What do I do with tank full of scratches?

So, last May I bought a tank off of Craigslist. It was advertised as 50 gallons, and had a plywood stand painted to look like oak or something, that was butt ugly. It came with a cheap light, a ton of rainbow gravel, a disgusting filter, an algae scraper, and an airborne with tubing. It was a great deal and I snatched it up.
The first matter of business was the stand. I took advantage of a June day with my grandpa and we spray painted the stand white and replaced the handles, and it looks pretty good. Then I started cleaning the tank but I realized several things about it that made me ticked off a bit. For one, it wasn't 50 gallons, it was 37. I don't think the older couple who sold me the tank realized they advertised the wrong number of gallons but it still stinks.
For two, all the glass was scratched. It was like someone took sandpaper to it. Why??
For three the glass was tinted blue a little and foggy on top of being scratched everywhere. Also it was one of those tank with the fake wood painted rim. No offense if you have one of those but I think those are ugly, and I will spray paint it if it's safe and if I decide to actually do something with this stinking tank.
So I figured I'd get a new 50 gallon to put on the stand but it's 37 gallons so I cant. And I'm not special ordering a 300+ dollar specially made brand new 37 gallon tank.

So here's my question:
What do I do now? I have the stand I put money and time into but the only thing is the tank to go on top is horrible. Is there anything I can do to fix it? I don't know if it's even worth trying too. I've already tried to buff out the scratches but it doesn't work and the glass is still blue and weird anyway.
I have pretty much given up on it but I don't want to waste a perfectly good tank stand. Any ideas? :/

 

Pictures would help, but you won’t see the scratches as bad once it’s filled with water. Those faux wood tanks are pretty bad. You may be able to peel that junk off with a little heat..
as far as what to do, it’s really up to you. If it hold water and will work I say just fix it up as best you can. Once more $ is available you could order a new tank for your refurbished stand or upgrade to something larger.

 

So, last May I bought a tank off of Craigslist. It was advertised as 50 gallons, and had a plywood stand painted to look like oak or something, that was butt ugly. It came with a cheap light, a ton of rainbow gravel, a disgusting filter, an algae scraper, and an airborne with tubing. It was a great deal and I snatched it up.
The first matter of business was the stand. I took advantage of a June day with my grandpa and we spray painted the stand white and replaced the handles, and it looks pretty good. Then I started cleaning the tank but I realized several things about it that made me ticked off a bit. For one, it wasn't 50 gallons, it was 37. I don't think the older couple who sold me the tank realized they advertised the wrong number of gallons but it still stinks.
For two, all the glass was scratched. It was like someone took sandpaper to it. Why??
For three the glass was tinted blue a little and foggy on top of being scratched everywhere. Also it was one of those tank with the fake wood painted rim. No offense if you have one of those but I think those are ugly, and I will spray paint it if it's safe and if I decide to actually do something with this stinking tank.
So I figured I'd get a new 50 gallon to put on the stand but it's 37 gallons so I cant. And I'm not special ordering a 300+ dollar specially made brand new 37 gallon tank.

So here's my question:
What do I do now? I have the stand I put money and time into but the only thing is the tank to go on top is horrible. Is there anything I can do to fix it? I don't know if it's even worth trying too. I've already tried to buff out the scratches but it doesn't work and the glass is still blue and weird anyway.
I have pretty much given up on it but I don't want to waste a perfectly good tank stand. Any ideas? :/

That tank's got it rough.

 

Isn't a 37 gallon a fairly standard tank in America? Like a 29 but a little taller? I doubt it would cost anything like 300 dollars.

If you were to buy a new tank/stand combo, the stand would be the most expensive part by far, and with a new tank you get the peace of mind that new seals bring. I guess that's the annoyingly optimistic way to think about it.

 

Set it up on the stand outside and make it a planted tank or a turtle tank.

 

Isn't a 37 gallon a fairly standard tank in America? Like a 29 but a little taller? I doubt it would cost anything like 300 dollars.

If you were to buy a new tank/stand combo, the stand would be the most expensive part by far, and with a new tank you get the peace of mind that new seals bring. I guess that's the annoyingly optimistic way to think about it.

