 |
|
FAQs on Glass Aquarium Repair, Chips/Cracks
4 Related Articles:
Aquarium Repair,
Acrylic Aquarium Repair, Cleaning
Aquariums, Marine Tanks, Stands and Covers, Used
Gear for Marine Systems, Designer Marine
tanks, stands and covers,
Related FAQs:
Chips/Cracks 1,
Chips/Cracks 2,
Chips/Cracks 3, &
Glass Aquarium Repair 1,
Glass Aquarium Repair 2,
Glass
Aquarium Repair 3,
Glass
Aquarium Repair 4,
Glass Aquarium Repair 5,
& FAQs on Repairing Glass Tank:
Scratches/Blemishes,
Cross-Braces,
Leaks,
Whole Panes, Tools:
Cutting Glass,
Silicone,
Moulding/Frames;
Techniques;
Olde Tank (Slate Bottom, Metal
Frame, Pecora...) Repairs,
Troubleshooting/Repairs, &
Acrylic Aquarium Repair, Used
Aquarium Gear, |
 |
Cracked Tank Repair. 3/15/10
Hi Guys.
I need some advice/instructions on repairing a tank I was given.
Whilst cleaning and prepping the tank to be set up inside, I made the
rookie mistake of doing it alone and cracked one of the large panels
(1425mm x 440mm) from approximately 1 inch from the bottom of the panel
to the side,
to 7 inches at the top of the panel.
Whilst cleaning my house after recent renovations, I came across a panel
of glass in one of my cupboards. The panel of glass is 1375mm x 465mm x
4mm.
<Too thin to suit me for this repair>
This panel of glass is slightly shorter than the existing panel but
wider than the existing panel. I can get this cut to fit inside the
tank.
The idea I have is that I could cut the existing silicone out, clean
properly and silicone the new panel to the inside the tank to cover the
crack.
The question I need answered is, is this possible and if it is, how do I
attach the 2 pieces of glass together without getting any air bubbles
between them?
<Hard to do (and not necessary)... applying thin, closely-spaced beads
of Silastic, evenly placing a large amount of weight (I usually use
books) over the repair area glass (with the tank turned on its side>
Also what type of adhesive should I use?
Cheers Brock McInnes
<... read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/glstksilastic.htm
and the linked files above, particularly re cracks... Bob Fenner>
Glass tank repair –
3/6/10
Hello,
<Hi there>
I have an older glass aquarium that must have been hit recently with
something hard, because it has a new, smooth indented chip
in the front corner, with a single crack extending from
it about halfway into the side panel. It doesn't leak, but I've emptied
it and moved the fish to a bowl just in case. Would you recommend repair
or replacement? I do stained glass, so I don't mind trying a repair. New
tanks of the same size (I think it's 20 or 30 gallons) are about $100.
Thanks!
<Mmm, because of your glass experience... I'd likely try Siliconing a
strip (about 2 inches wide) across (lengthwise) the chipped/cracked
area, along the entire length... See WWM re. Bob Fenner>
|
Broken 135 gallon glass
Hagen aquarium 3/6/10
Hello Mr. Fenner,
I recently woke up to my 135 gallon aquarium pouring water onto my basement
floor.
<No fun!>
I caught it with just about 4 inches of water left on the bottom. When
investigating the cause, I discovered a large crack in the back glass
running from top to bottom. The crack went all the way through, separating
the back panel into 2 sheets of glass. I managed to save all the fish, and
transfer them into a 40 gallon until I get a new setup sorted out. My
insurance company is willing to pay for contents, but is refusing to cover
the cost of the tank, because they are claiming that the crack was due to
regular wear and tear on the tank. I would think that wear and tear would be
a valid excuse if the tank had failed along one of the seams, but this
doesn't appear to be the case. In your opinion, does this kind of fracture
occur as part of normal wear and tear, or would you consider another factor
at play here?
