How bad is this crack?

[RSX typeS]

I have been spending months putting this tank together and have been nervous about the task of plumbing. The tank is 30 gal. long and came with three 1 1/2 inch pre-drilled drains(1" from top of tank). I was assembling the bulk head to 1" PVC pipe when I heard a slight crack and to my disgust there it was, a crack from the top of the hole to the top of the tank. The crack does not extended to the other side of the glass. Will I be able to use this tank or is it now garbage.

Your thoughts and suggestions are needed. Thank you.

 

[edemeterjr]

Had this happen to me once. Put bulk head back into place and plumbed. Then run silicone on both sides over crack.

 

[Rhodophyta]

That reminds me why I like flexible tubing over rigid pipe. Sorry to hear about and see your problem. I've seen tanks with this crack set up and running, but it would make me nervous.

 

[itZme]

I think I would purchase a piece of 1/4" glass and silicone it over the entire area. (maybe 6"x6") Then re-drill the bulkhead if needed or just leave the 2 existing holes if they are enough for your plumbing method and have the one hole covered. I'm thinking three 1.5 inch holes are overkill for that size tank anyway. There is a lot of stress placed on that upper rim of the tank when it's full of water.

At the very least I think you should add some bracing across the top of the rim and maybe bolt it into the plastic frame with nylon bolts. I have a 75g that had a cracked center brace and I patched it with a chunk of acrylic bolted in place.

Whatever you do, I would do it before adding any water since most tanks have a bit of bowing when they are full compared to empty.

I have some scraps of glass that I could cut for you and bring to the meeting Friday if you want to try it.

-- Kevin

 

[RSX typeS]

I appreciate all of your replies. I'ts good to know that I'm not the only one who has made this mistake and that there are some alternatives to putting this tank on the curb. I will move forward with repairing the crack with the 1/4" of glass that I already have access to (Thanks anyway itZme).

On a side note, I wanted to say how impressed I am with how knowledgeable people are on this forum and how willing they are to share that knowledge with others. There are others out there that would rather point out some ones inexperience vs sharing their knowledge to better this hobby, that is not the case here. I have been visiting this forum for awhile, but have not posted much. I can't wait to get this system up and running so that I may have something to post about. I have yet to join C-sea but plan to do so. Thanks again.

 

[Rhodophyta]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12799700#post12799700 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RSX typeS
I appreciate all of your replies. I'ts good to know that I'm not the only one who has made this mistake and that there are some alternatives to putting this tank on the curb. I will move forward with repairing the crack with the 1/4" of glass that I already have access to (Thanks anyway itZme).

On a side note, I wanted to say how impressed I am with how knowledgeable people are on this forum and how willing they are to share that knowledge with others. There are others out there that would rather point out some ones inexperience vs sharing their knowledge to better this hobby, that is not the case here. I have been visiting this forum for awhile, but have not posted much. I can't wait to get this system up and running so that I may have something to post about. I have yet to join C-sea but plan to do so. Thanks again.

This would be a good meeting to join, the last one before the summer hiatus. If you have little ones, this is a great meeting for them since we will be quickly adjourning from the zoo education building to see the stingrays.

 

[markviiisvt4]

You could also replace the whole pane of glass. I'f got an extra 30 long if you wanna rob a pane of class from it.

 

[RSX typeS]

Rhodophyta,
I'm sending in my membership form tonight. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the meeting on the 27th, but I look forward to attending when they are back in session.
Mark,
Thanks, that's really cool of you to offer. I'm thinking I'll stick with the patch work on this tank. I like the size of the 30 Gal long and if this one fails maybe I could talk you into selling me yours if your still not using it.

 

[markviiisvt4]

Your more then welcome. if you need a pane let me know, your welcome to it.