I agree. If you're in the US you shouldn't have too much trouble getting a new 37 gallon tank.

 

I agree. If you're in the US you shouldn't have too much trouble getting a new 37 gallon tank.

I have never seen a 37 gallon in michigan

 

Isn't a 37 gallon a fairly standard tank in America? Like a 29 but a little taller? I doubt it would cost anything like 300 dollars.

If you were to buy a new tank/stand combo, the stand would be the most expensive part by far, and with a new tank you get the peace of mind that new seals bring. I guess that's the annoyingly optimistic way to think about it.

Agreed. I find I can find a 37g for about $225.

 

I have never seen a 37 gallon in michigan

I got curious as to how available a 37 might be so I googled '37 gallon aquarium' and found . Honestly though, exact same footprint as a 29, so...

 

I got curious as to how available a 37 might be so I googled '37 gallon aquarium' and found . Honestly though, exact same footprint as a 29, so...

Wow! I’ve looked at that same page before and a 37 has never been an option. maybe they added it in the last year or two?

 

Wow! I’ve looked at that same page before and a 37 has never been an option. maybe they added it in the last year or two?

Yeah, I couldn't imagine it would be too popular. The proportions make no sense. Has anyone ever thought, "I only wish my 29 was four inches taller."

 

That's the first I've ever seen a 37 gallon for sale (besides my crappy one) tbh, I mean it's uncommon at least where I am. I mean its such a random number ya know? I looked for one but couldn't find one the last time I checked, probably wasn't looking hard enough. And if it goes on sale, I'll definitely get a new one, but I can't afford to buy a 100+ dollar tank rn. I always go for the DPG sales at my local pet store.

 

That's the first I've ever seen a 37 gallon for sale (besides my crappy one) tbh, I mean it's uncommon at least where I am. I mean its such a random number ya know? I looked for one but couldn't find one the last time I checked, probably wasn't looking hard enough. And if it goes on sale, I'll definitely get a new one, but I can't afford to buy a 100+ dollar tank rn. I always go for the DPG sales at my local pet store.

Can you get a 29 gallon at a dollar per gallon sale?

 

How did I not think of that? I will check ASAP to see if my store has those! (Its a low populated area and it's a small chain pet store you've never heard of.) If not I can just go to the nearest petco, a little of a drive but it'll be worth it for sure! You have been so helpful.

 

That is assuming it didn't hold some kind of bizarre custom tank, a standard 29 gallon is 30 inches long, 12 inches front to back. Maybe worth measuring before hand just in case.

 

I loved my 37 gallon. Mostly because it was a great size for a pair of angels. Also I guess i'm used to tall tanks and prefer them.

But nevermindignoreme, I sold the old tank for a snake when I bought my 120 gallon used and bought a new tank for my stand. The difference was maybe 50$. That was in 2010.

 

So, last May I bought a tank off of Craigslist. It was advertised as 50 gallons, and had a plywood stand painted to look like oak or something, that was butt ugly. It came with a cheap light, a ton of rainbow gravel, a disgusting filter, an algae scraper, and an airborne with tubing. It was a great deal and I snatched it up.
The first matter of business was the stand. I took advantage of a June day with my grandpa and we spray painted the stand white and replaced the handles, and it looks pretty good. Then I started cleaning the tank but I realized several things about it that made me ticked off a bit. For one, it wasn't 50 gallons, it was 37. I don't think the older couple who sold me the tank realized they advertised the wrong number of gallons but it still stinks.
For two, all the glass was scratched. It was like someone took sandpaper to it. Why??
For three the glass was tinted blue a little and foggy on top of being scratched everywhere. Also it was one of those tank with the fake wood painted rim. No offense if you have one of those but I think those are ugly, and I will spray paint it if it's safe and if I decide to actually do something with this stinking tank.
So I figured I'd get a new 50 gallon to put on the stand but it's 37 gallons so I cant. And I'm not special ordering a 300+ dollar specially made brand new 37 gallon tank.