<Mmm, not what I consider "wear and tear", but am surprised that the Ins.
co. is covering anything here period>
The tank has been up and running for a year and a half, with no issues at
all. There were no leaks anywhere, just a sudden crack and burst of water. I
am an engineer by trade, and built the stand myself, out of 2 x 4 's and 3/4
inch plywood coated in fibreglass resin for waterproofing. The stand was
anchored to the foundation by 6 1/2 inch anchors along the length and 2 1/2
inch anchors along the width. It sits in a corner in the cinder block
foundation of the basement. Everything was perfectly level, and the tank was
recessed into the wall, so there was nothing that could have fallen on it,
or impacted the glass to crack it. I had a local aquarium store owner come
in and take a look, and he suggested that the cold air outside may have
caused a shift in the foundation, and the back of the tank to crack.
<Interesting>
he thought the stand was more than sufficient to support the weight of the
tank and all of the contents. I have attached some photos of the stand and
dimensions to give you a better
understanding of the situation.
<Looks to be a very solid design. I do want to comment re the stand
construction... Is there a missing upright in the back middle? This could be
big trouble. All six of these uprights I would make of 4 by 4 rather than 2
by 4" stock.>
Anything you could tell me would be appreciated, I highly value your
opinion. The red line shows where the tank fractured, and the blue line in
the 2nd picture shows where the base of the tank sits on the stand.
<Mmm, well, considering the shape and placement of the crack, it appears
there was some sort of torsion and/or loss of level on the right side of the
stand/tank...>
Ps the insurance company would have covered it if I had put a hammer through
the front glass....
<Really?>
but not if it was due to a defect within the tank itself, or wear and tear
on the glass. (unfortunately it's too late for the hammer idea...)
<It may be worth your while to contact the tank manufacturer here. Bob
Fenner>
Thank you in advance,
Dave Jones
Windsor, Ontario Canada
|
|
|
|
Re: More: re: broken 135
gallon glass Hagen aquarium – 3/6/10
You are correct there is a support missing in the middle at the back of
the tank....I had it turned off when I saved the picture, sorry. I'll
replace all uprights with 4x4's and what are your thoughts on placing a
3/4" Styrofoam sheet under the tank to compensate for any irregular
surface?
<Is a very good idea... And is posted a few times on WWM. Cheers, BobF>
|
Fish Tank Help/Aquarium Repair 2/26/10
Crew,
<David>
I have a problem of course if I didn't I wouldn't be writing. I just
purchased a 125 gallon aquarium off the internet. Got it home, made my
preps the slowly filled it with water. When the tank was full I noticed
a chip about a half inch long on the back corner glass. It was 845 PM
and I ran to all the local pet stores to find something that would stop
the leak.
Unfortunately for me because I hate to wait all they had was silicone
that needed to sit for a few days. I know its going to take a while to
fix. My question is what else can I do. The chip fell out and I went to
Home Depot
to find something to patch it with. The chip again is on the outside of
the tank but where the side glass and the back glass meat. Please help.
<A close- up picture would have helped here as to the extent of the
damage.
Since you mention "got it home", I'm thinking you bought this aquarium
somewhere relatively near your home. If that is the case, I would return
it for a refund unless this was sold to you "as is". If the chip is
relatively small, and is not through the entire thickness of the glass
you may be able to repair this with silicone and it will take 48 hours
to cure properly. You do not want to use silicone products designed for
baths and shower use as they likely contain anti-mold chemicals and
would not be safe for aquarium use. If you can send a picture along it
would help in guiding you further.>
Thank you.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
David
Re Fish Tank Help/Aquarium Repair 3/1/10
Salty Dog,
<David>
Thank you for the reply.
<You're welcome.>
However, the night I sent you this e-mail my three year old son threw a
basketball at the tank and basically ruined it so my wife and I had to
go out and buy a new one.
<Mmm, another Hulk in the making.>
Thanks again for your help.
<No problem, and no basketballs allowed in the house. :-) James (Salty
Dog)>
David
|
Internal chip on glass panel
2/8/10
Hi there,
I'm rebuilding a new tank. Let me explain, I build it initially and it had a
leak, I tried to fix it but the leak continued so I tear it apart to be
rebuilt (the two side panels were not fully squared).
