SEMI-URGENT: Chip in glass - broken silicone seal

jjencek · Aug 4, 2023

I have chipped my glass on the inside next to the silicone seal. The chip is light, but it now drips every 5 seconds. It is 20 cm from the surface. It is a flake chip - no crack through the sickness of the glass. Is there a risk of catastrofic failure in the future? Should I try to fix it? If yes, how?

This is a REDSEA 170 tank with about 30 liters above the chip. Attached are two views from front and side of the glass.

blaxsun · Aug 4, 2023

I don't think you're in immediate danger of a catastrophic failure, but it will progressively become worse over time (especially if it's already leaking). You may be able to fix it, but this may involve replacing the chipped panel and may ultimately end up being more cost effective and expedient to just replace the entire tank.

jjencek · Aug 4, 2023

blaxsun said:
I don't think you're in immediate danger of a catastrophic failure, but it will progressively become worse over time (especially if it's already leaking). You may be able to fix it, but this may involve replacing the chipped panel and may ultimately end up being more cost effective and expedient to just replace the entire tank.

I do agree with you regarding replacing the panel not being the right option. I have put a tight band around the tank to prevent a catastrophic failure. I will keep an eye on it and maybe try to put silicon around it. Or could I use a superglue?

blaxsun · Aug 4, 2023

jjencek said:
I do agree with you regarding replacing the panel not being the right option. I have put a tight band around the tank to prevent a catastrophic failure. I will keep an eye on it and maybe try to put silicon around it. Or could I use a superglue?

As an interim "fix", maybe some gel superglue. I honestly don't think either superglue or silicone will be more than a band-aid solution, though.

fishguy242 · Aug 4, 2023

sorry to hear, strapping is great idea, no super glue ,will not bond
strap may buy you some time ,silicone may hold for X time , seal is compromised
hate to say it ,but would start looking for different tank ,JMO
@Troylee thoughts ?

exnisstech · Aug 4, 2023

Just scrap it or disassemble and reassemble with a new panel. JMO

Pntbll687 · Aug 4, 2023

Best option is new tank
Next option would be replace the panel
3rd option try to fix. Here's a video of how someone fixed a leak on a already full tank

Doctorgori · Aug 4, 2023

Maybe try the injectable windshield repair stuff in the interim…
I’d also have a backup plan/tank

Troylee · Aug 4, 2023

fishguy242 said:
sorry to hear, strapping is great idea, no super glue ,will not bond
strap may buy you some time ,silicone may hold for X time , seal is compromised
hate to say it ,but would start looking for different tank ,JMO
@Troylee thoughts ?

Agreed I wouldn’t trust superglue… hmmmm I don’t think the glass will fail but that silicone joint might as it’s weakened and it’s Red Sea which don’t have the best rep with non damaged silicone joints.. you could try a 2 part epoxy on the outside such jb weld “the clear stuff” to stop the leak and then just observe the silicone joint for bubbles down the road.. I don’t think it’s gonna be catastrophic any time soon… do you have a picture where the damage is in conjunction with the tank overall? Is near the top or bottom etc??

GlassMunky · Aug 4, 2023

Pntbll687 said:
Best option is new tank
Next option would be replace the panel
3rd option try to fix. Here's a video of how someone fixed a leak on a already full tank

This is a recipe for future disaster

NEVER DO THIS

jjencek · Aug 4, 2023

Troylee said:
do you have a picture where the damage is in conjunction with the tank overall? Is near the top or bottom etc??

It is about 20 cm from the top of the water - estimated 30 liters above the problem. So not much pressure. I lowered the volume to below the damage and applied silicone on the outside hoping that I can put "water behind it" after 24 hours.

jjencek · Aug 4, 2023

Troylee said:
I don’t think the glass will fail but that silicone joint might as it’s weakened and it’s Red Sea which don’t have the best rep with non damaged silicone joints..

It might not matter, but I actually don't think the silicone is damaged. It is the hairline crack in the glass that allows the water through.

fishguy242 · Aug 4, 2023

is the crack dead ended ? or have ability to run ?
if water is coming through crack , not a clam chip ?

SPS2020 · Aug 4, 2023

There is a marine sealant that I used many years ago which worked under water. I cannot think of the name of it now, but thought I got it from West Marine. If memory serves, it was two part and maybe one part was in a can and the other was in a vial.

Here is a list of some recommended marine sealants which may help in the interim.

jjencek · Aug 4, 2023

fishguy242 said:
is the crack dead ended ? or have ability to run ?
if water is coming through crack , not a clam chip ?

I am not sure what clam chips means, but it does look like a clam and it is still attached. Seems to dead end at the edge of the glass and the edge of the "clam" on the other side.

jjencek · Aug 6, 2023

Just a quick update .... I lowered the water below the crack. Put a glob of silicone on the inside and a glob on the outside and waited 24 hours. It is ugly, but it has been holding for now.