How to vet a 125 gallon tank for sale?

There is a FB marketplace listing for a "100 gallon tank". I've been on the search for a 125 and it looks very very similar to many 125's I've looked at. The owner doesn't have a tape measure (or apparently any measuring device) so he can't get me the exact measurements. There are also no brand stickers on it that they can see. They kept bearded dragons in the tank and are getting rid of it because it's too big, takes up too much space. Assuming it is actually a 125 gallon, how do I vet the brace (the pic suggests 1 center brace), silicone, and glass thickness to make sure it's good enough to fill with water? The owner said all reptile tanks are made to hold water so I'd be fine, but I don't believe him at all after a quick google search of "are reptile tanks ok to use as aquariums?". The post's pic of the tank is attached

 

When reptiles involved, i always wonder about how clawed up the silicon is.

 

Also the litter used for reptiles will dry out the silicon. Tank looks like a 125. But the first thing I’m seeing is it standing on its side. Tank wasn’t made to put that much pressure on its side. Best to move on. As is you’d have to reseal it for it to be safe.

 

If you decide to look at it with a view to buying it....as Betta'sAnonymous rightly says, check the state of the seals and reseal if in any doubt. Using an aquarium for fish after another animal is always a risk but before using it for fish careful sterilisation with Miltons (baby bottle sterilising fluid) and allowing it to air dry will usually remove any toxicity or past health issues. The bracing is repairable with care if required, you can always double up bracing for peace of mind using perspex or glass and waterproof/animal safe adhesive.

From the photo is looks decent but only a closer inspection of every seal, checking for silicone damage and glass damage will be essential obviously.

 

There are most definitely reptile only tanks that look very similar to an aquarium but have thinner glass. Although they are water tight they are not meant to hold the pressure of the water.

Sometimes they have less bracing, but sometimes they even use the same plastic rims and just thinner glass. I would look for a paper or plastic tag under a bottom brace. You could also test glass thickness with a caliper. Alternately, take a tape measure and scale with you compare the tanks dry weight to one of the same size on the all glass aquarium dimensions/weight chart.

As was started above, be sure to inspect the silicone as many reptiles will claw at it.

 

Also the litter used for reptiles will dry out the silicon. Tank looks like a 125. But the first thing I’m seeing is it standing on its side. Tank wasn’t made to put that much pressure on its side. Best to move on. As is you’d have to reseal it for it to be safe.

Yeah I noticed that too and wondered about that. Thanks for confirming my instincts.

The temptation is they're selling it for $125. And the next closest to that price of a 125 I've seen in a year of searching has be $300. I'm not in any rush to buy. I have my 75G and 50G that I'm satisfied with right now. The 6ft long 125 gallon is my "dream" tank. Where I think I could really stop increasing in size and just keep one big tank to work on. So I'm just waiting for the right opportunity to get one.

 

But are any of them actually selling? I’ve got at least 10 within 30 miles of me for sale for some stupid prices but none sell. I’ve bought acrylics for under $200. These are big hard to get rid of items!! Most just want them gone . If your up for the challenge of fixing it offer him $75 for it. Remember your really just taking his garbage .