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  #1  
Old 01/01/2008, 01:21 PM
Jen D Jen D is offline
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Location: Central IA
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Would you use this tank?

I'm in the middle of a 55g upgrade using my brother-in-law's old tank. The thing is my husband and I are a little nervous about it. The top bracing is cracked and one of the seems is pretty chunked up. I've included pictures below. My question is: would you use this tank or would you spend the $150 or however much new 55s cost?
Bracing


Seal



Thanks,
Jen D
  #2  
Old 01/01/2008, 01:28 PM
Jen D Jen D is offline
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Forgot to mention that we water tested the tank for about 3 months and it doesn't leak. So, we're thinking more long term here.
  #3  
Old 01/01/2008, 01:34 PM
Phyxius Phyxius is offline
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If the center brace would break all the way through it could cause the tank to bow. Bowing could result in tank failure with a pane of glass breaking it seal. You could probably rig a piece of acrylic to help out the top but why risk it.
Even 55 gallons is a lot of water to let go. Had a 55g fresh water tank break and boy did it make a mess.....If your planning on keeping it long term I would get a new tank or look for a deal on a used one maybe thats not all cracked. You may even be able to acquire new braces and rebuild the one you have but how much $$ and time will that take???
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  #4  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:11 PM
jeweldamsel jeweldamsel is offline
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No, buying a new tank is cheaper than the damaged tank will cause when it breaks.
  #5  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:14 PM
ricks ricks is offline
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No, I would not use that tank.. Think about the peace of mind, not to mention having it fail when your not home. And losing everything you worked so hard for...
  #6  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:19 PM
xroads xroads is offline
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use it for a qt or hospital in short spurts
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  #7  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:24 PM
syrinx syrinx is offline
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about 20 bucks buys a new rim- you cut the silicone that holds the old one on and put the new one on. Takes about 10 mins once you get the trick down- maybe a hour the first time. I don`t understand why so many folks go to extreme measures to fix tanks using anything other than the original parts, which are readily availabe.
  #8  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:34 PM
Jen D Jen D is offline
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I thought of replacing the trim, but I'm not sure who the manufacturer is. The tag on the bottom is stained pretty bad and hard to read. All I can make out is "Assembled .......... MT.... 3Q99."

I am also considering removing the top piece and adding euro-bracing, but changing the original design makes me nervous, too.
  #9  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:37 PM
m2434 m2434 is offline
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Glass tanks are cheap... shouldn't cost $150!
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  #10  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:42 PM
jeweldamsel jeweldamsel is offline
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The rim should be industrial standard. But if I am going to replace so much of my tank, I would be very nervous too. So for the peace of mind, I'd rather buying a new one.
  #11  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:44 PM
McTeague McTeague is offline
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I would not use that tank.
  #12  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:49 PM
Chef Reef Chef Reef is offline
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to bad your not in south florida.. i have a 55 gal for sale for 50 bucks..
  #13  
Old 01/01/2008, 02:59 PM
skippy2 skippy2 is offline
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I wouldn't take the chance either. What a mess you could have on your hands. If you do decide to get a new tank, you should look into a 75. That would give you 6' more in width and would definately be a lot easier to aquascape.
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  #14  
Old 01/01/2008, 03:02 PM
Icefire Icefire is offline
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My 50G have no corner still intact and I don't doubt, it won't burst.

If you did a 3 month water test, I would say it's good to go.

a 55G tank cost less than 125$
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  #15  
Old 01/01/2008, 03:40 PM
DrBegalke DrBegalke is offline
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Personally, I would just buy a new tank.
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  #16  
Old 01/01/2008, 03:52 PM
Zestay Zestay is offline
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and i wouldnt buy a 55 gallon tank. horrible foot print.
  #17  
Old 01/01/2008, 04:15 PM
mudskipper1 mudskipper1 is offline
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If you buy a new tank, I wouldnt buy a 55, not much room for aquascaping. Alright for FW, but a deeper tank front to back is preferable for aquascaping. A 40 Breeder has good dimensions. 36 in.x18inx17in.tall. They are a good tank IMO
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  #18  
Old 01/01/2008, 04:25 PM
McTeague McTeague is offline
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IMHO the 55 shape is one of the crappiest proportions of any tank out there.
 

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