Buying a used tank. Few questions

[BretCreager]

Hi just looking for some input, I have come across a couple tanks for sale that the plastic top is cut or damaged, done times it is the pieces that span from front to back, others are a section across the front or back.

How much strength is provided from that plastic, can either of those two descriptions be considered safe in a 125 to 135 gallon tank?

Second if a hole is drilled where you don't want to use it, can it be sealed again either with a capped off pipe or a glued piece of plexi?

Last I have seen some for sale that brag about the use of 1/2 inch thick glass insted of 3/8, the lfs (not pet store) said for me to not be silly 3/8 is all he sells, what are your thoughts.

thank you for your help

[kory1006]

The plastic support keeps the tank from bowing when you put water in it. You'll have to find a way to connect it back together. You could use some ABS plastic and screws, or mounting strap.

As far as filling the holes. Stick to like material, if the tank is glass dont use plexi to covre a hole, use glass, and vise versa. You could also use a bulk head with a cap.

[Lorenz725]

If the tank is not free or near free I would not deal with it. The rim around the tank is important and needs to be intact. I do know some people have been able to buy new rims and put them on there tank you could also find another way to brace it. To plug a hole you can just put a bulkhead in the hole and cap it.

[BretCreager]

Ok thanks for the info, with travel it would be a 135g for about $160-175, http://images.craigslist.org/5N15Fa5J23L23F33N4c4r11733aa6159914f4.jpg

[R_Hudson]

If it was me. I would pass on the tank if the brace was broke. and I wouldnt bother trying to patch a hole in a glass tank. Not that it cant be done, I just wouldnt do it. I would say there are way to many what ifs with that tank. Id pass all the way around and give someone else that headache.

always the thicker the glass the better. 3/8 is standard for most aquariums, but once you get into massive volumes of water the 1/2 is nice to have given the weight and pressure of that much water.

[Playa-1]

I would look for a better deal. A tank that was in good condition.

[jerseygurl]

Na, it's a decent price but that hacked up tank is fubar. Be patient on Craigslist you'll find what you want.

[BretCreager]

Did just that, found one late last night, great deal, picking it up friday. Build thread to start soon! Thanks everyone

[R_Hudson]

wow...great patience! lol. Good luck on the new build.

[BretCreager]

Haha, yea found a site that searched all local craigslist locations and found a really nice 135 with los of extras, I'm not real good at the whole waiting game, the cycle process is going to be tough lol

[R_Hudson]

Theres lots more waiting involved than just during the cycling process. patience is gonna be your best friend in this hobby.