40 Gallon AIO Tank Repair?

[kingyking888]

Hi,

I would appreciate your expertise on glass tank repairs. Have a spare 40G AIO.
As you can see from the photo, inner glass panel is broken. The broken glass is 8mm thick.

What is the best method to patch without removing the broken glass panel?

Can I use silicon sealant all over it and cover it with like 2-3mm thick glass panel?
Then glue a 1/4" thick Black ABS sheet onto the new glass with silicon to hide the uglies?

I will not working on it anytime soon, just no
room and it is in my garage stored away.

Thanks

 

[kingyking888]

Photo:

 

[griss]

I've never repaired a broken pane in a tank before. I think covering it with a glass panel using silicone should work since it's the divider between the display and filter. I don't know how well the ABS will work but an internet search says silicone will stick to it.

 

[wvned]

There is no pressure or weight on that piece. Just silicone the ABS to it. I would just make a cutout in the corner and leave the weir uncovered.

 

[kingyking888]

Cool. Thanks.

Unclear though, why is there no pressure on that piece? Without the outside panel
and AIO filter, it is just 4 sided regular aquarium?

I think some of the AIO chambers have open areas so it needs that glass piece in place.

 

[Reefing102]

Cool. Thanks.

Unclear though, why is there no pressure on that piece? Without the outside panel
and AIO filter, it is just 4 sided regular aquarium?

I think some of the AIO chambers have open areas so it needs that glass piece in place.

My understanding is the pressure is equal on both sides. Basically, when the water drains through the weir it goes in the left chamber, fills up the middle chamber then falls into the return chamber (there maybe some other baffles in the filter chamber but essentially the back will be full with water so the pressure is equal on both sides.

The only additional pressure would possibly if you lean rock against it, but even still, that pressure would be negligible in my opinion.

 

[griss]

I only recommended the glass because I’m overly cautious. @wvned and @Reefing102 are right though.

 

[wvned]

The plastic will be much easier to cut and place than glass and will be plenty strong enough.
Glue it like a patch by spreading the silicone all over it in a thin film and then clamp it between 2 flat things and leave it. Even large books and spring clamps you can get for $1 would work. The flat things keep the cracked glass from moving while you apply some force to get the glue bedded in between the new and broken part. A firm squeeze will be good enough. Then let it dry for 24 hours.
A bit of water leakage is fine in this case. I don't really expect any though. The crack goes all the way to the return pipe hole. I would be careful there.
and don't get cut. Shattered glass is very very sharp and when held in place you move your hand by it and can slice deeply.

I would not try to cover and replicate the weir and hole. I would cut the patch to stop just below them. I would smear 4 inches or so of the crack from the hole with silicone on the back where it wont be seen. Use a gift card or stiff cardboard to apply it.

 

[kingyking888]

Sounds like a solid plan for future repair.

Agreed with sharp broken glass. I tried to salvage the bottom level mat that was inside the tank. Tiny pieces were embedded in the leveling mat.

I tried using lint remover to pick up the tiny pieces but ended up getting cut so just tossed it out.

I used a small shop vac to suck up on the smaller broken pieces.

Thanks