180gal sump cracked, what would you do?

[miguelp19]

Hello everyone!

Like the title says, I have an 180gal sump and the front panel cracked today out of the blue. I just finished draining to below the crack and cleaned up a bit and I am pondering on what to do. I have industrial grade silicone, RTV108I believe, that I can use to seal the crack but I am not sure if that'll hold long term. The crack is a good 2.5 feet long. I thought about going on craigslist and finding another used one but moving large aquariums is a pretty big hassle for me since I don't have a truck.

What would you do?

 

[aquaph8]

I definitely replace it man. Let me know if I can help and I'll do my best.

 

[CReyes350]

I tired Craigslist and I always end up regretting my purchase because I buy other people's problems most of the time. Not to say CL is a bad thing but for something that big i would invest in a new sump. I am currently in the middle of phasing out my CL purchases for new equipment where i can

 

[leveldrummer]

replace the tank! dont just try and seal the crack with silicone. the panel will just break out then, spilling 180 gallons of water on your floor and possibly leading the the crash of your tank really isnt worth it is it?

 

[danfeig]

Hey Miguel. Sorry you are going through this. That's a large crack! I would definitely replace the sump. Let me know if I can help in anyway.

 

[miguelp19]

I definitely replace it man. Let me know if I can help and I'll do my best.

Thanks Brett! That'd be awesome. Ill let you know.

 

[miguelp19]

Hey Miguel. Sorry you are going through this. That's a large crack! I would definitely replace the sump. Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Thanks Dan! I think im gonna silicone a glass panel on the outside of the sump until I find another one or come up with a different sump idea.


Thanks for the advice guys

 

[aquaph8]

Silicone it on the inside rather than outside so the pressure pushes the pieces together instead of apart if that makes sense.

 

[Bgsutton]

If you're going to silicone the outside for a temp fix, you may want to reinforce it with another piece of glass. Just silicone a flat piece of glass to it...just a thought.

 

[Newsalth2o]

Silicon supports on both the inside and outside until you can replace it. Like Brett says just post here for help when you are ready to move tanks some of us guys will help we all know what its like to move big tanks and that much water.

 

[jjk_reef00]

That is why I always go with acrylic
I'd definetly replace it, if the side goes out while you are away it could be a complete mess. I would try to keep the water level well below the crack if possible.

I have a 120 and a 110 tall I'd be willing to sell if you are interested in either.
You can always check the LFS for pricing and things they have laying around.

 

[miguelp19]

I ended up replacing it with a 50 gal Rubbermaid for now until I can find something suitable. I just have the skimmer and a couple of rocks in there and it seems to be working fine. Ill post pics of it a bit later.

Ed, what are the dimensions of your tanks?

 

[Tucson Reef]

I would also see why it cracked before replacing, uneven support? Glass don't just crack unless undersized or scored.

 

[jjk_reef00]

I ended up replacing it with a 50 gal Rubbermaid for now until I can find something suitable. I just have the skimmer and a couple of rocks in there and it seems to be working fine. Ill post pics of it a bit later.

Ed, what are the dimensions of your tanks?

5' x 16" x 27"
and
4' x 24" x 24"