"sophie" wrote in message
...

I hope the crosspost is ok; it seems more efficient than posting an
identical article twice.

Tomorrow I'm going to look at a 48 * 18 * 18 tank - it's very cheap
(£20, which is around $36, and a fair bit less than half price in the
shops). I think it's new - the guy selling it is a _serious_ fish
hobbyist, makes his own tanks and has taken voluntary redundancy to
start his own aquatics business - he says he's selling to clear out
space in his unit (and has lots of other "bits", too...) He seems like
a
very genuine, friendly kind of bloke - he says he can give me a lift
back with the tank in his van, which is astonishingly generous (he must
_really_ need that space...).
What I need to know is, as he isn't an established business and as it's
the kind of rock-bottom price that probably comes with very few
guarantees, how can I spot a duff tank? I know too make sure all the
corners are flat to whatever surface they stand on, but would any
faults
in the sealant be obvious? Should I look for anything else? - once I
get
it home and fill it up with water it could well be too late. The
kitchen
ceiling will not withstand 67 gallons of water coming through it!

Any suggestions will be gratefully received!

many thanks,
--
sophie

I would check the thickness of the glass used.
http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/...thickness.html has some
reference info on recommended glass thickness (48x18 = 120cm x 46cm =
10mm sides and 12mm base). Mine own 67g uses 9mm (or about 3/8").

Check for air bubbles in the silicone (a few small ones are ok). Check
for silicone imbrittlement (should be pliable and not hard like plastic).

Cosmetically, you can check for scratches. I'm not too keen on buying
home-made tanks, due to the expertise required (surface preparation and
the jigs), but maybe he knew what he was doing.

Do try to get a canopy and whatever bits he is willing to include. Even
gravel gets pricey in the LFS.
--
www.NetMax.tk