One Bad Night

[prater]

I finally finished the plumbing for my tank and eagerly started filling for a test run. At about 10 PM the tank was almost full when I heard a poping noise. Next thing the front glass seperated from the side at the seam on the 200 gallon tank. I was able to hold the glass from poping all the way off keeping the mess to about 50 gallons of water on the floor. I yelled for my wife to get out of bed and get my bar clamps that were just out of reach and we installed them to stop the flow of water. I was able to get the mag950 hose out the nearest window and have removed most of the water from the tank.
Luckilly our house is built with a seperate stem wall and foundation and most of the water ran between this and seeped into the ground. Our floor is concrete with Armstrong laminate flooring on top that does not absorb water. A mop took care of the rest. The back of one chair was wet but not enough to do any damage.

 

[nas19320]

Wow Is this a new tank?

 

[prater]

No,
It was a used tank that I have had in storage for about three years.

 

[daniel411]

Thats a scary situation to be in. Best of luck removing all the water that seeped through your house.

 

[buzz]

Man...I feel for ya...well at least it happened while setting up the tank and not after it was established.
Sorry...

 

[overanalyzer]

YOWSA!!! I bought a used 140 and I had it filled in the garage for over two weeks and took measurements on it to make sure there was NO CHANGE!!
Story on the local KC reef board about a guy who filled up a large tank in his living room (old or used - can't remember) and the back of the tank just let go ....
Well - enjoy picking out a brand new tank!!

 

[j21kickster]

just a word in the future- if a tank is used and then not used for a long time- the silicone can become brittle and you get the point- be wary about used tanks ans how long they have been empty.
sorry to hear about all of that

 

[prater]

I am making arangements to reseal it with some friends. going to cut the whole tank apart and silicone it back together. I am also thinking of a safety band on the top that will be hidden under the canopy using a shipping strap.

 

[wrassecal]

Steve, no way Seems like you've been working on that forever. I am so sorry.

 

[m.rogers]

man you guys are scarying the he!! out of me i just set up a 150 that was used so far so good
prater man i hope it all works out for you and good luck.
mike

 

[prater]

Wrass,
It has been a while in the making, just another set back. I think the reseal will be in the works this weekend. Everyone I talked to said that I should not worry about it afterwards, besides a new tank purchase is not feasable right now.

 

[maxweljames]

i say go acrylic...

I've got an acrylic 55. It's a few years old now and I've got two leaks. Both are at the top so I can't have it filled to the brim like I used to. I would be able to reseal it during a water change but I just haven't had the time. If the same type of leak developes at a bottom seam I'm in deep trouble. I've had both glass and acrylic and I'm going back to glass for my next bigger tank. I thought the acrylic would grow on me but it just hasn't. Best of luck reassembling the tank Prater

 

[wrassecal]

Well, from what I've seen and heard from you so far if anyone has the patience to get this tank right it's you, good luck

 

[overanalyzer]

Originally posted by Wrassecal
Well, from what I've seen and heard from you so far if anyone has the patience to get this tank right it's you, good luck
If there is one thing this hobby will teach you it is patience!!

 

[melissa v.]

i am so sorry, keep us informed!!!!!!!!
Melissa V.

 

[prater]

I have started to disasemble the tank and there are several spots were the silicon has become brittle around the top moulding. It is probably from being in storage for 5 or so years. I horse traded with a guy for it and he had it in storage for a couple of years, then I had it in storage for 3 years. I will get it back together and refilled soon.......