Tank without trim

[bkvreef]

I am going to be looking at a tank in the next couple of days that I think (from seeing pics) does not have some of the trim on the bottom. Is this a concern?

Also when looking at the tank how do I tell if it is in good shape in the seams? Do I just look for any bubbles.

[shifty51008]

if the tank was made to have trim on the bottom then yes I would deff. be concerned about it missing some.

[bkvreef]

Can you replace it, or put something to replace the lost support?

[greech]

Is this an acrylic or glass tank? Acrylic typically don't (never?) have bottom trims.

If glass and if there was supposed to be one and it has been removed, pass on the tank. There are rimless tanks that are made without upper and lower rims though. Glass tanks with no rim on the bottom need to rest on a sheet of padding to protect the glass panes.

Look for typical wear and tear on the seems (cracks, uneven seams, bubbling). Seams should also be flexible and not dried out.

I am not an expert on acrylic but I believe acrylic tanks are welded at the seams so you will not see silicone.

Leak test when in doubt.

[bkvreef]

The tank I'm looking at is glass.

[jeff@zina.com]

You can replace the rims. Don't bother, the rims cost as much as a used tank in many cases, plus the labor and silicone involved. Another tank in better shape will come along.

Jeff

[bkvreef]

Ok, heres the deal:
The bottom doesn't have the trim

220gal tank 72 x 24 x 30 (L x W x H) love the dimensions reef ready also
stand (nice not top of the line but nice and solid, plus it's 36" tall!)
canopy matches stand
a trickle filter sump
All of this for $ 600

Ooops I didn't mention that it also comes with 4 x 400w MH( 1 ballast is PFO, 1 is Blue line, the other 2 are random) plus there are 4 parabolic reflectors, he also has about 8 bulbs (but they are about 6+ months old).
I don't want the mh lighting so I would sell them (in case anyone out there is interested)

[shifty51008]

thats not a bad price. but the trickle filter IMO is worthless unless your doing a fish only tank. for a reef tank you will just have problems.

I would check out how much a replacement trim piece will cost 1st before I get to excited.

remember the tank will be the cheapest part you buy for the tank. lol