Glass Experts - Your opinions please.

[AB1002]

I purchased a used tank a while back but because of a busy family schedule I am just now getting around to cleaning it up.
As I was cleaning I ran across a couple of chips that I had not noticed during the original inspection.

The tank is 60x20x24, half inch glass, euro braced top, with the bottom panel floating (sides go down past the bottom). Also three sides are low iron glass.

Here are pics of it when I went to pick it up....

The chip that I am most concerned about if on the bottom (outside) of the tank. It is a clam-shell chip that feels kind of like paint chipping off.
I am not sure if I should be real concerned or just sand it smooth and maybe cover it with silicone.

Close up pic of the chip on the bottom (tank is on it's back)...

And a larger pic showing where it is in relation to the front/back/side...

So... should I be concerned? Have the bottom panel replaced?
If it was on the inside I could use a glass patch, but on the outside?

Thanks in advance for your opinions and suggestions.

 

[Rudolph]

..have you filled it with water to check for leaks? That would seem to be a good place to start if you haven't already....if it leaks you have your answer.

I am sure some glass experts will have suggestions, but I wonder if an auto glass (windshield) repair company could seal it? I am not sure when they fill it in, if that adds support, or is just cosmetic?

I am not sure if I am seeing things, but is there a hairline crack from the upper third of the crack to the edge of the pane? The pics seems to show a white straight horizonal line? May just be a scratch, but if it is a crack that would concern me....

 

[jabo]

If it is on the bottom just fill it with aquarium safe silicone and put a little inside too. Do a water fill and test and it should be fine. Nice looking tank, good luck!

 

[AB1002]

Hey Rudolph, the crack you are seeing... I think that is part of the chip/flake area.

From the inside I don't see a crack. I am thinking I might could sand the area smooth with some sandpaper (like you clean the edges of cut glass). Maybe that would provide some assurance that any hairline cracks are less likely to spread.

I should have noted that I did a leak test when I first brought it home. Let it sit with water in the display area for a week with no leaks.
When I filled the overflow I got a small leak from one of the bulkheads that I had trouble getting resolved... so I took all the plumbing out to clean around the holes and replace the bulkhead gaskets.

Will do another leak test before I bring it in for sure.

Also, there is silicone on the inside and outside of the bottom panel... forgot to mention that.

Again, thanks for any thoughts / suggestions.

 

[OneReef]

I cant comment on the chips, but that is a nice looking tank setup.

 

[reeffreak25]

Judging by the picture, I wouldn't be concerned about it at all. Looks pretty superficial.

 

[jabo]

Did you buy that tank from a guy named Phillip in Bartlett?

 

[AB1002]

Did you buy that tank from a guy named Phillip in Bartlett?

I picked it up in Atlanta during a trip to take my daughter to the American Girl store.

 

[jabo]

Wow, I bet the American Girl store was more expensive than the tank! My daughter has a few.