Disposing of large aquarium?

[MarcosDelgado0]

So I had a Red Sea Reefer 525 XL that was previously a reef converted into a dart frog bioactive tank when I realized the seams started to split. Recently, I rehomed all the dart frogs because I am planning several 1-2 week trips next year. My family is willing to feed my fish and I could always do a water change before/after a trip but the dart frogs feed solely on fruit flies that I have to culture and that is something my family isn’t willing to help with. They think it’s gross lol. Anyways, that leaves me with a large roughly 5’x2’ aquarium that I need to dispose of. Has anyone ever disposed of a tank this large? Not exactly something I can just toss in the dumpster. The city of San Jose has a free Junk Pickup program and “Aquariums” is on the list of items they will pickup but don’t know if that includes something this size… Has anyone used this service before? I can also try calling but wanted to see if anyone had experience first. Another service I was considering was those for hire Junk pickup companies. I sent one company an image, dimensions, and weight of the tank and they quoted me roughly $150 but still want to see it before they give me a final quote. The tank is insanely heavy so I think that might go up once they realize what 255lbs in an awkward shape feel like. The good thing is it’s right next to my front door.

 

[Coral reefer]

I have used bulky item garbage co pickup or taken to dump before

 

[MarcosDelgado0]

I have used bulky item garbage co pickup or taken to dump before

Is that the name of the company? “Bulky Item Garage Co Pickup”?

 

[MichaelB]

What if you broke it apart into individual pannels and a big dumpster?

Cut the silicone on the joints.


I've broken down a entire extra large sectional and made it fit neatly into a dumpster. Assuming you guys don't have the smaller cans you have to roll to the street. Our place has the larger rectangular dumpsters.

Another option is wrap the glass sheets in a plastic tarp. Thank break it while inside the tarp. Than transfer scraps to boxes or bags. Lots of work granted but I would to save $150 if it was $60 to get rid of I would probably jusy pay the $60.

 

[dangalang]

Hit up @derek_SR he likes taking aquariums to the dump

 

[MarcosDelgado0]

What if you broke it apart into individual pannels and a big dumpster?

Cut the silicone on the joints.


I've broken down a entire extra large sectional and made it fit neatly into a dumpster. Assuming you guys don't have the smaller cans you have to roll to the street. Our place has the larger rectangular dumpsters.

Another option is wrap the glass sheets in a plastic tarp. Thank break it while inside the tarp. Than transfer scraps to boxes or bags. Lots of work granted but I would to save $150 if it was $60 to get rid of I would probably jusy pay the $60.

We have the larger rectangular dumpsters. The problem with breaking it down is that it’s hard to move around. It’s insanely heavy. I also don’t want to potentially leave glass scattered. I think I’m just going to end up paying a company to haul it off. Definitely more expensive than doing it myself but I think I’d rather pay for the convenience of not breaking my back haha

 

[MichaelB]

We have the larger rectangular dumpsters. The problem with breaking it down is that it’s hard to move around. It’s insanely heavy. I also don’t want to potentially leave glass scattered. I think I’m just going to end up paying a company to haul it off. Definitely more expensive than doing it myself but I think I’d rather pay for the convenience of not breaking my back haha

Lol all good, i'm a cheapskate when I can get away with it and it’s not something that could potentially cost me more in the long run. If you change your mind I would evening be willing to give you a hand.

 

[Srt4eric]

@MarcosDelgado0 go to https://311.sanjoseca.gov/
You can schedule a free pick up

 

[PjFish]

Just rent a truck 19- 29 bucks and toss it in the dumps!

 

[popper]

I can help you break it apart with minimal or no glass spillage.

 

[Coral reefer]

Is that the name of the company? “Bulky Item Garage Co Pickup”?

Many garbage companies offer a free bulky item pickup once or twice a year for drug you can’t fit in Your bin. Call the company that picks up your trash

 

[MarcosDelgado0]

Thank you guys for your offers to help

I can help you break it apart with minimal or no glass spillage.

If you change your mind I would evening be willing to give you a hand.

Thank you everyone else for the suggestions. I’m going to do what @Srt4eric mentioned and just have my brother and a couple of my neighbors help me move it outside to be picked up. I wouldn’t trust them to help me move a glass tank inside lol but since this is going to be dumped anyways, a few scratches or chips on the way out aren’t a big deal. I already did the request online and it says it’ll give me a scheduled pickup date within two business days. I’m not super in a rush to remove it so as long as the appointment isn’t months out, I’ll go this route.

 

[MichaelB]

Thank you guys for your offers to help



Thank you everyone else for the suggestions. I’m going to do what @Srt4eric mentioned and just have my brother and a couple of my neighbors help me move it outside to be picked up. I wouldn’t trust them to help me move a glass tank inside lol but since this is going to be dumped anyways, a few scratches or chips on the way out aren’t a big deal. I already did the request online and it says it’ll give me a scheduled pickup date within two business days. I’m not super in a rush to remove it so as long as the appointment isn’t months out, I’ll go this route.

That's awesome they will pick it up for you for free. In santa clara we get a free put crap to the curve week once a year any other time your just pretty much (sol) or you have to pay.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

Red Sea tanks are super easy to cut up and separate the glass panels. I cut up this 425XL within 10min and was able it give it away. I was going to dump it in at my friend’s apartment complex dumpster as a second option since it’s free.

 

[MarcosDelgado0]

Red Sea tanks are super easy to cut up and separate the glass panels. I cut up this 425XL within 10min and was able it give it away. I was going to dump it in at my friend’s apartment complex dumpster as a second option since it’s free.
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Yeah I mean the seams are already starting to split on their own so I imagine it wouldn’t be too hard to finish the job haha

 

[MarcosDelgado0]

I just called San Jose’s Junk Pickup Service line to confirm and they said 5’x2’ is the maximum size but they don’t take glass aquariums, only plexiglass I looked at their approved items list and it also confirms no glass

 

[MarcosDelgado0]

Red Sea tanks are super easy to cut up and separate the glass panels. I cut up this 425XL within 10min and was able it give it away. I was going to dump it in at my friend’s apartment complex dumpster as a second option since it’s free.
View attachment 64152

What did you use to cut it up? Box cutter?

 

[RandyC]

What did you use to cut it up? Box cutter?

Razor blade will work or even easier is heavy weight fishing line.

 

[MichaelB]

What did you use to cut it up? Box cutter?

It's not hard as it seems, I wouldn't over think it. Your taking it apart not worring about messing anything up such as when building something. A major difference. Offer still stand let me know if you want a hand.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

What did you use to cut it up? Box cutter?

Just a box cutter. Also wear gloves and eye protection to be safe. Cut the sides then you can easily bend the glass panels down and outwards to cut the bottom seam. Hardest part is cutting the back panel out with the overflow. Takes a little finesse but still easy.