Help! Advice on chipped tank needed *56k beware*

[bscman]

Hi all!
New to this forum, as you can see by my post count!

I just bought a used tank. Price was $14.99 but I had a 20% coupon, so it was $13.00 after tax.

Measurements are 36"x16"x12" There was a tag on the bottom that said "Inspected by Jodie, 3-2004...so it isn't very old. Given the dimensions it's a 29-30 gallon tank.

However!!!
One of the corners has a small chip in the glass, about 10" up from the bottom.

I was a little concerned at first, but it looks like a small chip, and no cracks. I've seen similar chips in tanks before via friends tanks, and they never had any problems. This one isn't very deep--less that 1/3 the thickness of the glass.
I'd like some second thoughts, though!


The tank:
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

The chip:
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

The chip, viewed from the inside (barely visible):
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

My thoughts were to epoxy the chip to keep it from getting any worse, then re-seal the tank (with an extra heavy bead on that corner).

It seems to hold water as-is...at least for the past few hours...but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

So, guru's, does it look like a structural problem that should keep me from filling it full of water? OR do you think a little expoxy and silicone is more than sufficient?
Worst case scenario I use this tank as a frog tank, or sell it to a friend for small lizards...

[2manyfish]

You understand of course, that there is no guarantee with something like that. I mean, you could use that tank for the next 20 years and it may never leak. You could use if for a month and it might bust open.

But having said that, I too have a tank with a chip in it. Pretty much in the same place only lower and I did the same thing that you intend to do with the epoxy and silicone glue. My tank is a 75g saltwater tank and I've had it for just a tad over a year. So far, so good! :thumb:

[bscman]

Well, glad to know I'm not the only one thinking the same way.

If the chip were at the bottom corner I'd be a lot more worried, but being towards the top of the tank, and not being all that large, I think I'll go ahead and use it.

It's been sitting out on my patio all morning, full to the brim, and doesn't seem to be leaking as-is. So with some fresh silicone and some epoxy to fill the chip, I should be golden (fingers crossed).

Others, feel free to chime in with your thoughts/experiences!!!!!!!

[octopus44]

I have a similar looking chip in my 67 gallon. The tank has been filled with water for the last two years and I have had no problems.

[RobbieG]

You understand of course, that there is no guarantee with something like that. I mean, you could use that tank for the next 20 years and it may never leak. You could use if for a month and it might bust open.

But having said that, I too have a tank with a chip in it. Pretty much in the same place only lower and I did the same thing that you intend to do with the epoxy and silicone glue. My tank is a 75g saltwater tank and I've had it for just a tad over a year. So far, so good! :thumb:

You should be OK - I would use it

As high up as it is there isn't a terrible amount of weight on it - if it did leak it would probably just leak and not spray 20 feet across the room (crosses fingers)

[bscman]

Okay guys, it sat for 8 hours today...and I thumped on it from time to time and shook it around and squeazed it on the sides. Not a single drop leaked...so I'm confident it'll be okay!

I'll re-seal it, a little heavy on that corned and epoxy it just because (err to caution). Good to go!

Thanks for the confirmation!

[cocoa_pleco]

my 29g african tank had a small chip in the corner, and i just globbed a bunch of silicone on it and no leaks.

If you plan on going away for more than a week over the next month, dont use the tank. Just stay home and make sure that it wont leak. Chances are i can guarantee if it does leak it SHOULD be a slow drip, not a full out gush. gushing comes when you have the tank on a unleveled surface, then all the silicone gives way

[Incredulous_Ed]

I would leave it sitting outside full of water for several weeks, just to be safe.

[bscman]

Well, it's been over a week and things seem to be looking good. Not even the slightesy drip. Just thought I'd let you know!

[Drumachine09]

Well, it's been over a week and things seem to be looking good. Not even the slightesy drip. Just thought I'd let you know!



Cool glad its all working out.

[Lady Hobbs]

Yea. Now send us some pic when you get it set up. If it should leak again, add some silicone to the inside as well. Knock on wood!

[GoldLenny]

I would have used Duct Tape. Just kidding! ;)

But seriously, the most I might have done is fashion a corner bracket out of some plexiglass and then epoxied that to the outside just to reinforce the glass. As many folks who drive have seen, you can start off with a small chip in the windshield and over time, it can spider out across the windshield. If folks would fill the chip with some epoxy or superglue type product for glass immediately, it keeps the likelihood of the spider effect from happening.

[Lady Hobbs]

Years ago we'd make a slight cut near both ends of the crack. It would spread only as far as that slit we made but glass is different now in windshields so probably wouldn't work the same.