Beth1965

What do you think about using a reptile tank for fish? It's on craigslist--20 gal long used for reptiles for 1 1/2 yr.
Beth

alicem

I don't know, Beth, I've see ads for those tanks and the #1 worry is "is the glass strong enough to hold water".
Is it is an aquarium that they used for a reptile, or is it made specifically for reptile use only?
Is there any way you could find out the thickness of the glass, then compare it to a standard 20G fish tank glass thickness?

The next thing that worries me is the reptile urine. Does it get obsorbed into the silicone caulk?
Will it be released when the tank is full of water? Can it be cleaned from the silicone?

Also, has the reptile chewed on the caulking and loosened it so that you would need to re-seal it?

Hopefully someone will have some first hand answers and advice for you,
alicem

Beth1965

You know what? You came up with many more questions than I had. I am oging to cross off this reptile tank. Thanks
Beht

Shawnie

3 of my tanks were reptile ones....I asked the owners to have them filled with water when I got there to make sure no leaks...then we dumped it and I checked the silicone around the entire tanks..(reptiles will sometimes claw at the silicone) once the go thru was good, I bought them and cleaned them with 19 parts water to one part bleach...then thoroughly rinsed with hot water...got some amazing deals selling as reptile tanks so if it were me, I wouldnt cross them off but im a tank junky

Beth1965

I am sooooooo desperate for a 20 long tank. The person hasn't replied to me (yet) from craigslist, so we'll see.
Thanks for the encouragment.

Shawnie

wont say I wish you were closer but, I WISH YOU WERE CLOSER
goodluck on your reply..I hope you hear something!

turtleguy81

Reptile tanks are not strong enough to hold water.. they are made with thinner glass and weaker caulk... I have a 35 long and put water in it for my turtle and it lasted a while until it blew out the bottom ... luckily it wasn't all at once but it ruined the tank and I had to buy a new one like that day... As for the urine... no it doesn't seep into the caulk... jus wash it out with vinegar and water and it takes the smell and the stains out... jus rinse very well... I do this for my snapping turtle.. and it works well...

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore turtleguy81
Please keep an eye on thread dates as this one is months old and im sure she has figured this out

turtleguy81

Oh... wow it sure is... lol my bad thanx