opinions please

[gpd124]

I am new to the saltwater fish world and had a few questions.
One of our locally owned pet stores is getting out of the saltwater business and has decided to sell of their tanks and related equipment. They currently have a 180 gallon tank and stand with a sump, skimmer, and filter. They are asking 750 dollars for the set up. The stand needs refinished, but that won't be a big deal. The tanks were all operational within the last 6 months. I know this is a good deal, but was wondering what everyones opinion on used tanks was.
Additionally, the tank size in question would really only fit along one of our walls in the living room. Our 32 inch tv will also be along this wall in the corner (probably about a foot or two from the tank). It is a tube tv, so it won't give off as much heat as a plasma or lcd, but I wasn't sure if the heat it gives off would be a problem.

 

[scsinet]

Welcome to the boards!
You can expect a 180g AGA (All Glass Aquarium brand) tank with built in overflows to fetch at least $700 new. So if you have all that other stuff with it, you should be in pretty good shape, and provided the silicon is intact, and the stand is structurally sound, you should be getting a decent deal.
The heat from the TV should not be a problem, especially since TVs tend to radiate heat upwards, not sideways.
What I'd be more concerned about is the floor of your living room, if you are on a basement or second floor, etc. If you are on a concrete slab, you're golden, but a 180g tank wtih live rock and all equipment will weight something on the order of 2,500-3,000lbs. Most wooden floors should be evaluated for structural handling as this exceeds the live load capacity of most floors.

 

[gpd124]

Is there anyway to visually inspect the silicon. The tank is currently empty. The owner of the store said there are no leaks or anything, but I am generally a little leary of a salespersons word.

 

[scsinet]

Especially if they are going out of business... they have nothing to lose by lying...
Simply compare the condition of the silicon to a new tank. You should see nice even silicon with no chips or missing chunks... clean lines along the corners.
WHen you attempt to slip a fingernail or credit card under the edge of a silicon seam, it should resist a gentle attempt to slip under. If it tears or chunks, you either shouldn't buy or be prepared to reseal.
Pressing down on a blob of silicon (look along the top edge) the material should be very firm but give under a bit of finger pressure.

 

[gpd124]

Thank you for your advice. Since the store has closed for the evening, I think the wife and I will be heading back tommorow to look the tank over again.