to see a recent photo or ask the seller if it leaks. The guy who I bought the 55 from had it running a week before I bought it from him. Had to totally clean it out, cuz it looked like he let it get a little on the dirty side, but it cleaned up nicely and looked brand new once I had it set up. I will probably keep buying used unless some of the lfs have some deals I can't pass up.

[Lab_Rat]

Most of my tanks were used (except the 10 gs and some of the 20 gs). Check the silicone and for any cracks, chips, or scratches. I've only had one tank that sprung a leak (a couple of months after I got it).

[dbosman]

You take risks even with new tanks. I test all my tanks outside, for several days, before trusting them inside.

The reason for several days of testing?
I once paid $40.00 for a ratty looking 120g. I knew it would probably have to be overhauled.
I built a stand and set the pair up, outside, and filled it. All was well for over two days.
After a rain, the water level was down two inches. The next day it was down six inches. As I was draining it that day, a bottom seam started to let go. If I'd tested it for only two days... Yeah.

[verano]

my first tank was used. Im just looking to upgrade to a bigger size so buying a used one with all the equipment is much cheaper then buying everything brand new obv. Thnx for the input everyone I really appreciate it.

[Lady Hobbs]

You take risks even with new tanks. I test all my tanks outside, for several days, before trusting them inside.

You got that right. I resiliconed a tank twice. Allowed it to sit with water in it for 2-3 days. No leaks. Set it up, planted it and a week later, leaked!