A couple of questions for all you wise and witty list members.
1) I have an opportunity to purchase a used 180 gallon, "Island" brand
aquarium from a local pet shop dealer. The tank looks OK and even has a
stand, all for $300.00. This seems like a pretty good deal to me. But
you know, I don't trust pet store people. This stems from my early days
when I used to get so much misinformation from them. All for the cause
of making the sale, I suppose.
Anyway, he says the tank "looks" about 3 years old. My feeling is that
how it looks depends on how the previous owner took care of it. He has
been keeping ferrets in the tank, as well, and I am a little worried
about possible damage to the tank seals from their claws. He says he
will fill the tank for me, but I'm more worried about the tank holding
water in 3 years than I am about it holding water now.
Any sharing of tips and/or past experiences with used tanks is welcome.
2) How about these potassium or sodium salt run water softerners? I have
always used RO for my water changes but thought I could kill two birds
with one stone by purchasing a water softerner run with potassium
chloride. I was thinking of using this unit not only to fill my tanks,
but to bathe and wash my clothes in as well. What a concept. Does
anybody use this type of soft water in their tanks? What are the pros
and cons?
Does the softener impart potassium to the water? I would sure hate to
induce cardiac arrythmias in my fish, he he he!
Jim