Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Yes, that is a great idea

On the aquarium it is important to ask if it was previously used for salt water. It does something to the sealant that holds the glass together, once the tank is allowed to dry out. As I have a few friends that found out the hard way. Wet floors broken glass and shop vacs at 2 in the morning sucks.

Uh oh, something to worry about. I'll text the seller today and ask. Thanks for the heads up.

Just check to see if has visible signs of leakage. I've used salt water tanks that have sat...it doesn't matter. Just make sure the tank is solid, no chips, or repairs made, and you should be fine. The tank FF was talking about had another issue...the salt didn't effect it. I had a salt water 55 that sat for several years, and has had tilapia in it now for 2 years...no issues if the tank is good.

Although, you may want to check the free sections of Craigslist. I've got 2 - 55's for free, just had to be ready to go. It's when people are moving and they can't keep them. You need to drain and remove, but can usually get them for little or nothing.

Up here it is 150 miles from the city, making "ready to go," nearly impossible.

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00HP28UU8
I bought this little cooler add on for transporting small quantities of trout from the local fisheries.

Coach,

2 of my friends have lost a 150, and 200gal FT. Where the silicone Just let go under the pressure of the water. One took 6mo one took 9. If I ever grabbed a previously used salt water tank I would strip the silicone and redo it just incase. If a good part of your next set of fry was in that tank it could cost a decent amount of money to replace what was previously free. Just good insurance.

I just know that I've personally used 1 that sat for several years after being in service as a salt water, then sat for several and now has had fresh water for a few years. The silicon shouldn't break down in salt water. If it did, then the tanks wouldn't hold up with salt in them?? I have a friend who owned a large pet shop for 30 year(recently sold and retired), I'll ask him, we would know for sure. I think they stocked about 600 plus tanks in there...fresh & salt.

Of what my friends both told me it has to do with the crystallization of the salt. That is all I know. That is why I would error on the side of caution.

Spoke to the seller it was fresh water only

I know I'm going to have algae issues until I get my FT covered, it is in a greenhouse after all. On top of that I got a good response from the wife when I said the 55gal (208 lt) aquarium was going in the greenhouse with the pond.My first plan was kiwis covering the roof, unfortunately, I see no no growth from the kiwis or fig. At this point my shade plants look dead. I don't even know if it would have been enough. We could try grapes. I still have three large dirt tanks in the greenhouse. I see in the Koi pond mags I get after buying Hecth rubber coating that pond dye is sold to keep UV light out of the water. Any thoughts?

Comparing water test kits?






Are the tests of different quality? Anything else I need to look out for?

Here is the one I use. Unlike the pond one it tests nitrate too.

http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater-Ma ... r+test+kit

Good enough for me