Buying a used 180g Clarity Plus Aquarium - Advice 8/28/10
Hello-
<Hiya - Darrel here>
I came across a deal for a 180gallon Clarity Plus used aquarium, $1200 for the stand, tank, hood, 4 VHO lights, overflows, sump, pumps, UV, etc. It was used for 5 years, and has been recently broken down. I plan to store the tank until I have a space big enough to set it up in as a saltwater tank.
<OK>
My questions for you:
<If I'd known there was going to be a test I'd have studied '¦.>
1) What are the typical expected life of an acrylic tank,
<There isn't exactly a service life for acrylic material, Doug. Away from UV (sunlight) the material is stable and inert. There are public aquariums that have had acrylic viewing panels for decades with no deterioration other than the normal scratches and crazing>
<What's really at issue is how much STRESS has been placed on the tank. Moving, leveling, water loads, etc. You can have seam separation on a 3 month old tank if handled incorrectly.>
-- and what is the reputation of Clarity Plus?
<Clarity is owned and operated by the same people that make Sea Clear which has been around for many years.>
2) Any tips for transport and are there any considerations for storing the unit other than empty, out of direct sunlight?.
<Yes. The you haven't mentioned if we're talking months or years, but the main problems will be the natural deterioration of the peripheral products - the lights should be dismantled and the sockets cleaned of any corrosion. Make sure they are BONE dry and then wrap them in cellophane to keep them air tight.>
<usually the flexible tubing is a total loss because they harden "in place" over time and the ends never fit snuggly when reattached, so plan on replacing them when you do set up. That said, you might keep them anyway because they old ones holding their shape is a great way to know how to assemble everything when that day comes>
<Make sure your sumps, overflows, UV sterilizer, etc. are all well, Well, WELL rinsed in fresh water (tap water will do) and allowed to dry completely. Everything that is submersible should be soaked in fresh water - with as much as one cup of chlorine bleach per 5 gallons for an hour, then soaked overnight in plain tap water. Then (again) allowed to be bone dry before storage>
<IMPORTANT: If you have Mag-drive pumps and you plan to store for more than a few months, disassemble them and remove the impellers! Sitting idle inside the iron core causes them to lose their magnetism and then you have to buy new>
<As far as the tank itself, the cleaning is equally important but a little more problematic. You can't really SCRUB an acrylic tank, but you really want to remove any mineral deposits and water spots before putting it safely into storage (more on that at the end)>
3) The tank has some hairline scratches and crazing at the joints (front-to-side panels) which I read in a plast blog was to be expected; other than that it looks to be in good condition.
<yep>
Before I store it and again before setting up I plan to water test it for leaks.
<I wouldn't test it BEFORE storage '¦ except to the extent of the cleaning and rinsing - and here's why: Filling an aquarium puts a great deal of stress on it. It's designed for it, of course, but it's still stress. Moving and handling a tank during the purchasing, the transporting, cleaning and storage are additional and different kids of stress. Setting up and leveling the stand, placing the tank, verifying that everything is 'just right' prior to filling the tank -- only to turn around and drain it is adding stress that will only -- at the very BEST -- tell you nothing important when you go to set it up & test again months later.>
Would you recommend reinforcing the joints prior to set up even if it doesn't leak given the crazing?
<You can if you want to and some would say it can't HURT '¦ but you asked if I'd recommend it and I say no.>
How would I go about this - just reapply weld-on over the existing joints or actually weld-on square rod at each of the internal joints (bottoms, sides, top)? What size square-rod would you recommend (though I'd probably do this through a reputable shop).
<It's really an art form. Placing the material "just right" so that the bonding agent flows EVENLY via capillary action is something that usually takes many, many attempts before it's mastered. If you do it wrong, the seams, the bubbles and voids show up like sore thumbs. If you really want to, see if you can't get the plastic store to do it for you.>
Thanks for the help - I am excited about the tank but have nightmares reading the stories of seam failures.
<Welcome to our world. When it's time to set it up, make sure that the test setup is perfectly flat and level before making your "test" fill and then take great care in it's final move and placement and you'll be fine>
Doug