<Been there, here...>
Yesterday I was checking the fit of every piece and marking the glass which
panel is which to get it perfectly squared and while handling one of the
front panes it hit the corner in the ground lightly.
<Argghhh>
It made a little chip (max 1,5 cm length x 0,5 cm wide), since it came
mostly as a single piece, and since this would be vertically on the outside
top corner (not structural) I decided to glue it back in with silicone.
<Should be fine there>
It was all fine but today I saw that on the inside of the panel there is
what seems to be an "internal chip". I tried to force the glass
<Careful here>
and it didn't move or run. This particular place would be joined to the side
of the tank (the chip will be on the top), and it's smaller than the width
of the side panel (10 mm). The tank will also have euro-braces all around
the top
(with fronts overlapping the sides).
<Good>
Should I be worried about that?
<In your excellent images... I don't think so>
Is it small enough and secure enough (lateral joint and euro braces) to be
OK?
<Yes... and with the location, this size, placement of chip should prove no
problem>
I don't want to have to buy another front panel as it is quite expensive
here (Brazil) and its a fairly large tank (130x60x55 cm) and the glass
stores here are terrible (this is second cut they gave me, the first one was
all off-squared and had the wrong
sizes).
Thanks and best regards,
Luiz Borges
<Welcome Luiz. Bob Fenner>
|
 |
Cracked 150G
I work at a fish store in Rockville, MD. Our delivery guy f*ed up a 150G
tank and the bottom of the tank has a crack from edge to edge
(lengthwise from silicone seal to silicone seal). I was wondering if any
of these dispositions are reasonable:
1) Attempt to remove the bottom pane and glue a new one in
<Mmm, can be done... takes some doing... cutting away the frame (best to
contact the manufacturer and get a new one rather than trying to salvage
and re-use)>
2) Put a sheet of glass in the existing tank to completely cover the
bottom and apply silicone generously between the two
<Mmm, not what I would do with this type of crack here>
or,
3) Create a terrarium with a pondliner. Have 3.5ft x 18.5 inches x 1 ft
water and the rest land. Thinking of Siliconing the liner to the tank
where I want it.
<This could be done... I'd make a "fish tank w/in a fish tank" myself...
Use Silastic/Silicone to hold thinner glass tog. inside the present
cracked tank>
Any suggestions?
<These>
- Greg Schneider
<Bob Fenner>
|
chip in 180g tank – 01/03/10
I have a chance to purchase a 180 gallon glass tank. the only problem is the
tank has a chip in the lower back pane. The chip hasn't affected the
silicone sealant and I see no cracks, but I wanted an expert opinion. I
figure I could always fill the chip with epoxy. I can get the tank for a
screaming deal. I have enclosed pictures, let me know what you think.
<I would at least "run" a strip (two inch) of triple strength (nom. 1/4")
glass along the outside edges of both panels (vertically) of the chipped
sides... No need to break off frame... just between the upper and lower.
Read here re:
http://wetwebmedia.com/SystemPIX/Tank%20Repair/glasaqcracks4.htm
and the linked files above, until you understand what is suggested here, or
write back for more direction.
Bob Fenner>
|
 |
|
Re: chip
in 180g tank 1/3/10
Would there be an issue with applying silicone onto the back painted
surface?
<Mmm, I would scrape this off (single edged razor blades)>
I would rather not put a strip of glass on the side as it would affect
viewing. Would just doing the back be effective?
<No>
Should the chip be filled with silicone under the glass?
<Yes>
Is this damage something I should be worried about? Something that would
be more trouble than its worth?
<Am pretty confident (you can imagine making such statements on the Net)
that this apparent chip isn't likely to fail disastrously. Given you set
the tank on a level, planar and strong base/stand and do the suggested
repair, I think this tank will give good service. BobF>
Re: chip in 180g tank
Are there any pictures of what this repair should look like after it is
completed?
<None that I recall unfortunately on WWM. Perhaps on the Net elsewhere>
Could a material other than glass be used for the repair? Like maybe
aluminum plate?
