Crack on the bottom of my 130 tank

[mel11422]

I just purchased a 130 gallon setup few weeks ago. And noticed when i was cleaning it up that the previous owner failed to mention he drilled the tank and it cracked while doing it. So he put another piece of glass over it and re siliconed it.
Im nervous to use it because of all the weight that will be on it. What is my best option!
Its the bottom piece and its cracked almost all the way across. (Tank is 5 ft long)
Thank You!

 

[al&burke]

Sorry to hear that, I don't think you should risk it. terrible

 

[snakeblitz33]

I'm with Al. Not worth the risk.
You could perhaps buy a new piece of tempered glass and cut the old out and silicone it all back up again.

Probably will only be marginally better than buying a new tank.

 

[sweatervest13]

Craigslist???
That is terrible. I am with Al and Snake. Not worth the risk. Its not like a small silicone leak. When this thing goes it will be blowout and a huge mess.
I would contact the seller and let them know that you are not pleased. They will probably not do anything, but at least you can let them know how you feel.

 

[flower]

...the fellow who sold the tank should be ashamed of himself, he was perpetrating a deliberate rip-off scam. I certainly wouldn't trust it either, so I agree with everyone else.
If you have the time and you're angry enough...small claims court to get your money back....I wouldn't care if it's $10.00, you get your court costs if you win, and it's the principle of the thing, he needs a good kick in the pants for what he pulled.
Judge Judy...my hero....LOL

 

[florida joe]

Just a side note to anyone reading his thread and deciding that they want to replace a cracked piece of glass. If it’s the bottom its bracing that is most important not thickness. And height of the tank when it comes to pressure not overall length

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by florida joe http:///t/394091/crack-on-the-bottom-of-my-130-tank#post_3507374
Just a side note to anyone reading his thread and deciding that they want to replace a cracked piece of glass. If it’s the bottom its bracing that is most important not thickness. And height of the tank when it comes to pressure not overall length
So is a craked boittom that has another piece of glass over it, okay to use in your opinion?

 

[florida joe]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/394091/crack-on-the-bottom-of-my-130-tank#post_3507376
So is a craked boittom that has another piece of glass over it, okay to use in your opinion?
No flower I would not trust placing glass over glass if it was me I would remove the bottom remove the old silicone get that joint meticulously clean and research the proper method of using silicone in glass aquarium building I also left a suggestion in your thread about help with your tank

 

[al&burke]

The trouble is getting the brace off in one piece, not an easy job. I agree it is the bracing Joe, but remember the glass is suspended with the brace so the thickness is as important, it is getting the full pressure of the water above it. That is why we see a lot of tank bottoms with tempered glass that are not as thick as the sides. The brace helps with outward pressure not the downward force of the water. Tanks are designed based on the height of the tank, 99% of the time if there is a failure in the tank it is the seams. The downward force of the water is exerted on the sides of the tank as well. I would do as you said Joe, take the bottom off and meticulously clean the joining pieces with good razor blades then clean the glass with a high quality acetone. I have taken a bunch of tanks apart and used the glass to make smaller tanks or for sumps, lots of work, I do it because I am cheap.

 

[mel11422]

@ Sweatervest13
You got it! I partially blame myself for not removing the inch or so of sand from the bottom of the tank before i bought it, but since it held water and no signs of leaks i went ahead with it.

I called the guy back and he claims he didnt know it was cracked, since he just bought it from a friend of his but it didnt fit in his apartment door. He said he will call me back and about 5 mins later he did and said his friend used it this way for 3 years and nothing happened. He asked his friend why he didnt tell him and his answer was " you didnt ask". Great friend he has. He was very apologetic and i hinted several times maybe giving me some money back and nothing.. Soo i guess next time i will be removing every grain of sand to check for cracks..

 

[mel11422]

@ Flower
I feel the same way. I actually was concidering small claims court, but since he lives in NJ and im in NY ( 2hrs away) its going to be more of a hassel then its worth. He will get his, im a firm believer what goes around comes around. I should have removed the sand so im kicking my own ass too. Thanks
Judge Judy cracks me up! There needs to be more Judges like her in this country!

 

[snakeblitz33]

I've bought a lot of used tanks - I mean, ... a lot. This is the first time I've come across a tank being used with a cracked bottom and being sealed up with a glass pane and silicone. Perhaps buying new would save you the hassle in the long run and you could really get what you wanted then? There's nothing wrong with having to save up a couple of months longer to get quality equipment. I do it all the time. Heck, all I have is time. lol

 

[mel11422]

Thank you all for your feedback! I will be selling this tank as a reptile tank and find another tank. I felt the structural integrity of the tank was compromised when it cracked, and if the crack is off set a bit the new pane of glass will eventually crack under stress. I roughly figured there will be at least 1300lbs of weight on that bottom piece. I rather buy a new tank now, then lose thousands of dollars of fish, reef, and all the damage it will cause in my house. I will be saving money in the long run!
Again thank you all for taking the time to comment!
PS Im new to this and didnt realize i wasnt commenting under each post. Sorry

 

[mel11422]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/394091/crack-on-the-bottom-of-my-130-tank#post_3507437
I've bought a lot of used tanks - I mean, ... a lot. This is the first time I've come across a tank being used with a cracked bottom and being sealed up with a glass pane and silicone. Perhaps buying new would save you the hassle in the long run and you could really get what you wanted then? There's nothing wrong with having to save up a couple of months longer to get quality equipment. I do it all the time. Heck, all I have is time. lol
I agree with you. I have been searching for a while now for a large tank that was local and what i wanted to spend. I should have just went to Petsmart and bought the setup they had for 649. 130 tank,stand,lights,hood. Was on sale. After buying the cracked tank, and buying a new one ill be right in the price range. Live and learn!
Thanks for the advice

 

[mel11422]

Quote:
Originally Posted by florida joe http:///t/394091/crack-on-the-bottom-of-my-130-tank#post_3507374
Just a side note to anyone reading his thread and deciding that they want to replace a cracked piece of glass. If it’s the bottom its bracing that is most important not thickness. And height of the tank when it comes to pressure not overall length
Thank you for explaining that, makes sense that each one supports each other in a way.
And Thank you for service in the military!

 

[florida joe]

The thanks is much appreciated believe me
Quote:
. I agree it is the bracing Joe, but remember the glass is suspended with the brace so the thickness is as important
And to my old friend AL if you are replacing the bottom of your tank the more bracing you install the thinner the glass you need so IMO the amount of bracing dictates the thickness of the glass