SeaClear Problem/Tank Selection 2/3/10
Dear Sir,
<James>
I wanted to start by saying you have a very helpful site!
<Thank you, glad you enjoy/use.>
I have been in the process of setting up my first FOWLR tank for about two months but have run into a pretty big problem. I have tried to order a SeaClear 46 gallon bowfront tank from several locations. There is something going on at that company and no one can get my tank. The problem I have is I already have a stand, lighting system, and filtration system geared for this tank (unpacked and boxes tossed). Could you please suggest an acrylic tank that I can still use my equipment with? I am sure I want acrylic. I really like the look of bowfronts but am not married to the idea. The lighting system is a Current 36' two 96 watt bulb setup with legs to raise it off the tank top. I was told it cannot be used with a hood without retrofit. The stand is not as big a deal to me. It's an Aquatics Fundamentals with measurements of 37' wide and 16.5 deep. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I am so frustrated I am almost ready to get out of the hobby before I begin. I already have so much invested!
<Have you tried ordering direct from PetSmart or Petco? It appears to me they have this tank in stock.
James (Salty Dog)>
Thank You
Welcome, enjoy the new tank my friend.

Re: SeaClear Problem, sourcing  -- 2/3/10
Yes Sir I have tried both with no luck. PetSmart actually made me wait 30 days after assuring me it was coming. Then they emailed and said they could not get it, needless to say I was NOT impressed! It seems several places claim it is in stock when it actually comes from the SeaClear factory. I have not found a new one anywhere where it is actually at the retailer when you order, just used ones at places like EBay. Thanks again!
<Sorry for butting in here, but I'd contact them (SeaClear/Tradewind/CASCO) directly: http://www.casco-group.com/USFS-seaclear.html
Assuredly, they will be able to direct you to a source for their products. Cheers, Bob Fenner, who bought/sold a few million dollars worth back in the early nineties (for Petco)>

Re SeaClear Problem 2/4/10
Yes Sir I have tried both with no luck. PetSmart actually made me wait 30 days after assuring me it was coming. Then they emailed and said they could not get it, needless to say I was NOT impressed! It seems several places claim it is in stock when it actually comes from the SeaClear factory. I have not found a new one anywhere where it is actually at the retailer when you order, just used ones at places like EBay. Thanks again!
<Sorry for butting in here, but I'd contact them (SeaClear/Tradewind/CASCO) directly: http://www.casco-group.com/USFS-seaclear.html
Assuredly, they will be able to direct you to a source for their products. Cheers, Bob Fenner, who bought/sold a few million dollars worth back in the early nineties (for Petco)>
<<Mr. Fenner has said it all. Good luck in your quest. James (Salty Dog)>>

55 Gallon SeaClear Bowing   8/28/09
I recently acquired a used 55 gallon SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium that has some scratches (not enough to upset me) for $100.
I did some buffing, washed it down with vinegar water and put 3 inches of washed Pool Filter sand in the bottom. Over the past several days I have been filling it up. I am disabled and can't do too much at one time. At any rate the water level is now up to 4 inches from the top and I am concerned about the bowing. The Back panel which is black Acrylic appears to be flat as a board with no bowing what-so-ever. The front panel however is a different story. It is bowed out 3/4 of an inch in the center of the tank measured from end to end. There isn't any crazing that I can see or cracks and the seams look alright to me but this is the first Acrylic Aquarium I have owned and only the 4th or fifth aquarium in 60 years. I'm a NOVICE big time and I don't want to have to clean up 55 gallons of water from a new floor that (wood veneer over concrete) nor do I want to lose my 3 year old pet Bluegill who wags his whole body as soon as I come in the room and eats from my hand.
<Lepomis spp. are very intelligent, companionable>
I don't think Sunfish life expectancy is that long anyway and I will feel bad when he dies of old age.
<Oh, can live for a few decades>
I don't want to lose him sooner to a failed aquarium. The whole reason I spent the $100 was because he was really crowded in the 20 gallon long he's been in for way too long. For now I'm just letting the SeaClear sit and watching it and wondering. I would really like to give "Blue" new digs but not at the risk of losing him.
Your knowledgeable advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
Philip
<These tanks (I am very familiar with Tradewind/CASCO/SeaClear) DO bow quite a bit. Have never known one to fail though. I would ignore "the bulge" and move your friendly panfish. Bob Fenner>