Professional tank not safe?

[Mandarin the first]

I got a tank custom made by a guy who has been making aquariums for decades and is highly recommended by local reefers. People have allegedly had tanks running from him for decades with no leaks. However I’m not sure if I should be concerned with the structural integrity of the tank? I was quite disappointed with the quality but might look past it if it’s going to hold together well. Any recommendations based off the pictures?

 

[Ordovician_Reef]

I think the honest truth is who knows. What silicone did he use, what was the application and curing process? Maybe consider a test fill in the garage or outside and let it sit for a bit? Given the fit and finish in those photos, I think I would be concerned.

 

[parclife]

Is that the display tank? Might be my brain but I wouldn’t be happy with that finish even before thinking about filling it up. You spent good money on it so should be to your standard.

 

[HNR]

That looks terrible. Even if it holds water you should be getting your money’s worth for a display tank

 

[I never finish anythi]

Not the best job . Maybe his eyesight is going . How big is the tank ?

 

[Jack Ravensbergen]

I would not accept that , there is air as well in the silicon

 

[gbroadbridge]

I got a tank custom made by a guy who has been making aquariums for decades and is highly recommended by local reefers. People have allegedly had tanks running from him for decades with no leaks. However I’m not sure if I should be concerned with the structural integrity of the tank? I was quite disappointed with the quality but might look past it if it’s going to hold together well. Any recommendations based off the pictures?

That's a terrible looking job for a display tank.

Probably won't leak and maybe okay for a sump, but I'd send it back

 

[KrisReef]

The exposed lip on the bottom glass needs to be protected from bumps to prevent it from breaking.

If the local community accepts that standard of edge alignment and the tank “will last for years” then you are better off with that tank than some of the big companies that are known to leak quite often.

Always fill a new glass tank on a solid surface outside.

 

[Jack Ravensbergen]

The exposed lip on the bottom glass needs to be protected from bumps to prevent it from breaking.

If the local community accepts that standard of edge alignment and the tank “will last for years” then you are better off with that tank than some of the big companies that are known to leak quite often.

Always fill a new glass tank on a solid surface outside.

+1

 

[exnisstech]

I can't comment on the structural integrity but that sloppy silicone application would drive me crazy if I had to look at it as a display tank everyday and I'm normally not a super picky person.

 

[Dom]

How much did you pay for this tank?

 

[Jack Ravensbergen]

How much did you pay for this tank?

What it is , it's to much .... dump it

 

[o2manyfish]

What you have is a tank built by an old time tank builder. He is building tanks using old school methods. He is snapping the glass and then grinding the edges so they don't slice a finger.

Modern tank builders, building in higher production numbers, use cnc glass cutters and water jetting to cut the glass. They then polish and chamfer the edges. This makes for a much more finished look - a mirrored edge to the glass what the heck out 90 degree edges.

Cutting the edges down by chamferring the edges make the glass less likely to fracture if hit on the edge by something with some mass.

While this may not be the most "finished" of aquariums, or cleanest built, structurally there is nothing wrong with the integrity of this aquarium and it should hold water safely for decades.

If these raw exposed edges are an eye sore to you, you could tape off the visually exposed edges and then basically caulk with black silicone and then use a smooth wet edge to slide along the caulking and leave your self with a clean black edge to the glass.

This will not make the tank any better as far as integrity but if the appearance bothers you, it will make it more appealing.

Dave B

 

[Mandarin the first]

Thanks for your feedback everyone! This tank will be built into a full wall height cabinet with only the front panel visible (hiding the edges) hence why I’m willing to look past it. I’m considering swapping out the front with a low iron piece from a more professional company depending on price. Obviously scrapping all old silicone off and using acetone etc

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I would not accept that , there is air as well in the silicon

Air bubbles in silicone are not inherently a bad thing and happen a lot...

That being said, as others have said, the overall appearance is messy and I would not be satisfied with the aesthetics regardless of any leak potential

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I can't comment on the structural integrity but that sloppy silicone application would drive me crazy if I had to look at it as a display tank everyday and I'm normally not a super picky person.

Exactly! I had a tank custom made by a nationally respected builder (that I chose specifically because of their great craftsmanship) and ended up with something that must have been siliconed during "take your kid to work"day! Made them build me a new one and it's perfect (in that respect anyway, lol)

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

For a professional tank manufacturer that’s poor and unacceptable. I’m sorry. If I ever made a tank and that was the result for my needs I’d scrape that build.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I got a tank custom made by a guy who has been making aquariums for decades and is highly recommended by local reefers. People have allegedly had tanks running from him for decades with no leaks. However I’m not sure if I should be concerned with the structural integrity of the tank? I was quite disappointed with the quality but might look past it if it’s going to hold together well. Any recommendations based off the pictures?

Yeah, I wouldn't be happy with that either