<Mmm, no. Glass is the best... in qualities, ready availability. B>
Re: chip
in 180g tank 1/4/10
Thanks for all your help. After thinking it over, I have decided I would
rather replace the entire pane instead of an unsightly repair.
Any advice for this undertaking?
<Yep... posted/archived on WWM. RMF>
|
|
Chipped Tank Question –
12/15/09
Hello,
<Hi there Andy>
Thanks for running a very informative site on all aspects of the aquarium
hobby. I have read through the FAQ on tank repair, and on chipped tanks. I
recently bought a 20 gallon long tank for a great price. On getting the tank
home, I noticed a rather large chip on the bottom corner of the aquarium. I
filled the aquarium more than ¾ of the way full in the bath tub and left it
for 24 hours, no leaks.
<Mmm>
Feeling confident with the tank, I proceeded to set up. The tank is on a
metal stand, which is resting on carpet. I used small pieces of 1/4" and
1/8" acrylic underneath the legs of the tank to level it. Currently the tank
is almost level, the water level is about 0.5mm higher on one side. After I
filled the tank 100% of the way, the next morning, I noticed a miniscule
leak on the same corner as the chip.
<Yikes>
In observing the leak for several hours, one drop of water ran about 3
inches down the side of the tank, that is how small the leak is. There is a
pinpoint size of silicone that is more reflective than the rest of the
silicone, this is the leak.
Draining the tank to less than 3/4s full stops the leak. I drained the tank
half way, and applied silicone sealant to the outside corner of the tank,
making sure to cover the small leak. I waited 24 hours, refilled the tank,
and the leak has stopped.
However, in reading through your page, I'm feeling less and less positive
about the tank.
<We share this sensation>
I guess I have no issues using the tank if another leak springs up, I just
don't want a catastrophic failure. I've included a diagram of the chip. The
chip itself is clean, there is no white glass, and the chipped surface
itself is smooth, nor are there any visible cracks. The back pane of glass
is at full thickness where it meets the side pane, and then gradually gets
thinner towards the outside edge.
Thanks,
Andrew
<If it were me/mine, I'd Silicone a strip of glass (maybe two inches wide)
along both the back and side where the chip is, at least over the area of
the chip itself, if not all the way to the top/bottom. This will give
strength and keep folks from cutting themselves on the sharp edge. Bob
Fenner>
|
 |
|
Re: Chipped Tank Question –
12/15/09
Hi Bob,
<And>
Thanks for the lightening fast reply, I wasn't expecting that.
<Ah life...>
So at this point, I figure I will take these steps:
-Acquire 2x piece of 2" glass the same height as the tank
-Drain the tank below the point where it starts to leak
<I'd drain it all, let it dry out completely... Much easier to use
Silastic/Silicone sealant while laying the "work"/tank flat with the work
side up>
-Scrape off the silicone I applied to the outside of the tank
-Silicone the New pieces of glass to the tank
Several more questions:
Should I remove the plastic trim from the tank?
<Nah, I'd leave it/this in place. Too much work for what little good it
would do to take off, put back on>
I assume the repair glass should span the full height of the tank and not
just the distance between the trim?
<Just between the trim is fine. Sorry for the incompleteness of my last msg.
BobF>
As for securing the glass, should I silicone just the edges, or smear
silicone over the entire reinforcement pane?
Thanks again,
Andrew
Re: Chipped Tank
Question 12/15/09
Hi again Bob,
<Big A>
I ended up finding a great deal on a 25 gallon, and was able to sell the
damaged 20 to someone needing a reptile tank for same price I paid for
the 25.
<Ahh!>
I'm setting this 25 gallon up in place of a 10 gallon. The 25 gallon
will be resting on a metal stand on carpet on the 3rd floor of a town
house. I was planning on using some 3"x3" squares of 1/8 or 1/4" clear
acrylic under the legs of the stand to protect the carpet and help
spread the weight a little better. Will this be an issue?
<Hopefully not. The 250 pounds of weight or so here should be
supportable by the floor with the four touch down points... Think of
ladies in high heels...>
The aquarium is position next to an outside wall.
