Possible 120 tank

[nick654377]

So I am looking for a tank for my showroom. I know it’s not going to be saltwater as I do not have time for the upkeep nor money for another salt. Although I have a serious question.

I found a 120g used for a very short time. Offered the lady $200 and she said okay. About the tank. It’s about 8 months old. Never had water in it. It’s glass. She kept a bearded dragon in it. So it had a heat lamp on top. I won’t have the tank set up for probably 3-4 months out. So if I pass on it that is fine. But I figured for $200 it may be worth it.

No cracked glass. Little substrate residue but that can be cleaned out. I told the lady that since there was no water in it plus a heat lamp on the tank. The seals may be toast.

would you buy and water test or pass and look for a new one. I am located in a northern state so we are approaching winter here and cannot do a leak test in the garage because it will freeze.

should I grab it or pass?

 

[landlubber]

i would make sure that what you're considering isn't a dedicated terrarium as the glass thickness isn't suited to handle the head pressure and it will certainly burst.
Also, i'd be very leery of being told a heat lamp may have deteriorated the seal. I guess the question to ask yourself: is saving a little money worth the potential of 120 gallons of water hitting the floors?

 

[nick654377]

i would make sure that what you're considering isn't a dedicated terrarium as the glass thickness isn't suited to handle the head pressure and it will certainly burst. Also, i'd be very leery of being told a heat lamp may have deteriorated the seal. I guess the question to ask yourself: is saving a little money worth the potential of 120 gallons of water hitting the floors?

It is an aquarium not a terrium. Center brase and glass as thick as my 150. I personally know a heat lamp was used on top of the tank as I used to keep reptiles. My exact reply to her was this, "I will offer $200 and pick up saturday morning with cash. A few reasons I am offering $200. Glass tanks do not do well with no water in them. After a year it is a risk to the seals. and being you had a bearded dragon in it with a heat lamp. It is even more of a risk due to the silicone drying out. It may hold water for a month but the seals will be at risk with the ammount of water it is going to hold. And she said okay to the $200 offer.

My question is, am I right that the seals on this tank will be toast after keeping a dry environment for a bearded dragon. I am planning on pickin up a tank, Building a stand, obtaining a heavy filtration system, lights, backdrop ect. for a cichlid tank. I was just looking for everyones opinion on if they would pick up a 120 gallon tank for $200 that is only 8 months old.

 

[nick654377]

To me other than being Dirty. I think $200 is a steal.

 

[landlubber]

I think if the silicone isn't peeling up and still feels pliable I would say it could be a good deal. i'd personally fill it very slow and keep an eye on it.
I had a seal go on 77 gallon tank that dumped 30 gallons before I caught it and it was a crazy mess to deal with. Good luck!