Silicon problems on my new tank. Help.

[rxdi]

I just had a new 180 gallon tank made for me. Its 72"x24"x24". It has two cross braces on top and is euro braced. I filled it up with a 125 gallons of water today and 60 pounds of sand. While I was cleaning off the front glass, I noticed a lot of bubbles in the silicon between the front panels and the side panels. Is this normal?

 

[Bax]

Who made the tank?

 

[rxdi]

Viseo(same company Clear for life)

 

[boris MAC]

This are not only buubles, I'm afraid it is visible sign joints have fail a lot. Get in touch with them.

 

[BJJ]

Im no expert but I looked at my tank (230 Gal) and I also have small bubbles and the occasional vertical lines in the silicon. I was told that there is nothing to worry about as long as the "air gaps" are'nt through the entire thickess of the glass.

Also My 90 Gal sump has air pockets in the silicon as well. So far so good... I hope:thumbsup:

 

[windsor-aquatic]

I would suggest you contact the manufacturer and express you concerns to him. Whilst it may not necessarily be a potential hazard, it's nevertheless not the finish I would be happy with, and really the problem needs to be addressed now.

 

[boris MAC]

Yes, I completly agree with winsdor, some tiny air bubbles is OK, but those gaps right affter filling ... you should contact them...

 

[rxdi]

I emailed the manufacturer yesturday with the pictures and this it what they sent me:


This is normal. Because of the thickness of glass on the 180r (1/2"), during the drying process, some bubbles may appear in the seams. As the silicone dries, it tends to spread out, and microbubbles of air will expand.
This does not cause any structural issues with the aquarium, and the tank is safe to fill.


They also called me today and assured me that it was ok. That made me feel a lot better about it, so I will continue with it.

Thanks for all of your help.

 

[jjackson]

how long had the silicon cured.... just curious.... I have several small bubbles in my 180 oceanic

 

[windsor-aquatic]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7063045#post7063045 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rxdi
I emailed the manufacturer yesturday with the pictures and this it what they sent me:


This is normal. Because of the thickness of glass on the 180r (1/2"), during the drying process, some bubbles may appear in the seams. As the silicone dries, it tends to spread out, and microbubbles of air will expand.
This does not cause any structural issues with the aquarium, and the tank is safe to fill.


They also called me today and assured me that it was ok. That made me feel a lot better about it, so I will continue with it.

Thanks for all of your help.

I suspect that the manufacturer has told you what you want to hear. Bubbles of that magnitude should be eliminated at the construction stage, and in my opinion are not a sign of quality workmanship. What sort of warranty were you given with the tank? The thickness of the glass has no bearing whatsoever on the appearance of air bubbles; they should not be there, period.

 

[boris MAC]

See, i do not want to afraid you, I agree with windsor, if this was normaly to appear because of the thicknes of the glas , what so ever(thicknes of the glass have no any issue on the bubbles), than you would see them before filling the tank.
In my opinion, no good cuts are glued togheter, to little silicon is used, or the presure on the sides was to strong so the silicon is prsed out, bad silicon is used oe eventualy not cured enough.
A small bubbles could apear some time but see, you have serious lines and many bubbles.
But if the proucer guarantee you compesation of the floor or other damage that can be done,

 

[raskal311]

Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ve seen many tanks Ã"šÃ‚½Ã¢â"šÂ¬Ã‚+ glass tanks, many 8-10 years old and have never seen that many bubbles on a tank.