Used 250 Gallon Acrylic...what do I do?

[chillout-reefer-dave]

So yeah. I picked up a 250 gallon acrylic tank for $60. It was a "get rid of the ex's stuff" situation. Me and one other man carried it to my Honda Odyssey mini van.
I've been on the hunt for like a 125 glass tank and this deal fell into my lap.

Where do I even begin?

It is heavily scuffed on one end possibly from us having to walk it on its side out some tight doorways and stairs. I can polish acrylic right?

Its sitting in my van. Is it ok to live there for a few days driving around?

How much does this thing even weigh?
It was definitely one of the heaviest things I ever helped carry.

Pic for proof. I can take measurements and more photos.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Wow, it's a beast alright. And is it set up like an all-in-one with a back chamber running the length of the tank, as it appears from that one photo?

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

Wow, it's a beast alright. And is it set up like an all-in-one with a back chamber running the length of the tank, as it appears from that one photo?

Yep

 

[jsanbor1]

Wow. Following. That’s awesome.

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

I'm just afraid leaving it in the van is bad. I can't get anyone to help me move it.

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

I just saw the name brand! Uniquarium by clear for life. It's either the 200 or 240 depending on length. https://fishtanksdirect.com/clear-for-life-200G-84lx24wx24h-rectangle-uniquarium/

At least I know it wasn't made by cousin Jed.

 

[UncommonSense]

I just saw the name brand! Uniquarium by clear for life. It's either the 200 or 240 depending on length. https://fishtanksdirect.com/clear-for-life-200G-84lx24wx24h-rectangle-uniquarium/

At least I know it wasn't made by cousin Jed.

If you get tank dimensions, and a fairly precise measurement of acrylic thickness, I could get a estimated weight and volume for you!

— while you’re at it, check those welded acrylic panel joints for any signs of bubbling or cracking!

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

Ok update. It's still in my trunk. It's actually 72x24x20 and it's an AIO. Made by Clear for Life as part of their uniquarium line.

So 150Gallons total, not 250. The 4 inch back aio is approx 25.

There are deep scratches on one end on the outside only. I have experience buffing and power tools and patience.

I guess I can start cleaning it up once I can get it out of my van.

Should thZt be a build thread?

This will be the most affordable reef ever.

 

[Biff0rz]

This will be the most affordable reef ever.

 

[Rob A]

I clean up large acrylics all the time. The first thing to do after washing it well i give it a quick once over with novus 3 and 2 then if needed hit it with wet sandpaper on the toughest scratches then back over with novus 3 and 2. If you take your time it will look like new. Or you can just sandpaper the whole thing up to 600 to 2000 grit and novus it after sanding. The last one I did looked like the tank you have and I just sanded the whole thing 600 to 2000 then novus it took a few weekends but it is worth the effort.

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

Thank you for the tips! What exactly should I look for on the seams? Some seems a little milky but it could just be exterior scuffs and the rough cut edges

 

[JumboShrimp]

Too bad you can't leave the tank in the van, pull the van into your living room, and provided your guests a 'unique viewing experience' of looking through the van's windows to enjoy the tank.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

@Troylee is one of the acrylic experts!

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

Too bad you can't leave the tank in the van, pull the van into your living room, and provided your guests a 'unique viewing experience' of looking through the van's windows to enjoy the tank.

That would make those old apple computer aquariums look downright pedestrian!

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

I forgot my wife is stronger than me.

She gave birth to these two angels so I reckon she wins.

Also her wrist healed up from tendonitis and was able to get this out of the van no problem

 

[EricR]

Wow! Definitely a bargain price, assuming the seams/joints are good.
Would've been nice without the AIO (to me) and not sure how to deal with lighting given the small openings on the top, depending on what you're planning to use it for.

Good luck!

 

[JumboShrimp]

I see you already have your first two fish. Now just add water, rock, and sand.

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

I started a thread over in the AIO tank build area. This is definitely the largest AIO I have ever seen. Should make things much more simple for my first large system.
The AIO area is only 4 inches wide but spans the entire 6 feet. So about 25 gallons.
What is the quietest protein skimmer that would fit?