I've bought my first tank, may I get some basic questions answered?

[rgauvin]

So, a friend of mine helped me find a tank online that meets almost all of my requirements. So it looks like I am most likely going to be buying my first tank this weekend. As it has been "previously enjoyed" is there any way to test whether a tank has a leak other then filling it with water? and is it appropriate to ask someone to fill a tank with tap water to make sure it doesn't leak? Sadly the listing isn't on OVAS so I am a little more nervous about buying the tank as I feel I have zero recourse if it does leak.

Is elbow grease and a water/vinegar mix the best way to clean a tank? and if so, what sort of ratios are we talking about?

I am going to need to get a glass/lid made for the tank. As it isn't a plain rectangular tank, the odds are high that I may have to get one custom cut, are there any local companies someone could suggest for that?

*update* tank has been bought, came with tones of things and was a great deal. Does anyone know if any local vendors stock aqua illumination sol lights? *update*

[touchofsky]

I have used vinegar, coarse salt, and a razor to clean aquariums.  When using the blade, make sure the glass is wet and use the flat side so you won't scratch the tank.  An old credit card is also good for scraping.
I have a tank that is slightly the wrong size for a standard glass canopy, and I bought a glass canopy that was just a bit big and took it in and had the glass cut down.  You can also buy the hinge separately and then get the glass panels cut.  I don't live in Ottawa, so can't recommend a glass cutter, unfortunately.
As for asking the seller to fill the tank, I suppose it would depend how big it is and how cooperative a person they are

[rgauvin]

yeah, the tank is listed as 40 gallons, not huge, but still a pain  to fill with tap water just to prove it doesn't leak.

thanks for the tip about getting a canopy that is too big and cutting it down. that seems alot simpler (and most likely cheaper) then asking a shop to make one.

[Fishnut]

Have a look at the silicone on the tank.  If it looks like it's separated from the glass at any point, it will likely leak.  Also ask how long the tan has been empty.  If it has been over a year, there is a chance.  You can always re-silicone a tank, so you're not going to be completely out if it leaks.  All you need is a razor blade to scrape all the old silicone out and buy the silicone that is meant for aquarium use.  You can get it an the LFS or any home reno store.

However you want to wash it, make sure it is extremely well rinsed...no soap though.

I have used M&T Glass for getting one piece lids cut.  I didn't know I could get the hinge separately though.

@touchofsky, where did you get the hinge?

[bizfromqc]

I just had some pieces of glass cut at European Glass on Bank St. downtown. It was for a 20G high so I needed two pieces of roughly 24" x 5" and the grand total for the glass, polishing and taxes was about 13$. Mind you I got 3mm thick glass because the panels weren't too long but if you're going to go 30" on longer on one panel, I'd definitely get 4-5mm glass and possibly a center brace or just have two independent panels.

As for the other components, I bought a 30" plastic hinge (8$) and another 30" of clear plastic panel (7$) for the back (that you can cut holes in for your wires/components) from BA on Innes Rd. So grand total for this was less than 30$. I could have just bought a Perfecto glass canopy (that has the EXACT same components) but I couldn't because I have a Hagen tank and it wouldn't fit the top rim (too short) of my tank. Hagen does make a sliding top but I wanted a hinged one instead.

I also went to town removing silicone on a 25G tank (30" x 12" x 16") about a week and a half ago. Its a bit of work but totally worth it in my opinion to have the piece of mind 

I took an assortment of razor blades and elbow grease to remove the old silicone. You just have to be sure not to cut the seal between the panels and only remove the inside silicone. I then used painter's tape to make some nice joints between the panels and used GE II silicone to redo the whole thing.

I was told to wait at least 7 days before introducing any water to the tank. I have yet to put water in it but I'm confident it will hold 100%.

Hope this helps.

[rgauvin]

cripes I didn't even think of M&T glass lol honestly, the fact that the tank had no glass top was the largest downside to this tank... if I can get one made for ~30$ I'm ridiculously happy!

[Greatwhite]

Before buying a glass top, you should know that there are several arguments against using them - but in the end it's really up to you.

1) they reflect some of the light rather than allowing it unrestricted to the tank, so you won't be getting full effectiveness of your lights.

2) you will constantly be dealing with salt buildup and algae growth on the glass, also blocking light.

3) they prevent evaporation, which is actually a pretty important part of gas exchange in a tank.  You won't have to top up constantly with one, but you trap CO2 (etc) in the inch or 2 between the water and the glass.

4) heat buildup may become an issue...

There are people who have glass tops and swear by them...  They usually will recommend starphire glass, which reflects something like 30% less light than regular glass because it is clearer (and a bit more expensive, I assume).

I've heard more from people who say not to use glass for a top.  If you plan on keeping fish prone to jumping, the recommendation is to get some sort of plastic to cut into a top.  Some people use that egg crate stuff, others use plastic chicken wire and build a plastic frame for it.

I had a glass top on my tank in the past, but am now topless since I bought an auto-top-off system.

[rgauvin]

hmm, all very good points Greatwhite. I think I want the top for 2 reasons,

1) I don't want to loose any jumpers.
2) I don't want one of my cats playing in the water.

I'll definitely have to consider the egg crate idea, to be honest, I never thought of it.

[touchofsky]

I bought my hinge online from Mail Order Pet Supplies.  I order quite a bit from this supplier.  The owner is great.
Here is a link to the website page with the glass canopies and supplies to make canopies.
http://www.aquariumsupplies.ca/glass-canopies-c-1_111.html

[Dakotamay]

I have always used egg crate cut to fit my tank. I swear by it on smaller tanks. My cat never made it collapse when getting up on top. Never had anyone jump on me either.

Recently we upgraded to a 180 gal and with our closed loop return set up being around the top on the euro bracing we couldn't use egg crate. So, here's a second idea for thought. We went with regular plastic window screen. Cut to fit around the top of the closed loop return piping and held in place by that as it weighs enough with the water in it. I would say after using this. I'd not go back to egg crate. However, ours is now completely hidden in the canopy and you can't see it. The egg crate is much more visually appealing as it sits right down inside on the rim of the tank and is flush to the top when cut to fit right.

I hope that helps give you some feedback and maybe another idea to explore. Good luck and enjoy your new tank.

[rgauvin]

well, I picked up the tank, I think it was a steal of a deal.

37 gallon flat backed hex
sump
stand
a couple heaters
all the piping
sunpod 150W (and 4 spare bulbs)
two return pumps
a couple miscellaneous odds and ends

the sunpod has burnt out LED's so it'll do just fine for daylight, but I may look into a new light anyway.

Does anyone know if any vendors in the ottawa area carrie (and regularly have stock) of aqua illumination sol lights?

[delslo]

Ray stocks the AI lighting

[Severum]

I've had several fish jump through eggcrate. I'd suggest going with a small mesh and window screening. I think there is a thread on its DIY build somewhere on here.

Here it is, sorta
http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?topic=46384.0

[rgauvin]

I've had several fish jump through eggcrate. I'd suggest going with a small mesh and window screening. I think there is a thread on its DIY build somewhere on here.

Here it is, sorta
http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?topic=46384.0

thanks for the heads up. I found some black egg crate in the classifieds I am going to try, but should i have issues, that will be a great plan B