So here's my question:
What do I do now? I have the stand I put money and time into but the only thing is the tank to go on top is horrible. Is there anything I can do to fix it? I don't know if it's even worth trying too. I've already tried to buff out the scratches but it doesn't work and the glass is still blue and weird anyway.
I have pretty much given up on it but I don't want to waste a perfectly good tank stand. Any ideas? :/

Throw that trash out and buy a new one.

 

I have a 37g. It’s not setup currently. I like it but I’m having trouble deciding a light for it to be able to grow plants... I got it in a kit at Petsmart for 100$ and the heater and filter etc are all still working great they are on the tank I have actually setup and running

 

I have a 37g. It’s not setup currently. I like it but I’m having trouble deciding a light for it to be able to grow plants... I got it in a kit at Petsmart for 100$ and the heater and filter etc are all still working great they are on the tank I have actually setup and running

I can help if you want, just PM me. I keep planted deep tanks

 

I can help if you want, just PM me. I keep planted deep tanks

Oh awesome!! I’ll send you a msg here tonight!!

 

Its a weird custom tank/stand combo and won't fit a normal 29/37. I had hope darn it. Its 36 long, 12 1/2 wide, and 16 tall. (Inches) Whhhyyy

 

Its a weird custom tank/stand combo and won't fit a normal 29/37. I had hope darn it. Its 36 long, 12 1/2 wide, and 16 tall. (Inches) Whhhyyy

That should fit a 30 gallon tank... my 30 is 36" x 12-1/2"

 

Thanks!

 

Its a weird custom tank/stand combo and won't fit a normal 29/37. I had hope darn it. Its 36 long, 12 1/2 wide, and 16 tall. (Inches) Whhhyyy

Is the top of the stand a solid piece?

 

Just my two cents, if you don't keep the scratched up nasty looking tank, donate it to a thrift store. Some kid is going to pick it up and be thrilled that they can start their first tank bigger than they expected. Trust me, I was that kid who couldn't afford a tank and was so excited when I found one at the thrift store.

 

Is the top of the stand a solid piece?

Nope. It's one of those stands that's just the edges.

Just my two cents, if you don't keep the scratched up nasty looking tank, donate it to a thrift store. Some kid is going to pick it up and be thrilled that they can start their first tank bigger than they expected. Trust me, I was that kid who couldn't afford a tank and was so excited when I found one at the thrift store.

Will do.

 

Nope. It's one of those stands that's just the edges.

So annoying. This stand clearly hates you.

 

So annoying. This stand clearly hates you.

I really am not having any good luck with it. Hopefully one day I will have a beautiful planted tank on it. One day...

 

(Skip to the last paragraph for a summary.)
So, I am back here again. I still haven't got a new tank to put on my refurbished stand, and I need some advice. So there are two options, I can get a 30 gallon on it, or a 38 gallon. I called every pet store within about 25 miles and none have a 38. I really don't want a 30. That really limits my plans, but it looks like I don't have a choice.
(I wanted ideally a 50 gallon, but we know how that went. The only way I could afford a tank and the stand would be off of Craigslist, which probably won't be happening any time too soon. I mean there are pretty much 0 fish people in my area, finding good second hand aquarium deals or any selection is fairly rare.)

But yesterday I checked and on Craigslist in my town someone is selling a 40 gallon for 65 bucks, and it looks like new. I am not 100% sure but it's probably a 40 gallon breeder, and pretty much everyone knows about the sweet deal you can get on a double stand for those at Lowe's or Home Depot for 60-80 dollars. But I already have this stinking stand, and my parents are trying to not get a bunch of stuff because we are possibly moving this summer if our stinking house ever sells.

So to summarize, I can get a 30, and use it on the stand I already have, but I don't want a 30 gallon. It's an investment, and I can either go big or go home with this. Or I can try to convince my parents to let me get a 40 (which I actually want), but they may say no, and I can't get both, I don't have the room, + we are possibly going to move this summer if we sell our house. If we move, I will be getting them both, no one will be able to stop me, plus a 20 gallon for QT. (I already have a spare stand, and then a sponge filter is like 15 bucks, and obviously DPG. )

Should I try and go for the forty? Or settle for thirty. Or just wait and see if we move. Even though that's what I've don't for a year now pretty much.