Is this chip my tank critical?

[Kodock]

I bought this shallow frag tank a few weeks ago and I didn’t notice this chip. The guy had plastic bumpers on each corner because he had “kids”. I should have done more due diligence, but I was just excited to get back in the hobby again..

He claimed there were no leaks and when I filled it up for a vinegar bath, I saw nothing, but I’m more concerned about collapse it the future. It doesn’t appear to have went far enough to compromise the silicone.

I plan to put some more silicone over it, but does this look unusable?

 

[Jekyl]

I don't think anyone can give you an answer that's definitive. Might be fine, might not.

 

[Fish Styx]

I 2nd Jekyl's sentiment. That will have to be a judgment call on your part. Otherwise, issues of culpability arise in the event of failure. I will add, however, that the cost to repair / replace the damage / loss done by a tank failure will far exceed the cost of a new, non-questionable tank. Food for thought. Best of luck either way.

 

[MoshJosh]

it's probably fine. . .

I think the fact that it's at the very top is promising. . .

but yeah, as said above, probably can't say for sure. . .

 

[Mschmidt]

It doesn't look like the silicone is damaged, as you saw too. I'd trust it but I'm reckless and irresponsible, so take it with a bucket of salt. If you want, you could add a rim or euro brace to it.

 

[14 foot reef]

Do you have the skill set to add euro bracing to the top, that would be a great insurance in my mind to strengthen the top from the seam most likely never splitting

 

[Kodock]

Do you have the skill set to add euro bracing to the top, that would be a great insurance in my mind to strengthen the top from the seam most likely never splitting

Unfortunately, I do not, but I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!

 

[Kodock]

I don't think anyone can give you an answer that's definitive. Might be fine, might not.

I understand. I guess I’m looking for a poll, at least. As in, would you use this or not kind of question..

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

i would try some JB Weld windshield repair liquid on it .. then not wonder as it will be fine.

 

[Jekyl]

i would try some JB Weld windshield repair liquid on it .. then not wonder as it will be fine.

I put that s*** on everything lol

 

[Fish Styx]

I understand. I guess I’m looking for a poll, at least. As in, would you use this or not kind of question..

Full disclosure: I'm not a glazier or an engineer. That being said, I'd be a hard "no". I wouldn't be so worried about the seam as I would about a crack or rupture. Glass thickness on enclosures is set to ensure that it can withstand the pressure of the water contained within, pushing outward. That chip, which is significant IMO, poses a weak spot that can fail more readily than the seam. Again, I'm not an engineer, so that is just a sophisticated wild <profanity edited> guess (SWAG) and I may be wrong.

 

[14 foot reef]

Unfortunately, I do not, but I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!

A local glass and mirror shop could cut the pieces for you ( Send tank dimensions to me ) i'll figure the sizes, send that to the local shop have them cut to size and just seam polish them so they arent sharp. Then order aquarium silicon and install. Its really pretty simple since this is a frag system and not a display where your super worried about the cosmetic look.

 

[Reefngeek]

Take the loss and replace the tank. It could possibly be fine for years. I had a crack on a corner of a tank that was fine but it's something that will always be in the back of your mind wondering if something will happen. It takes away from the joy or relaxation aspect of the hobby. Not worth the constant what if or worrying, in my opinion.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I bought this shallow frag tank a few weeks ago and I didn’t notice this chip. The guy had plastic bumpers on each corner because he had “kids”. I should have done more due diligence, but I was just excited to get back in the hobby again..

He claimed there were no leaks and when I filled it up for a vinegar bath, I saw nothing, but I’m more concerned about collapse it the future. It doesn’t appear to have went far enough to compromise the silicone.

I plan to put some more silicone over it, but does this look unusable?

View attachment 3010442 View attachment 3010443 View attachment 3010444 View attachment 3010445 View attachment 3010446 View attachment 3010447

Having repaired many tank- This one is Not safe as its in a structural area and under water pressure will likely weaken.

 

[JTP424]

Looks like a homemade tank, or already repaired with how the glass sticks out over the edge of the seam...
If you want to risk it put it in a basement or a garage...

 

[vetteguy53081]

The best thing I can say is" You go to a pet store and see this on a shelf- Would you buy it to place water and livestock in it?"

 

[Kodock]

The best thing I can say is" You go to a pet store and see this on a shelf- Would you buy it to place water and livestock in it?"

Yea true, it’s sad that someone would mask this. I blame myself for not pulling the edge bumpers off, but I thought people had integrity..

 

[Rovert]

Do you have the skill set to add euro bracing to the top, that would be a great insurance in my mind to strengthen the top from the seam most likely never splitting

I'd second that, and also suggest perhaps siliconing in two strips of glass along the vertical to help reinforce the corner area that was made weaker. Note please that this is all at your own risk and I take no responsibility for what might happen. Could be safer and smarter to just buy a new tank.

 

[Kodock]

Looks like a homemade tank, or already repaired with how the glass sticks out over the edge of the seam...
If you want to risk it put it in a basement or a garage...

This was actually more concerning for me. I think it’s manufactured, but that glass sitting in further doesn’t make sense

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yea true, it’s sad that someone would mask this. I blame myself for not pulling the edge bumpers off, but I thought people had integrity..

This is our new world and culture and very unfortunate. This one would require two glass panels for replacement and quite frankly if you've never done this and with the cost of glass and materials- Its best to buy a new one.
Many petco stores are running $1/gallon and 50% off sale on aqueon tanks right now
If you choose to buy used which I do, as before you go see it to see tank filled,.