Ready to upgrade! This a good buy??

Hi guys.

Just graduated RN school and got hired yesterday! I'm ready to get that dream tank going!

I currently have a 29 gallon FOWLR that is having major algae problems. I was going to do a major overhaul on it, including adding a sump and fuge, and building a stand.

I figure if I'm going to go through with all of that, I may as well do it for a tank I really want!

My ideal size for my space at this point in time is a 55g. There are several on craigs, and I'm in no hurry, but this seems like a good deal;

55 gallon fish tank w/ oak base

they've posted several times in a row, so they obviously need it gone. I'm thinking if I offer 85 they'd prolly take it.

My only concern is the small workspace provided by the doors underneath. Think it'd be safe structure wise if I cut a bigger hole and made bigger cabinet doors? I'd also stain that oak something wayyy darker.

Let me know what you think!

 

it is a good deal, as long as, it was built as an aquarium and not a reptile tank. You can look at the lip on the top an usually tell. People sometimes don't know what they have, or they think because it will hold a little bit of water, that it can be used as an aquarium. A reptile tank will not be able to hold the pressure that the tank will put it through and it will bust.

If it has a screen top that interlocks with the top= reptile tank
If it has a lip on the inside of the rim, to hold a aqaurium hood= Aqaurium

I hope I've made sense

 

Most times they have a bigger opening in back so if you plan ahead you can the stuff under there brfore you add any water. People also end up cutting up/out sumps with a sawzall for this reason. Maybe you could put the back as the front and then add doors and a new skin. You would end up with all the structural integrity.
Also I would be cautious of reptile set ups that someone says are water tight. Even if they honestly think they are, things could have changed since it last held water. You probably already know that though.

 

I'd ask the seller to fill it up with freshwater and then take a drive over there and verify that it is not leaking. As far as the stand goes, you should be ok putting in some bigger doors even if you have to add a couple extra vertical 2X4 supports. You could always build a new stand all together too. JM2C

 

I've seen quite a few people who put a door in the side also.

 

Good call on the reptile tank. I'd rather not take a chance.

This looks a little more promising, and I way prefer the black stand:

Aquarium (55 gal) for sale

 

Looks better

 

I thought so too.

My only concern is scratches on the glass. It seems those are tough to get rid of.

I'll have to go take a look.

 

I saw those too. I agree could be tough. If they aren't that bad look into jewelers paste to rub the scratches out.

 

Heres what I think you should get: large aquarium reef ready Its a little more expensive, but better quality.