Question about glass chips in large tanks

[rgentry123]

So, i have found a great deal on a 210 gallon tank near me, it's brand new, no prior owners BUT there is a chip in the glass on the left front corner. It doesnt look like it's actually cracked or anything, just a chip on the corner. The chip isnt exactly small though, it's about 1" - 1 1/4" long and does seem to have taken out a decent enough sized piece of glass. I'm looking at only pictures as well so I havent actually seen the tank up close, my obivous concern is with the tank being a 210 I'm worried that it may have affected the structural integrity of the glass and I REALLLLLY wouldnt want to end up with 210 gallons of saltwater on my floor. Has anyone experienced this before on their own tanks or know someone who has had it? did they ever have any issues? Thanks! I'll try and get a pic up when I can to help

 

[rgentry123]

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[rgentry123]

Ugh well that didn't work...

 

[dave.m]

I've seen lots of tanks with chips that worked perfectly fine. The way that water spreads its weight results in the most outward pressure being at the bottom of the tank. That's why it is important for euro-bracing to include the bottom of the panes.

Make sure you get to see the tank close up before laying your money down, and expect a sizable reduction in price due to reduced aesthetics (the chip).

Dave.M

 

[rgentry123]

ok, i appreciate the feedback. They are asking $500 on a 210, normally i think these are closer to the $1200 range. It seems like a fair price to me. My main concern was whether ir would affect the ingerity of the glass.

 

[dave.m]

Integrity? (sp)

That is not a bad price for a new 210. If the tank does not have euro-bracing I would add it just for your own piece of mind.

Dave.M

 

[rgentry123]

haha, yeah integrity is what i meant. I thought the price was pretty solid, even given the damage. It's a standard 210, it has the black plastic bracing around the top/bottom. Is that sufficient? It's listed a megaflow aquarium.

 

[dave.m]

I don't know the make. The plastic does nothing but control salt creep (supposedly). How tall is the tank? If it's much over 24" and only half inch thick glass I would add euro-bracing, but that's a personal call.

Dave.M