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Need Advice on Tank

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by ThyRaven, Apr 20, 2011.

  1. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

    919
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    I just bought a 125 gallon tank from a guy on craigslist.  After getting it loaded into my truck and I've paid for it he throws in that the tank as never seen water and has sat in his storage shed for 8 years.  So that is 8 winters and 8 summers of significant temperature changes.  Now I am starting to fear when I go to fill this tank for the first time, the pressure is going to be to much and my newly remodeled basement floods.  I am now thinking I should probably trickle fill the tank either while it is still in the garage or move it out onto the drive way and fill it there prior to moving indoors.  I spent $700 on the tank, glass lids (3), hob overflow, stand, sump, skimmer, and 2 pumps.  To me that isn't to bad (until I saw a post this evening for a 180 gallon setup - I cried..).  I've also looked into what it'll cost me if this tank breaks for just a new tank and it's pretty close to the $700 I just spent on all the items listed above.
    So what I am looking for here is if anyone know of a way I can prevent this from happening?  I really don't want to lose this investment.  I'm going to guess if this tank breaks my fiancee probably wont let me continue with the hobby of being a reef keeper.
     
  2. Armydog

    Armydog Expert Reefkeeper

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    I would say let the tank warm up I wouldnt put water in it if its cold fill it half way or even a quarter of the way up and check for leaks
     
  3. Armydog

    Armydog Expert Reefkeeper

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    I would say let the tank warm up I wouldnt put water in it if its cold fill it half way or even a quarter of the way up and check for leaks
     
  4. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    was hoping we'd see a week in the upper 60s by now but no such luck. as I get closer to getting the basement finished I plan to get some water into the tank. I noticed that the trim around the top and bottom is cracked in places. is that going to effect anything other than the lids not sitting right?
     
  5. Jay Well-Known ReefKeeper

    333
    Marion
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    +2 / 0 / -0
    How does the silicone look? If there is a doubt in your mind after inspecting that, I would say do not risk it man. You could always re-silicone the tank, while that sucks and takes forever, it beats buying a new tank, or having 125 gallons of water on your floor : ).

    As far as the cracks in the trim, I'm not sure how much of a support role the top trim plays on a 125, maybe someone else on here knows?
     
  6. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Silicone looks fine to me but I haven't really taken a lot of time to go over it with a fine tooth comb and really get a good look at how the seal on the tank is. I'll go over the silicone with a sharp eye prior to adding water. thanks for the help guys
     
  7. Greenonion

    Greenonion

    280
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    in regards to the trim. if the cracks are large, like the trim is split in half i would purchase a new trim. the centerbraces in the tank actually play a very important role in supporting the pressure of the water. if its cracked width wise i think you'll be fine. but if its cracked length wise i would def. get a new trim.
    my .02cents
     
  8. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    where do you get new trim? I know at least one corner is missing and there are 2 or 3 vertical cracks on the top as well. The bottom as 2 or 3 crack in it as well. Thanks for the advice.
     
  9. Armydog

    Armydog Expert Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +738 / 8 / -0
    Not giving you crap but I would have never bought the tank for $700 with it being cracked... Actually I wouldnt buy a tank that size for $700 thats over brand new price I believe.....
     
  10. iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

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    It might not hurt for you to contact the guy who sold it to you and tell him that since the trim is cracked, and that the trim is integral to the stability of the tank, you'd like your money back, or you'd like him to pay for the new trim. Can't hurt. Least he can say is NO.
     
  11. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    @armydog - Wasnt just the tank. It was tank, stand, nova sump, nova hob overflow, glass lids, 2 pumps, and a broken skimmer (collection cup is destroyed)

    @iaJim - Tried to call him but number comes back disconnected. Wonderful right?

    I'm going to see what the manufacturer says about the tank and take it from there at this point. so going to be pissed if i cant use the tank and have to replace it
     
  12. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Working with a few LFS's to see who can get the top trim at a reasonable price. All Glass said the top trim needs to be fully intact in order for the tank to hold the water pressure. So I must replace it or the tank is use less. Will report back once I have a price on the trim.
     
  13. mr.jeff.wagner

    mr.jeff.wagner Inactive User

    48
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    Take the top trim off and add a glass Eurobrace with cross braces. That is if the silicone is even still good.
     
  14. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    would like to say thanks for all the help. mr.jeff.wagner stopped over last night and checked the tank out for me as a second pair of eyes is better than one. He says that the silicone may need to be replaced but wont know for sure until i add water to it next saturday. he also said that the cracks in the trim are minor and to just epoxy them so they dont have a chance to get any bigger.

    so thanks jeff for the second set of eyes and now i can save $200 and spend it on LR and fish
     
  15. Andy The Reef Guy

    Andy The Reef Guy Inactive User

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    Oh man, I would def not fill it with cracks in the top brace. At all! It's truly an integral part of the top of the tank. A new plastic trim piece should not cost ANYWHERE near 200bucks! 35-45 dollars at most, believe me, I used to order them in for people all the time. If anything, I would use dimethyl chloride to weld the ABS frame back together where it has cracked, and not use epoxy (it's going to look crappy).

    You can buy a new pre-drilled 125 for about $350 retail. Should be able to find one for more like $250 from an independent seller.

    I think the silicone is probably okay, but realistically it only has about 10 years left in it.
     
  16. FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    If it were me personaly I would reseal it if there were any quistions at all about it holding up same for the trim. It's realy not that hard i've done it a million times. In fact if your not to far away from me and you want to get the stuff together to do it I will reseal it and install the trim for you free of charge. Well for the price of a few beers for us to drink wile we do it :)
     
  17. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

    919
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    @ Andy - Are you still able to order the top trim? I was working with Pet's Playhouse and haven't heard back from them on pricing. Was going to call Hung at Sea of Marvels but haven't had a chance to yet.

    I haven't seen a 125 gallon tank going that cheap retail. Seen them more around $500 - $600.

    @FishBrain - Would love the assistance but got to find the parts first.
     
  18. FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    Let me know :)
     

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