used tank

[stone]

Is it a bad idea to buy a used fresh water tank due to the fact that they might have used Copper? Is there a test?

 

[badoleross]

Mixed bag. Copper can get into the silicone on the tank and as far as I know there is no way to clean that out. Should you get the tank clean the tank with a mixture of either muratic acid and water (1 gallon acid / 100 gallons water) or citric acid (1 1/2 pounds citric per 100 gallons water) thenrinse tank throughy with fresh water. Fill it and let it run for a couple days and then test for copper. If its a good deeal replacing silicone isnt that hard.

 

[stone]

What scares me is that some of the people I have contacted seemed like they bought the whole fish tank kit IE, filter lights , ect and didnt know why I was asking about copper. They all say "no" no copper,but who knows.

 

[merredeth]

Just make sure if you decide to replace the silicone you get one for aquarium use.
There is chemicals in the regular stuff to prevent mold problems from what I am told and the chemicals will leach out into the system and kill off fish and/or inverts.
There is a copper test you can buy for under $12.00 if memory serves me correctly.
Denise M.