cracked tank

[Wallyfish]

I have recently discovered a crack in my eclipse 6 tank. It is in the front and 2 inches in length. I have never seen this crack before and do not know how it originated. There is no water leaking from it at the moment. I'm certain that none of my fish are capable of causing it though my betta does flare at his reflection. Should I be concerned with my tank? Will the crack grow? I'm certain that it was not there yesterday. I have aquarium sealant in case it starts leaking. I am overall disappointed with the crack and will probably not buy another eclipse tank again, which are probably overpriced to begin with. Do plastic tanks usually crack with age?

[salman]

The crack will grow and eventually there will be a leak. Take the tank back to where you got it from, yell, and they might exchange it.

[Sasquatch]

I'd apply the sealant now, before it starts to leak. Once it's leaking water, applying the sealant will be next to imposible since you usually need a dry surface for it to adhere.

As far as plastic tanks go, plastic does that. If it's a relatively new tank, I'd try to take it back and exchange it, or at least get store credit towards another (ideally glass) tank. If it's cycled, you can just move the gravel to the other tank (without letting it dry) and you should be fine.

[RobbieG]

I wouldn't seal it if you are going to try to take it back - they may give you a hard time.

That is a large crack for that sized tank - I would try taking it back immediately (take a picture of it back to the store with your receipt to see if they will consider it first)

If they won't take it back I would replace it - its in a place where you will be stuck looking at it forever and cracks grow.

If you decide to repair it check into some aquarium safe epoxy - aquarium sealant will make a huge mess and will probably do nothing to keep the crack from growing - I doubt very much that it will even keep it from leaking

[gm72]

I don't think there's much hope for the tank. That crack will eventually spread even if you were to seal it up now. Not to mention that any sealant that you use will probably seriously detract from the aesthetics of the tank. Agreed with the other posts that you should try a return. If that doesn't work, replace the tank.

[Zerileous]

furst, make sure it really is cracked and not just a deep scratch acrylic is soft and can scratch easily. Once your sure it really is cracked, call Marineland and request a replacement (if it is still under warranty). They will ask you to fax them a copy of the recipt and some other basic personal info.

good luck with your tank.

[Wallyfish]

I need to upgrade my goldfish tank. Then I will probably transfer my betta and corys to my 10 gallon tank. After closer observation and feeling the inside of the tank I have come to the conclusion that it is not a crack. It is a deep scratch on the outside that I believe was caused by a fossilized wood rock that I had removed recently from the tank that brushed against the side. The rock is not extremely sharp. It apparently doesn't take much to scratch the surface of plastic tanks.

[proudpinoy]

im not sure if they're gonna take it back. just replace it with a new one and put in inverts there like T's or Scorps. Reptiles even! :D