Old Fish Tank

thomas_neil · Oct 7, 2022

I recently came acrost an old 120 gallon glass tank for sale for $300. I picked it up because it came with a brand new still in the box wet/dry filter with a built in skimmer, an older t5/led hybrid light fixture brand new still in the box and a bunch of misc. rock. I was planning on either using it as an upgrade to my 75 or doing a FOWLR since my wife loves all the non reef safe fish.

The bottom of the tank got a chip in it when the old owner had the moving company putting it into place. He had the company he bought the tank from come out and silicone a piece of glass over the chipped area. He also said the tank was about 15 years old and never had seen water.

I filled it with water, and it held for a week before I drained it.

My questions is should I trust the old silicone seams to hold over time? I'm also concerned about the repair. Trying to make it a cheap setup if I do try to turn it into a FAWLR.

Crustaceon · Oct 7, 2022

I think we'd need a closer view of the damaged area and repair. I'm sure there's a structural engineer on this platform that could give an accurate assessment.

thomas_neil · Oct 7, 2022

Crustaceon said:
I think we'd need a closer view of the damaged area and repair. I'm sure there's a structural engineer on this platform that could give an accurate assessment.

Ill try and get some better pictures of it when I get home from work. I've read that it's better to have a tank sit dry than with water in it but I also don't want to end up with 120 gallons of water on my floor.

Crustaceon · Oct 7, 2022

thomas_neil said:
Ill try and get some better pictures of it when I get home from work. I've read that it's better to have a tank sit dry than with water in it but I also don't want to end up with 120 gallons of water on my floor.

Yeah, lots of water on the floor is indeed bad.

thomas_neil · Oct 7, 2022

I was noticing some condensation on the bottom side of the repairs piece when I was taking the photos. So not a good sign to start with. I tried my best to hold the tank up and get a pic of the cracked area on the bottom side.

I think the tank is trashed unless there is a better repair than what’s been done.

Crustaceon · Oct 7, 2022

Personally, I wouldn’t risk it. Maybe if the chip was smaller and on the top edge of the tank, but I’d be too concerned with the sheer weight of the water and additional stressed from water movement. You could always get a new panel and replace the chipped on, but cost and effort wise, it’s probably not worth it either.

thomas_neil · Oct 7, 2022

Crustaceon said:
Personally, I wouldn’t risk it. Maybe if the chip was smaller and on the top edge of the tank, but I’d be too concerned with the sheer weight of the water and additional stressed from water movement. You could always get a new panel and replace the chipped on, but cost and effort wise, it’s probably not worth it either.

Maybe I’ll turn it into an inside herb garden for my wife already got the grow light