Unsure if I can use this old tank (Help plz!)

I bought a used 30 Gallon aquarium for the sump from a LFS. It looked alright when I got it, but when I brought it home and put it under some good lighting something kind of irked me about it.

The glass has kinda of a rainbow-ish (purple/greenish) stain all around on it. I spent the last 30 minutes or so rubbing the heck outta it with water/vinegar but as soon as the glass dries you can see it again.

Now since this is a sump, I don't mind the aesthetics part of it. However, if the stains are from a chemical of some sort, is it possible to hurt my fish tank even though I scrubbed it realllllllly good?

 

It could be, ask the LFS what it was used for and what chemicals were used in it. If any copper was used in it you will not want to use it for your sump if you are keeping anything other than fish.

 

I would give your lfs a call and see what exactly they used it for or if somebody brought it in to them for a trade or something.

 

I'm 90% sure its brought it to them by someone. I asked them and he said they dont even Leak test them and to do it when I got home...

 

Ok I just called him. He has no idea what would cause it. He said he doesnt know who brought it in or what was in it. He said it just might be the type of glass? He said I could bring it back if I wanted...

 

I think I would take it back.

 

In that case better safe then sorry imo. Get a brand new 30.

 

Ugghhhhh... I really don't wanna drop 100 bucks on a brand new tank for a sump lol. Plus the LFS isnt exactly close.

There is still risk even if I srub it like hell with vinegar and really hot water?

 

Is it glass? If so, it could be tempered, as that over time will put a funny haze on the glass. Or if they had that reflective background stuff on it, that can do it also. I would just fill it up and test it for copper. If it checks out OK, then your fine.

 

id take it back instead of risking the 'what if' and later regretfully having to remove hundreds in corals....