Need advice regarding purchasing used acrylic aquarium setup with crazing

[tigrinner]

Hi all.

I’m looking to buy a used 180 acrylic
Age unknown. Current owner bought it used from a Chinese restaurant owner who kept it outside at some point after when he emptied the tank. The tank has multiple what looks like scratches that are within the acrylic panel itself and can not be felt on either side of the glass, so it is not scratches. Im pretty sure this is crazing, and I want to know If it is still a good buy or something to avoid altogether. The owner said that he bought the tank with the marks already there but said he might have made it worst using windex on the tank. I have also heard from a petstore owner that when you move an acrylic tank that has been in place for years that the acrylic panels that sort of molded to the stand and leveling of the floor shift when you move the tank and weaken the seams. Anyone agree with that? Anyhoot please share your experience purchasing used acrylic tanks, experience with crazing, if this tank is a good buy or a bad investment, or is it better to buy used tanks in glass than acrylic esp 100 g and up ? Thanks

 

[tlindsey]

Hi all.

I’m looking to buy a used 180 acrylic
Age unknown. Current owner bought it used from a Chinese restaurant owner who kept it outside at some point after when he emptied the tank. The tank has multiple what looks like scratches that are within the acrylic panel itself and can not be felt on either side of the glass, so it is not scratches. Im pretty sure this is crazing, and I want to know If it is still a good buy or something to avoid altogether. The owner said that he bought the tank with the marks already there but said he might have made it worst using windex on the tank. I have also heard from a petstore owner that when you move an acrylic tank that has been in place for years that the acrylic panels that sort of molded to the stand and leveling of the floor shift when you move the tank and weaken the seams. Anyone agree with that? Anyhoot please share your experience purchasing used acrylic tanks, experience with crazing, if this tank is a good buy or a bad investment, or is it better to buy used tanks in glass than acrylic esp 100 g and up ? Thanks

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I found this and there are a couple more threadshttps://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/weld-40-annealed.579369/#post-6881642
Hopefully someone soon with experience will chime in.

 

[Lepisosteus]

Doesn’t look to be along the joints from the pics so weldon 40 will do nothing. They likely cleaned the tank with alcohol, acetone or solvent based product which results in crazing anywhere throughout the panel. They can be buffed out in some circumstances but not always. I would pass on it unless it’s cheap and a fish room tank as opposed to show tank. Structurally it is fine.

 

[Lepisosteus]

I personally would feel safer with a used or new acrylic tank as opposed to glass

 

[Lepisosteus]

The owner said that he bought the tank with the marks already there but said he might have made it worst using windex on the tank.

Bingo. Exactly what caused the internal stress marks.

 

[Lepisosteus]

I have also heard from a petstore owner that when you move an acrylic tank that has been in place for years that the acrylic panels that sort of molded to the stand and leveling of the floor shift when you move the tank and weaken the seams.

Yes it is true that acrylic tanks will contort to the stand over time. Stress to the seams is not an issue unless Immediately filled. After moving it onto a new stand give it a remoulding period. Leave them empty on the new stand for a few days, half full with water for a week, then fully fill with water. It will contort to the new stand. I would not recommend filling any acrylic tank all at once, new or used.

With thinner material such as the 1/2” likely used on that tank, it will reform to the new stand quickly.

 

[Lookingforcooter]

so, i wouldn't have to worry about the tank exploding, or leaking?

 

[Lepisosteus]

so, i wouldn't have to worry about the tank exploding, or leaking?

Not in my opinion

 

[NCHornet]

I agree it's a cosmetic defect not structural. But that would drive my anal self insane having to look at that all the time. I would look for another tank, preferbally glass, but that's me.
Later
NCH