Bottom of frag tank burst

[All_talk]

With the way it broke I suspect frame support could be involved. I find it interesting that the triangle break pattern is similar in size and distance from each end, this might imply bending/bowing on that side. If it were a glass flaw or impact damage I would expect a single point of origin.

Did the long rail under that side of the tank bow up or down causing uneven pressure on the frame?

 

[FSP]

A tank like that could rest only the short rails and be fine. The stand probably twisted.

 

[mdb_talon]

No bottom support except outside edges? Could be the problem.

That's not an issue. In fact most of your commercially built stands for rimmed tanks are going to be just like that.

 

[mdb_talon]

That sucks man feel bad for you! To me it is hard to imagine it was an issue with the stand unless you have some really bad(obvious) high/low spots leaving large portions of the rim unsupported.

 

[HankstankXXXL750]

I don't believe this is an issue with stand construction.

In all my years, I only had a bottom break once, and it just cracked as a result of trying to manipulate things with the plumbing. It cracked at the bulkhead and diagonally across to the front of the tank.

Is it possible that someone was fiddling with things?

No only me. I did put like 6 frags in it yesterday, but no true weight, and didn’t adjust anything. Happened almost exactly 6:30 this morning when I was just getting up. I heard it. I’m actually happy that it was one of these vs one of my big tanks.

 

[HankstankXXXL750]

A tank this size doesn't need 2x6. The stand may have been sound initially, but the wood very likely moved given the nature of dimensional lumber and the fact that it was in a basement.

Doubt it has moved that much in 2 weeks, but taking the tank outside now, and will drop the level on it when I get back in.

 

[Reefer1978]

Which tanks are these?

 

[HankstankXXXL750]

Which tanks are these?

ZooMed lowboy Frag tanks.

 

[Reefer1978]

ZooMed lowboy Frag tanks.

I've seen them fail without drilling, I would suspect drilling it makes it even worse. Might just be an issue of a cheap tank + thin glass unfortunately.

 

[workhz]

Just to confirm, were the 2x4s around the perimeter supporting the outer edge installed with the crown up or down. Don't take this as 100% but I kinda prefer to have them sanded perfectly flat and if that's not possible then crown down and shim a little between wood and tank (even though people say don't shim). My biggest fear is having a high spot along the length.

 

[HankstankXXXL750]

Just to confirm, were the 2x4s around the perimeter supporting the outer edge installed with the crown up or down. Don't take this as 100% but I kinda prefer to have them sanded perfectly flat and if that's not possible then crown down and shim a little between wood and tank (even though people say don't shim). My biggest fear is having a high spot along the length.

Going to re check but when I assembled and built the stand I confirmed everything was level and I would have noticed a crown in the 2x4 when I laid my 4’ level across it. I was very particular at the time.

 

[FSP]

The glass would have to be comically thin to fail "because" given the dimensions.

 

[HankstankXXXL750]

Glass is thin, only about 3/16”. The stand is still perfectly level all the way around. And no crown or bow up on the side that broke.

There is a knot, but it doesn’t stick up, and it was 3-4” away from where the glass broke.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I've seen them fail without drilling, I would suspect drilling it makes it even worse. Might just be an issue of a cheap tank + thin glass unfortunately.

This. my 'importer' uses them for his frags & some livestock, literally keeps 2 spare lowboys around. Those zoo med frag tanks are just cheaply made.

 

[Reefer1978]

This. my 'importer' uses them for his frags & some livestock, literally keeps 2 spare lowboys around. Those zoo med frag tanks are just cheaply made.

3/16 unfortunately is just way too thin.

 

[HankstankXXXL750]

This. my 'importer' uses them for his frags & some livestock, literally keeps 2 spare lowboys around. Those zoo med frag tanks are just cheaply made.

Yes, but I priced out a 4’x8’ frag tank and they wanted over $6000. If I can get away with these 4 only cost $600. But of course if I have to clean up water several times and buy new tanks, it might not pay out.

 

[Reefer1978]

Are you close to nj?

 

[HankstankXXXL750]

Are you close to nj?

No, I live in Nebraska.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Yes, but I priced out a 4’x8’ frag tank and they wanted over $6000. If I can get away with these 4 only cost $600. But of course if I have to clean up water several times and buy new tanks, it might not pay out.

Same reason my importer uses them, 100 bucks a pop for the zoo meds. We had a deal here you would of loved, a local guy was selling 4-6 frag tanks, 24"x 24" to 48"x24" pre drilled for something ignorant cheap like 500 bucks for all, all acrylic tanks. Downside he wouldn't break them up, had to take them All!

You'd prolly get a more affordable quote for a few smaller tanks. I bet the price for the acrylic panes for the size you want is crazy. Or have to look for a LFS to go out of biz.

 

[workhz]

This might be a really dumb question but if you do shallow frag tanks and these aren’t display tanks or in a store, what’s wrong with some wood or fiberglass and a liner? Something other than glass or acrylic.