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I didn't know where to post this topic--so feel free to move it wherever it needs to be. Anyways, I was going to get a 55 gallon tank for Christmas, but found out that my boyfriend's parents have a tank in their basement that I could take now if I wanted. It has been sitting down there for a few year though. What do I need to do to make sure that it won't leak? How do I go about resealing it if it needs to be? Should I just fill it up in the bathtub or something and see if it leaks?
Thanks
Jen

Visually inspect the seals for damage, aging or shrinkage.....fill up in the tub and leave it 24 hours to check for leaks, and if you need to reseal, its easy, but will take a few hours.
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/cannon_usedtank.html

jenbabe256

As the tank has not been used for some time it certainly would require a good resealing, especally if is an older tank.

Keith

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Do not fill it up in the bath tub. The curvature of the tub bottom will not support the tank properly and this could lead to some stress, cracks and leaks. Fill it up and leave outside if worried. When you do fill it up leave it for a couple of days just to ensure no leaks. Also inspect the silicon at each corner where the two glass pieces form a 90' angle. A light that will illuminate the water will help. Compare the silicon that glue the piece together before filling and after the tank is full. You should not be able to see stretching, bubbling, or white lines of stress forming in the silicon. I got a used 66g that sat dry for a couple years. It was leaking when filled full, also I noticed the silicon at the corners that hold the panels together showing white stretch marks.
goodluck...........openwater

Do not fill it up in the bath tub. The curvature of the tub bottom will not support the tank properly

You must have a much smaller tub than I.

A 55g wouldn't fit too well in my tub either...it's slightly curved and not level at all (so water will drain out), and a 55g would surely crack.

Personally, I'd put it outside on a flat, level surface before filling

Good luck

So, should I refill first and see if it has any leaks or just assume that it should be resealed? Also, I read the article suggested before, but I don't get how to scrape off the old silicone. Do I scrape it completely off until I just have the free pieces of glass or do I leave enough to have it remaining standing. This seems like a big pain...would it be easier to just buy a new one?
Thanks for all your replies so far and sorry for all the questions...I just want to get it right and not have 55 gallons of water all over my apartment and the apartment below mine's floor.

I'd check for leaks on a flat driveway or walkway first (using cardboard underneath as a safety measure). I wouldn't reseal a leaky tank unless I knew what I was doing, which I don't. Buying a new one is going to be a lot safer and in the long run cheaper, especially if your sealing job fails. You might be able to sell it off as a reptile tank or something, though.

After careful consideration, I decided it would be easier and safer for me just to get a new tank. If I lived in my own house instead of an apartment, I would chance the 55 but I if I did try to reseal and it didn't hold, I would have to pay for damage to my apartment and possibly the person underneath me. Better safe than sorry! Thanks for all of your suggestions though!

I was in the same position with that 66g I had, so I went bought new 75g. Jenbabe if you don't have, you should get renters insurance that include possible flood damage coverage incase of aquarium breakage, or make sure yours has that coverage. If unsure call customer service at the insurance company or request when purchasing the policy.

Our apartment has water coverage up to a 55 gallon tank. So, unless I move, I can't get any bigger than a 55 gallon without having to get water insurance.

Thought i might add, even though you might buy a new tank instead, if you leave it out for too long to look for leaks, it might evaporate a bit