fixing cracked glass

[dannieboiz]

I just picked up a starfire tank the bottom was already broken but I found that the back also have a crack. I can see the crack from the back but didn't see the crack on the other side. They're 3/4" glass, in the back and bottom.

Replacing the bottom 3/4" glass is an arm, but the cost of the black glass piece for the back would probably cost me both legs.

Not sure how bad the crack but there's no leak, can I just attach the back glass with another 1/2" glass for support?

Was quoted $300 for a sheet of 48x24, 3/4 glass

the back is 48x26. which will probably cost the same price.

 

[reefnetworth]

100% pure cyanoacrylate, also known as superglue gel. manufactured by Duro, found at Wal-Mart in the paint section. about $4.00 for two tubes. other brands are fine as long as they are pure. the liquid is also the same ingredient, it might work better. since there are no leaks it might work. make sure the tank is level when adding H20 or the cracks will become breaks. you might try also, smaller strips of glass instead of full sheets, applied with 100% pure silicone. allow 24-36 hours for cure. REEF-ON!!!

 

[ghever]

hmm. i have the same issue..but am trying to sell the tank.. but i just have a crack in the back....and since there is a center overflow, i'd just need a 12x30inch piece of glass...but I'd need to drill a couple of bulkhead holes to match the ones already present.

So you are saying 100% cyanoacrylate will do the job? And then silicon the edges?

G

 

[xtrstangx]

Whoa there. I'm no tank repair expert, but I've read a LOT of threads, and I've never heard of cyanoacrylate being used. IMO, I would replace the glass. Think of all the investment you have in a 120g+.. it can easily be $4000 when its all said and done. You don't want to risk it with a piece of BROKEN glass and a little bit of super glue.

 

[ghever]

well, I dont want to thread jack...but for my case, I would think just putting that piece in front and sealing ti with silicone would do the job.. the water would provide enough outward pressue to keep the two glasses together and the silicone should prevent water from escaping...

What do you guys think?

 

[dannieboiz]

keep them coming, any idea would up. Cause if I bought 2 pcs of glass for 600 bucks, it won't be worth while anymore. I'll just use my current 100g wide tank.

 

[jman77]

Dude i would replace and not try to patch up the crack, but i've seen people patch buy siliconing a piece of glass over an existing crack and call it a day. I way too paranoid to do this as i know how much area a single gallon covers... yet alone 100 +


Those price quotes seem very steep for regular glass as well. I would call around and see if you can get a better price.

 

[ghever]

well, i had another fellow reefer over, he broke out his flash light..and we confirmed...definitely cracked... but still water tight...

Anyways, I really need to unload the tank.. its eurobraced, starphire....and is in great shape other than the crack... trying to get $300 for it, stand, canopy, and custom socal creations sump that cost me $250 alone... so if there are any DIYers out here this is a great deal for you...just remove the back glass pane, buy a new 30x30in one, and slap it on the back.. bam, brand new 120 cube starphire eurobraced...

G

 

[wav3form]

You'd be better off replacing the glass yourself and then selling it.

 

[ghever]

i wish...just dont have time with my new 180g project and baby due in late aug/early sept