<Good for support, but do leave a gap to discount chilling>
Thanks again,
Andrew
<Welcome! BobF>
|
|
Freecycle 20 Gallon Tank
Question, Cracked glass tank repair and ADF sys. f's – 12/04/09
Hello,
<Hi there>
I have been reading through your site for a few hours since I found it on
Google and thought I would try to contact you directly, as I am unsure how
to proceed.
<All right>
I have a 20 gallon long tank (30 1/4" x 12 3/4" x 12 1/4" measured over
plastic trim) that I received earlier today using the Freecycle in my area.
I was excited when I realized what it was, as I have two African clawed
frogs, and that is the exact tank recommend for them both; however there is
a problem with one of the corners.
<I see this>
It has a chipped corner, and has a single crack coming from it, please see
the included image (I have shown two angles of the problem). There are no
other cracks or chips from the main area, or anywhere else on the tank for
that matter. The single crack/chip is about 1 1/2" in length from the
outside of the corner, and about 5" from the bottom of the tank. I ran my
fingernail across the crack and can barely feel a tiny line on the outside,
but feel nothing on the inside of the tank. I have placed the tank into my
bathtub, as it is well below the top of the tub, and filled the tank to the
top with water. So far it has been nearly 7 hours and the outside of the
tank is still bone dry without a single leaked drop anywhere. I have pushed
on the area from the inside of the tank and out, and even put my pulsating
shower head on the inside of the tank in the area while filling it - all of
which did not change anything at any point and the outside is still dry and
leak free. I thought this would help to test if the crack will enlarge or
leak under use.
<Good experiment>
I am curious if this is something to worry about with such a small tank and
low height of only 12 1/4" tall.
<Actually... it is>
I thought that due to the tank set-up there would not be necessary as much
weight pushing against it, as the much larger tanks I read about, and would
be nothing to worry about in this case. I am wanting to know if I am just
kidding myself and this is a big problem, and if a simple "patch" would fix
any possible problems. Such as the "patch" as I have read on your site of
putting a piece of glass on the inside over the area and using silicone over
the cracks and edges/under the glass, and silicone the cracks from the
outside. If the glass "patch" will work how thick of a piece of glass should
I use and what size dimensions (the full height, 8 inches wide, or what)? I
have read that a 1/8" would be thick enough in one instance but wanted to
make sure.
<Mmm, if you want/ed to fill this tank all the way/to the top, I would
suggest siliconing a piece of glass the size of the outside panel (sans the
frame) onto the outside (nothing on the inside) of 3/16" thickness ("double
pane")... Otherwise, if you'd be happy with the water being less than 5"
deep (you can lay a submersible heater down, use an internal filter)... you
could make this tank into a vivarium of sorts for your frogs, plants...>
Please let me know if this is something to worry about, and if the extra
glass piece would fix the problem - or if I should just find another tank to
use (I just want to make sure I do not end up hurting my frogs or flooding
my upstairs apartment). Many thanks,
Thomas
<I wouldn't set this tank up presently as it is with water added all the way
to the top... the crack is too likely to "grow" suddenly, cause catastrophic
failure. The somewhat simple repair (smearing the Silastic onto the back,
placing the pre-cut, beveled piece of plate glass over the entire back, will
make this tank "good as new" in terms of safe use. Bob Fenner>
|
 |
Worried about chip on glass aquarium - 11/07/09
While moving a 77 gallon glass aquarium, a chip broke off the top
corner.
The chip doesn't go all the way through, is about 2 cm at the top and
does a semi-circle.
It's right at the top corner.
I haven't filled the tank yet. I still have the chip that came off.
<Might be of use (to prevent getting cut, not structurally) to "glue"
this back on with a bit of Silastic>
I'm wondering if I should try to fix it with the chip, just use aquarium
silicone, just leave it alone or replace the aquarium.
<I'd put the piece back on... and depending on where, how much is
chipped...>
I don't want to take a risk of it breaking, for safety and damage issues
that could result.
If I test fill it and it's fine, is there a risk of it breaking later,
unexpectedly?
