Buying a used older tank

fish cowboy · #1 01/08/2008, 10:28 AM

I recently purchased an old Perfecto 150 gallon tank. It looks like it was made in 1990. It is extremely heavy. It does not have a center brace. Does anyone recall these tanks. It is in good shape but should I be concerned about an older style tank. The owner said he had water in it for six months with no problems. Just looking for opinions about older perfecto's. Thanks.

RayAllen · #2 01/08/2008, 10:53 AM

At almost 20 years old Id think Id reseal it just to be on the safe side. With that said I bought a 5-7 year old Oceanic 210g and just did a leak test with no problems. 18 years old is a bit diffrent. Silicone doesnt last forever.

fish cowboy · #3 01/08/2008, 10:58 AM

How would I go by resealing a tank. Sounds like a good idea.

AquaKnight407 · #4 01/08/2008, 12:39 PM

My 125 (perfecto as well) is even older, July 1987. No center brace too, that a bit comforting. These old tanks, are really battllacs lol. Love the super thick glass.

Mine has obviouisly been resealed at one point. Not sure what I would do if it was still original. You sure it's original? I would go over every seem and make sure the silicone is still nice and malleable (not remotely crispy, easily dig your fingernail into it). If it's all good, I would think you're okay. No telling what the tank's been used for over the years. Obviously hasn't been a running SW tank for 20 years, so that's probably helped age the silicone better.

fish cowboy · #5 01/08/2008, 02:54 PM

It may have been resealed. There is no evidence it was used for a salt water tank. The last owner said he bought it used out of a old pet store. It came with a metal stand with adjustable legs. I will try your test and see if the silicone is soft or hardened. I have my all glass 125's running from the early 90's with no problems. I make sure they are perfectly level. Thanks.

Tank Predator · #6 01/08/2008, 05:06 PM

I RESEALED ABOUT 45% OF MY 180 IT IS ABOUT 9 YEARS OLD

johno4 · #7 01/09/2008, 12:40 PM

my tanks was built in 1986 and I did not reseal it, its fine

jda · #8 01/09/2008, 05:07 PM

I have an oceanic 210 from 1982 and it is fine. Make sure that the silicone is not hard.

Leak test it before you take it inside. I usually let them sit full of water for a few days.