Does this chip ruin my aquarium?

[mengerin]

I am setting up a 180g reef (getting back into the hobby after many, many years gone by).

One of my children dropped something into my aquarium and chipped the glass. It is very small on 3/4" glass.

Is this too dangerous to use now?

Is there something to do to repair it?

Can I ignore?

I'm looking for some expert advice on aquariums/glass/risk of breakage.

I've got two pictures. One shows the chip next to a dime. The other shows the tank and where the chip is. It's near the dime that's by the overflow box.

So, what do the experts think?

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[RcToners]

I dont think your glass in 3/4 inch thick? thats pretty thick for a 180

 

[mengerin]

Ooops. You're correct. Just measured. It's 1/2". Thanks for the catch.

 

[ironwill723]

Looks ok to me. If you wanted you could silicone a small piece of glass over it if you are really worried. I wouldn't be concerned if it was my tank though. Just my opinion.

 

[mengerin]

Thanks. I was wondering if that would avoid a hairline crack or some such like on a car window. Didn't know if the forces/issues were the same.

 

[RotaryGeek]

I have a 180 that has a small chip on the outside corner. Doesn't effect anything, but then again, different chip location may make it worse. Take it outside and fill her up and see what happens.

 

[NaH2Ofreak]

For the time it takes, I would definitely silicone a piece of glass over it. It is on the bottom right?

Dennis

 

[coralnut99]

I just looked at the picture a second time, and it looks like there's a crack starting to run straight down from the chip, on the back side. But there are similar line markings behind the panel, so can't tell for sure. You can buy the resin used for windshield repairs, but can't remember the trick to get it to cure.

 

[mengerin]

I just looked at the picture a second time, and it looks like there's a crack starting to run straight down from the chip, on the back side. But there are similar line markings behind the panel, so can't tell for sure. You can buy the resin used for windshield repairs, but can't remember the trick to get it to cure.

Fortunately, there's no crack! If you're looking on the left, that's the wire from the light holder. Otherwise, trick of the lighting.

 

[imagex]

if i were you i would take it to one of those windshield repair guys and fill it in... it mite have the same effect on the tank like a car windshield and start streamline cracking... i would definitely get it patched..

 

[snorvich]

if i were you i would take it to one of those windshield repair guys and fill it in... it mite have the same effect on the tank like a car windshield and start streamline cracking... i would definitely get it patched..

Good advice. Cannot hurt to be proactive.

 

[allsps40]

I agree call a good glass repair company and have then repair the chip. Being that it is on the bottom of the tank it could grow when you fill it with water and rock. Better safe than sorry and glass repair is cheap compared to the cost of a tank and all the live stock.