<Not likely, no>
Is there a benefit to trying to glue the chip back in place?
<Yes... as stated>
Thanks for the help, you guys are great.
<Ummm, read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/SystemPIX/Tank%20Repair/glasaqcracks3.htm
and the linked files above for input. Bob Fenner>
|
Help repairing 110gal bowfront aquarium
11/4/09
Hi, I recently came across an aquarium I knew would be trouble, but
wanted to repair due to its unique dimensions. The tank is a 110 gallon
bowfront aquarium mad by perfecto in Oct 2005. It is 48" wide, 33" tall,
and bows out from 12" to 18". I know this is very tall for a standard
aquarium.
<Yes, this is so>
It came with a broken top frame. I ordered a new top frame that should
be coming in tomorrow. When removing the old top frame I found both of
the top corners have chips, one worse than the other. I was very careful
removing the trim using only my fingers and razor blade and do not think
it is new damage.
<Doesn't appear to be>
The tank looks to have already been resealed, the bottom and top
silicone is clear, and the vertical corners are black.
How Significant is this problem? Is this a fixable tank in your opinion?
<Is not significant due to the placement, not really "fixable", but I
would "fill in" the chipped area (with 100% Silastic of any color) to
prevent folks getting cut by the sharp glass>
Are there any special measures I can take when putting the new top on to
prevent problems?
<Mmm, none other than (non-structural) filling in the missing area>
Is there anything stronger than standard silicone to strengthen the
corners?
<None that are practical>
Do you have any suggestions for me?
<To enjoy this tank, set-up, and not worry. The break here is not likely
to be a problem>
Attached are pictures.
Thank you, Alex
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Re: Help repairing 110gal bowfront aquarium --
11/04/2009
Great! Thank you, I really appreciate it.
<Very happy to have helped you. BobF>
|
 |
DIY Sump Question
Cracked Sump – 11/1/09
Crew,
<Josh here today.>
I am in a little bit of a pickle.
<Lets see what we can do about that.>
I bought a 20 gallon long aquarium from the local "box store" and bought
some .222 think Acyclic panels and some silicon to make a sump.
<Okay.>
I put two panels in the tank, basically one for my return pump area and
a air bubble trap for my protein skimmer to reduce micro bubbles.
<Common design.>
Long story short, the panels fit and are water tight perfecto!
<Excellent.>
I was going to put in a 3rd panel for a refugium but decided against it
when a small hairline crack appeared in the side of the tank.
<Hmm, is this a hairline crack caused from forcing too large a piece of
acrylic into the glass sump, or could it be a thin strand of silicone
that appears to be a crack. Those strings of silicone can make very
convincing
cracks, try running a razor blade over the "crack" to see if that is
what it is.>
I have filled it up with water (it will hold about 10-15 gallons as a
return sump/protein skimming area only) and so far no leaks.
<This may support the silicone string theory.>
I am going to monitor it for a week or so before I put it into action.
If the hairline crack doesn't leak and the tank has a small water
volume, is this going to be an issue?
<If it turns out to be a real hairline crack, pick up a small piece of
glass from another local store like home depot or Lowe's, and then use a
aquarium safe silicone to bond the piece of glass over the crack, that
will
add tremendous amounts of support and hopefully will keep the crack from
running any further.>
It looks like the tank may even be tempered glass as the crack is on
only the inside of the tank.
Please advise and thanks!
<As above. Good luck,
Josh Solomon.>
Severely Chipped Tanks 7/21/2009
WWM Crew,
<Josh here.>
I'm setting up a 34 gallon Solana 20x20x20 that unfortunately has a chip
on the outside of the bottom pane of glass.
<If you just purchased it, I would return it for one without this chip,
it will be worth the wait.>
The chip is about the size of a dime, goes halfway through the bottom
pane and is located all the way in one corner.
<This does seem like a rather large chip. I would be reconsidering
setting this tank up.>
I am on day three of a leak test and so far so good. Will this be okay
and if not is there anyway to fix it?
