Concerns over using a reptile tank for a sump?

[Haffs09]

Hello everyone,

I hope this is the right forum to post this...but I was wondering if anyone has used a tank that previously housed reptiles in their reef system. I can pick up a perfecto 180 gal tank for a good price and plan to use it as a sump. Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning or know of any ramifications of using this tank? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Thanks,

John

[lancer99]

I'd think that would be perfectly fine.

Your only worry would be about copper...I'm not aware of any herp food or treatment that contains it.

Please remove the reptiles first :)

-R

[LTCrunch]

as long as it holds water it will be fine. A good way to clean it is with water and vinegar. smells like feet but works great

[LTCrunch]

as long as it holds water it will work. clean it with water and vinegar it works really well. smells like feet but does wonders

[virginiadiver69]

Are reptile tanks built as strong as aquariums? I would check glass thickness. It may be tempered also...which would eliminate your option of drilling it.

[bertoni]

I didn't think reptile tanks generally were intended to hold water, but I don't know about your system.

I would clean it thoroughly with some vinegar to remove any possible medications, and possibly bleach treat it to remove any reptile diseases that might infect humans.

[atvdave]

reptile tanks are not made to hold water.


I don't know what the differences is but I'd be very careful. I think they use a lot less silicone.

But I really don't know for sure.

[black_majik]

Yea I wouldn't reptile tanks are as thin and low quality as possible because they have no need to hold water. I would not do that

[Haffs09]

Thanks for the input. The tank is a regular aquarium that was used for reptiles. So...as long as I give it a good cleaning, sounds like I should be okay.

[bertoni]

I agree. Good luck!

[Megalodon]

So if 180 gallon's the sump how big's the tank? :D

[Haffs09]

It will be about 400 gal....84"L x 36"W x 30"H. :)

[atvdave]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12124442#post12124442 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Haffs09
Thanks for the input. The tank is a regular aquarium that was used for reptiles. So...as long as I give it a good cleaning, sounds like I should be okay.

Sorry, didn't know. just give it a good cleaning with vinegar, and a pre wash with water and it should be fine.