Can I use this tank?

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong forum.

A coworker gave me a 20 gallon tall tank that he used previously for his snakes (since outgrown). The only blemish I saw was that the bottom frame had a split. I filled it with water and put it on the deck for a few days and it had no issues, but I as they are part structural I didn't want to use it as is. I went out and got some JB Weld and applied some to the split area and while I think it should be ok, was kinda hoping others with more experience can tell me if something like that will hold. If it helps, the package of JB Weld says it has 3960 PSI strength and does bond plastic.

Any help/insight is greatly appreciated.

BTW, great site, very informative.

I've attached a pic of the current "weld" repair.

 

Welcome to FishLore!

Have you tried filling it and letting it sit after bonding it?

See if it breaks, then if it doesn't keep an eye on it in the future.

Maybe somebody who knows more about the product you used will see this and know more.

Good Luck!

 

HI there and welcome to Fishlore !
I don't think there's a problem since you filled it and it didn't leak for days, so maybe just to be extra cautious, silicone it a bit on top of the JB Weld and it should be okay.
Good luck and have fun with the tank!

 

Welcome to fishlore

Is it just the outer frame that is cracked? There's no damage to the tank itself?

If the tank is un-damaged, then you're fine. The frame itself is more for aesthetics, a trimming if you will, and wouldn't affect the structural integrity of the tank.

 

Thanks for all the replies, I'm looking forward to getting it going this weekend. Too bad I still need all the other accessories; looking around it looks cheaper to buy the box store kits rather than the hood, light, filter etc that I need

 

Starter kits are great, but often under-spec'd, and not as versatile as building your own system.

Also - just want to check, this 20H, it was made as an aquarium, not a terrarium? Terrariums aren't suited for use as an aquarium.

 

He said it was a fish tank prior to using for snakes, but how would you tell the difference?

 

It's probably ok. Generally the thickness of the glass will tell you. Aquariums would be minimum 6mm glass (about 1/4" I think) and more than likely have clear silicone.

 

Id like to mention, make sure you give it a good wash of course. Especially if it was used with snakes, if you keep any reptiles in your house id advise an ammonia wash for it. As the others have said, fill er up and if she holds then hopefully she will hold.

 

Hmmm, glass is def .25" thick and vertical seams are clear but bottom glass is black sealant, does that mean reptile tank?

 

Nope, I'd say you are good to go! (after a good cleaning)

 

Thanks ryanr (looks like you don't sleep much either lol)

 

Thanks ryanr (looks like you don't sleep much either lol)

You're welcome - I actually sleep plenty, but I'm in Australia - so I'm generally asleep during your day time

It's my second favourite hobby (sleeping)

 

Meh, I'm a teenager in highschooll, between homework, social life and maintaining social standing, I must pick 2. Who needs sleep anyways.

 

Hmm, looks like this ended up being a moot question. Was going to go out today to look for the rest of the parts to get the tank up and running and ran across a Craigslist ad, $60 for a 37 gallon with everything and a stand. Boy did I jump at it. Brought it home, cleaned it up (with ammonia) and installing a couple more 2x4s for support on the stand (walmart version but not bad and goes with the decor of the man cave). Forget the tank or stand, the rest of it all had to be worth at least 150, so I'm quite happy. I'll just relegate the 20H to back up duties (I won't try a 2nd tank for a while until the wife is used to the first).

Thanks again to everyone's input.

Now off to get some pool filter sand and then read up more stickies!