<I can't tell you for sure whether or not the tank will have a failure
in the future. However, I can tell you that the chip will not have a
positive effect on the tank structurally. Read up on WWM about chips in
tanks and
if at all possible, exchange this tank for one without the chip.>
Thank you all for maintaining such a wonderful resource.
-Chris
<Good luck
Josh Solomon.>
Re: Is this safe?
Severely Chipped Tanks... didn't read where referred... 7/21/09
Josh,
Unfortunately I bought the tank used and have no way to return it.
I was thinking of getting a piece of glass and silicone it in on wet
side of the tank. It will be on the bottom pane so once I add substrate
it will be invisible. Will this help or is it a lost cause?
<This will likely help increase the integrity of that area of the tank,
have you read the glass repair FAQ's on WWM?>
Thank you- Chris
<Good luck.
Josh Solomon>
Cracked 180 Liter Tank 4/26/09
Hi Team,
<Hello Gary>
I have read your website regularly, and gained much valuable advice from
it. It helped me from day 1. Now I need advice for my new tank. I've
read many posts on the site but I cant find the precise answer I'm
looking for. I have bought a secondhand 180 litre fish tank today (only
4 months old, seller didn't know work involved in fish hobby lol)
<This is often the case>
and somehow managed to crack the base in transit coming home, now I have
filled it to about a third of the tank (60 litres) and there is no leaks
as yet. Its been 3 hours now and still okay. Unfortunately 60 litres is
nowhere near 180 liters in weight.
<I take it by “base” you mean the bottom pane of glass?>
My main question for you to answer is: Can I get a piece of glass and
some silicone and cover the affected area, obviously I'll get a piece of
glass half the length of the tank, approximately 2 foot to be on the
safe side to allow a lot more give for the crack.
<If you do end up executing such a repair I would suggest putting in a
piece of glass that covers the entire bottom>
There is a small chip on the outside of the tank and the crack that came
with it cant be felt to the touch on the inside. Is it safe to put glass
inside tank and is the crack coming from the corner going to affect the
new glass.
<Repairs like this are possible, but are rarely cost effective, and do
not allow for much peace of mind. Please read the tank crack FAQ at
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/glsaqcracks.htm , and consider the risks of
the repair failing. The fact that the crack is coming from the corner
gives me further doubt to the integrity of a repair>
Please help because my Gold Spot Pleco really needs his new home.
Thanking you so much in advance. (cause you will know the answer)
Gary St Helens U.K
<Your welcome Gary, good luck with the repair but please do consider and
compare the cost of tank replacement to the damage a poorly executed
repair can cause to your home and to your Pleco. I am sorry I can not
give you a more definite answer, but this is not clear cut.
Josh>
|
Aquascaping Prep and Tank Repair
Simulating Ruins Without Ruining an Aquarium!
– 04/07/09
Good evening Crew! Hope all is well with you.
<And a good evening to you. Scott F. at the keyboard tonight!>
I have two things for your attention tonight. First, I'm getting ready to do
the aquascaping in my first marine tank now that my live rock is cured and
the tank is cycled.
<Yaayyy! The best part of the process, IMO!>
I have a couple of polystone statues that I'm going to incorporate (I'm
going for a ruined civilization feel) and I just wanted to confirm that my
understanding was good on how to prepare them. I've read conflicting ideas.
According to all I've read I'm going to:
1. Scrub well with vinegar solution and a toothbrush
2. Soak them in circulated water (fresh or salt?) for a few days at
temperature.
3. Give them a final dust/rinse off to get rid of any loose material and
then add to the tank.
<All sound good...I'm not really certain about the possible toxicity of this
material. If it is specifically made for aquarium use, I'd be a bit less
concerned. On the other hand, if it was specifically made for aquarium
use, it would probably be twice as expensive, huh? Decisions, Decisions! By
the way, you absolutely HAVE to forward a pic of this aquascape when it's
done for my "Aquascaping for the Aesthetically Challenged" presentation that
I do at clubs and conferences. This is just too tempting for me NOT to
include!>
I won't be adding any livestock for 3-6 weeks after the aquascaping is done.
