Chipped Glass Experts.....

wifishman1

wifishman1

Member
so im diving back into a bigger tank. it's a 90g RR/2x250W phoenix MH/w icecap ballest 20g sump /w fuge,laguna return,ETSS evoulution skimmer for $400.
it was my tank under a year ago. so its got a chip in the glass.he called it a surface crack i have not seen it in person.
he says his wife did with a broom. is this tank going to be safe? or will it eventualy turn into a crack thus breaking after. im going to have this tank on the second floor and dont need water all over. i currently rent the unit. any help from someone who has delt with this would be great.also is there any way to fix it? sorry for double post didnt know where to put.

thx,
matt
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Originally Posted by wifishman1
http:///forum/post/3160135
so im diving back into a bigger tank. it's a 90g RR/2x250W phoenix MH/w icecap ballest 20g sump /w fuge,laguna return,ETSS evoulution skimmer for $400.
it was my tank under a year ago. so its got a chip in the glass.he called it a surface crack i have not seen it in person.
he says his wife did with a broom. is this tank going to be safe? or will it eventualy turn into a crack thus breaking after. im going to have this tank on the second floor and dont need water all over. i currently rent the unit. any help from someone who has delt with this would be great.also is there any way to fix it? sorry for double post didnt know where to put.

thx,
matt
I don't know if I'd risk it
 
wifishman1

wifishman1

Member
yeah thats what i was thinking but in the same sence i dont want to pay 400 and then need a new tank on top. any other imput would be great.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Originally Posted by wifishman1
http:///forum/post/3160154
yeah thats what i was thinking but in the same sence i dont want to pay 400 and then need a new tank on top. any other imput would be great.
Look on Craigslist. I got my 155G for free because someone just wanted to be done with it. I've also seen people that are desperate to get rid of their stuff because they're moving and get rid of it for dirt cheap.
 
aquaknight

aquaknight

Active Member
My 90gal has almost an identical chip (two actually) in the same spot. Running for a few years now with no problem. Big thing to make sure is that the chip doesn't exceed any of the silicone on the inside.
 
scsinet

scsinet

Active Member
I've got a 55g with a similar chip in it, and it has never had a problem. That said, every chip and every crack is different, and can behave differently.
So it's going to be difficult to say what will happen. It could hold water for years with no problem, it could crack right away when you fill it, particularly after the tank has been stressed from being moved.
 
wifishman1

wifishman1

Member
should i fill in with aquarum silcon or any other product? its currently up and running. but when i go p/u i hope it doesnt get worse/shatter.
thx,
matt
 
scopus tang

scopus tang

Active Member
As others stated, I've a number of tanks up and running with similar chips that have never been an issue. I don't think aquarium silicon would do you any good on the outside of the tank, but I wonder if a glass shop like Windshield Doctor may be able to help you out? I know they put some product on windshields to keep chips from cracking, and they may even be able to repair the chip.
 
aquaknight

aquaknight

Active Member
What I meant by the silicone, is just on the inside of the tank, make sure there is silicone over any part of the crack through the glass, as water can potentially seep out.
After looking again at your pic, it appears to be on the 'non-joint' side glass pane, so you don't have to worry.
If you're worried about aesthetics, get some 90° wood trim and stain to match your stand/canopy.
 
wifishman1

wifishman1

Member
i just wanted to get opinions on if it seemed ok to have without replacing the whole tank but if you guys think its ok then all is well. thanks for the info from every one who chimed in.
 
rigdon87

rigdon87

Member
Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/3160157
My 90gal has almost an identical chip (two actually) in the same spot. Running for a few years now with no problem. Big thing to make sure is that the chip doesn't exceed any of the silicone on the inside.
+1 my 120 has two chips identical to the picture and its been running for almost 2years with no problems
 
scsinet

scsinet

Active Member
Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/3160172
What I meant by the silicone, is just on the inside of the tank, make sure there is silicone over any part of the crack through the glass, as water can potentially seep out.
If there is any kind of crack going through the glass, a very small amount of pressure, even from the water, will cause the crack to quickly run out along the whole length of the pane. If any part of a chip goes all the way through replace the pane or office-space the tank.
 
wifishman1

wifishman1

Member
it doesnt go through the glass its just a chip on the outside of the glass. the tanks been up for almost a year like that. i was just seeing if i should replace the whole tank.
 
aquaknight

aquaknight

Active Member
Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3160312
If there is any kind of crack going through the glass, a very small amount of pressure, even from the water, will cause the crack to quickly run out along the whole length of the pane. If any part of a chip goes all the way through replace the pane or office-space the tank.
My bad, I worded that terribly. I meant a chip that was deep enough to go past (or right at the edge of) the silicone. Rigdon's is a good example of a 'deep' chip on the inside.
Lt. Blue = Water
Med. Blue = Silicone
Red arrow = potential leak area
 
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