What happens if you cut into glass while removing a baffle from the tank?

[kingyking888]

Hi,

I use an exacto knife and started removing the silicon seal that holds the baffle in place on the Fluval Evo 5 filter/pump section.

On the bottom glass and side glass joints, I heard glass scraping and it feels like pits. So I think I cut into the glass in a few spots.
Am I screwed? Will it leak or crack later?

Just fill in those areas with silicon seal?

This is my first time attempting to remove silicon and adding a new baffle. I've scraped all the silicon off, will clean up with alcohol.
Then silicon the baffle in tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[Reefing102]

It’s likely just deep scratches which shouldn’t be an issue. The issue you may have is if you cut into the tanks silicone where the panels meet.

 

[griss]

I highly doubt an Exacto knife would cut into glass. You need diamond dust edge/drill to score/drill glass. At the edges, likely just the rough edges of the glass of scratches. I think you’re good.

 

[kingyking888]

Ok. Thanks. I sure hope so.

If there are some chipped glass or micro cracks, would the silicon hold it together?

 

[wvned]

Ok. Thanks. I sure hope so.

If there are some chipped glass or micro cracks, would the silicon hold it together?

Your glass is fine and will not break.
Silicone is much much much weaker than glass and would act to seal a hole but add no strength.
The current trend to apply micro to some common thing and create a special case is silly.
Watch a video of glass cutting or try it yourself. Glass is very strong and hard. You can scratch glass with steel tools but a force has to be applied to break it. The break will occur at the scratch since that is the weakest point now.

There is a super glue type product that will fill chips in glass that is commonly used on car windshields and restoration work but I do not know if it is aquarium safe. It does prevent cracks from growing.

 

[kingyking888]

Right. I would not even know where the cracks are.

Just want to have some peace of mind

 

[wvned]

I save old glass and cut it to make things. Just takes some practice.