I figure that would be enough time to let the tank stabilize or find any
problems.
<Well, you do want an aquarium to cycle, of course, and perhaps the extra
length of time will help determine if anything is leaching from these
decorations. Perhaps continuous use of Poly Filter and/or activated carbon
could remove much of whatever leaches out of these items.>
Second, a quick question about tank repair. I have a 65G tank that is
sitting empty (my display is a 75). I had bought it used and didn't notice
until I filled it to check for leaks that there was a large chip in one of
the front corners on the inside. It goes a good bit under the silicone seal
and I wondered if you thought it could be repaired with silicone. I've
attached two pictures, front and side. If it can be repaired I plan on
using it as a QT. Thanks for any and all suggestions. If knowledgeable
people in other fields shared half as much of their expertise as you folks
do, the world would be a far better place.
Thanks,
Corey
< Thanks for the kind words! Corey my instincts tell me that it might be
possible to fix this with a careful, healthy bead of silicone, but I will
defer that one to Bob, who's probably forgotten more about tank repairs
than I ever knew. Although I've probably broken more, he's definitely
repaired more! Bob, what say you?>
<<I do agree... Might be fine as is... but attaching strips of glass with
Silastic... for sure. RMF>>
|
 |
|
Re: Aquascaping Prep and Tank Repair 4/8/09
Thanks for the input Bob and Scott. I'd love to share it with you when I'm
done.
<Please do>
I'll be giving the tank repair a try very soon as well and I'll let you know
how it goes.
Thanks Much,
Corey
<Welcome. BobF>
|
|
Chipped Glass: Is it safe? 4/6/2009
Hey guys!
<Hi Adam>
I bought a 125 gallon tank from Craig's List a couple of nights ago. The
tank had been sitting around at the guy's house for about 5 years and never
set-up or even used. He delivered the tank to my place, but after he left, I
noticed a chip in the back corner. I filled it with water outside and it
held for several hours and then I drained it, because it's still getting
cold here in MN at night and I didn't want it to freeze. Can you look at
these shots and let me know if you think it'll hold? It looks like the
silicone goes well past the point of the chip and the chip is on the outside
only. You can probably gather all the info you need from the photos
I've attached, rather than trying to explain it all.
<Looking at the pictures, it is fine.>
Thank you for any help! Since it was sold as is, I have no real case to get
any money back from the guy, so I'm hoping there is a way to make this work.
<Shouldn't be a problem, enjoy your new tank. Do be sure to rinse it out
completely before putting anything alive in there.>
Thanks!
<You're Welcome>
-Adam
<Mike>
|
 |
|
Re: Misaligned seams
02/08/09
Mr. Fenner,
<Luke>
Here are a couple pictures of the seam that is misaligned (first two
pictures). I also attached two pictures of a small defect/crack on the
edge of the other side panel where it joins with the front panel (last
two pictures) that I noticed shortly after I had it filled and stocked
about a year ago, but I thought I would get your expert opinion on this
one as well.
<This crack is more problematical... appears to be about mid way in
depth... I would Silicon a small piece of glass (maybe two inches wide)
over this area, about six or more inches in height... over the area,
flush to the edge, on the outside>
It caused a small bubble in the silicone, and has showed no signs of
expanding. I appreciate your advice. I bought the tank with little
experience unfortunately and not realizing a thorough inspection was so
important. But the more I
have read, the more I start noticing things and I wanted a little
reassurance on these two flaws. Thank you so much for your quick reply!
Luke
<The misalignment itself is not a worry here. Bob Fenner>
Re: Misaligned seams 02/08/09
Mr. Fenner,
<Msieu Krispinsky>
In your experience, have you seen cracks like that lead to complete
failure of the seam or just a leak if not reinforced? This should be my
last question.
Thanks again!
Luke
<Rarely... but on a few occasions... ergo, best to make a comment, be
"safer" than sorry. Understanzee? BobF>
Re: Misaligned seams 02/08/09
Say no more....thank you sir.
<Welcome Luke. BobF> |
 |
|
|
