Back panel of tank cracked! Help!

[Dom]

It’s made out of starfire glass. I believe it’s 3/4 inch think. Yes it was painted. The crack is along the back. I have to get the panel replaced. It’s not just one tiny crack. It goes across the entire panel from top to bottom.

It looks as though the paint has cracked, not the glass. That's why I thought cleaning the paint off the back; damage assessment.

UPDATE: Woah; was I wrong. I see the crack NOW...

 

[JoshH]

It may not bond properly, but I think the water pressure against the silicone would help make a good seal.

I think the water pressure would just make it worse typically water pressure pushes down and out so there's always outward pressure on every seam...

 

[jsvand5]

Resealing a large tank definitely isn’t something you want to take on unless you have help from someone that has done it before. It’s not as easy as it seems. I wouldn’t be surprised if the replacement pane ends up costing more money than you already have in the tank.

 

[cracker]

I must be blind but I don't see a definite crack . Are You absolutely sure? Can you see it from the inside? 3/4 glass is hard to crack !
Consider using a straight razor blade to remove all the paint or whatever was stuck to it.
Just to be sure ! A pack of utility razor blades & a cheapy plastic handle can be had at the local home improvement for very little $$ .

 

[cwk84]

anks are typically assembled all at once... they use small spacers within the seams themselves to keep the panels separated, these spacers end up becoming part of the seam itself.

Things like Euro bracing can be added later as the seams don't need to be 100% water proof. Anything under the waterline needs to be completed at the same time

How are they doing that? I guess I will have to watch some videos. Even if they put the spacers they somehow have to fix the panels before they glue them.

 

[cwk84]

The crack is clearly visible in the picture. I can move the two sides of the cracked glass. And at the bottom where the holes are drilled the glass is coming off in tiny pieces. I have no idea how this happened. Maybe it happened during transport. I have no idea. I thought it could have been the heat but maybe that was just the last straw...

 

[w2inc]

You cannot just remove one panel when fixing glass tanks, the issue isn't the panels themselves it's the silicone. Silicone will not bond to cured silicone. So when you only reseal the one panel it will not bond properly to the other two corners which can lead to pinhole leaks. And no aquarium manufacturer would ever want to deal with that mess so they will refuse to only replace the damaged panel and only offer a complete reseal.

I spoke with GE tech support and sc1200 will stick to dried silicone. If you want to go Econo, get a piece of glass from the free section of craigslist. Have it cut to fit over the old panel. Scrape off the paint and push that crack until it gets where it is going. (Or Just get a razor blade with some vice grips and cut the old panel out of the way.) From there either seal over both sides of the crack with silicone and glue the new panel to the back outside of the tank, or glue the new panel in place. It is really not that hard to do. You will be in to it for $30 between having the glass cut and the silicone. Leak test it for a week and you are good to go. Replacing a panel is just not that hard. I have done several and not had issues. My Elos tank comes from the factory with a double pain bottom that is in 4 pieces, 2 top 2 bottom. It allows for some flex. Seems like a possible upgrade to do that to the back of your tank. Yes it will be ugly, but functional. Budget some times equals ugly. I am just saying dont be afraid to try.

 

[cracker]

I have to agree with You . You can can see it close up. I see a couple of pics.
Ok, I had a 29gl some time ago with a crack top to bottom like yours. I ran a very thick bead of silicone over the crack (inside) & quickly filled with water. The idea is the water pressure will push the silicone into the crack. This worked,no leaks until I finally gave the tank to a friend . It's a low dollar option for Ya. Good Luck !

 

[Cassian]

if you do decide to replace it yourself/get it replaced. I would highly recommend setting up in a garage or carport outside to leak test it. although this doesn't guarantee it won't leak in your house in the future, it will at least make sure it doesn't blow out right when you fill it up.

 

[oldfishman]

I feel your pain but I would not take the chance. A number of years ago I had a 125 gallon repaid and water tested it cost a few bucks but it was worth it and then when moving back home it was put fine on a pice of gravel and broke the bottom. It was given away as a snake tank.

 

[clsanchez77]

I just bought that used for 350 dollars. The guy had it custom made by Lee Mar years back for 1200 dollars. No one wants a cube anymore so I was able to get it cheap. I want to have spent 350 for nothing. A new tank is not an option. I have to get this fixed.

As suggested prior, just replace the back pane of glass. Since you are still a student, take the time to learn how to silicone a glass tank together. This will save you a lot of money now and in the future.

As far as repairing the crack, I would say no because the crack extends to full height of the glass pane. If the crack did not extend to the edge, you could do an epoxy repair. With it extending to the edge, the pane is no longer laterally stable and the silicone joint is now compromised.

Replace the back glass, remove all silicone and redo the tank. Should only cost you about $100 or so in material...so now you are out $450 for the tank - still a great price!

 

[clsanchez77]

it was put fine on a pice of gravel and broke the bottom.

That would have happened to any glass tank, new, used or repaired.

 

[PaulPerger]

How are they doing that? I guess I will have to watch some videos. Even if they put the spacers they somehow have to fix the panels before they glue them.

Watch this video. It the set and seal of a 2100 Gallon tank. The entire tank is assembled using braces, etc. completely squared up BEFORE any silicone is applied. The entire process took hours, but the silicone sealing was only a fraction of that time...

 

[GlassMunky]

I just bought that used for 350 dollars. The guy had it custom made by Lee Mar years back for 1200 dollars. No one wants a cube anymore so I was able to get it cheap. I want to have spent 350 for nothing. A new tank is not an option. I have to get this fixed.

youre most likely going to pay around the same as you did for the tank or more to have it fixed.

 

[clsanchez77]

Watch this video. It the set and seal of a 2100 Gallon tank. The entire tank is assembled using braces, etc. completely squared up BEFORE any silicone is applied. The entire process took hours, but the silicone sealing was only a fraction of that time...

Everything looked great and impressive...until I saw the Pepsi machine in the back. Friends don't let friends drink Pepsi

 

[jtl]

When a tank is assembled it is done panel by panel as far as I know. They have to wait until the silicone has dried to assemble add another panel. Otherwise the whole thing would fall apart. The silicone needs to bind first doesn’t it?

Nope. Tanks are assembled all at once and clamped until the silicone cures.

 

[jtl]

The only option is the take the tank completely apart. I have used the blades from disposable razors to cut through the seams. They are very thin and flexible, some have had luck using very thin wire and pulling it back and forth in a sawing motion. Before you reassemble the panels you must clean off all of the old silicone and its residue. Scrape with a razor blade then scrub with steel wool and acetone. Putting it back together is not all that difficult but it does require patience.
1. Lay out the panels and tape all of the edges that be on the seams. Hold the tape back to create about a 1/16" space and remember to make an allowance for the panels that have an opposing panel abutting them. The reason for this is to make a nice straight internal seam when you spread the silicone with your finger instead of an uncontrolled wide ugly seam.
2. Spread a nice even bead of glue on seams. It only need to be on one side of each seam. Do one panel at a time and have someone help you to hold them in place while to apply the silicone to another panel. It is critical that you work at a steady but fast pace. DO NOT let the silicone skim over or it will not bond correctly. You have about 5 minutes per panel. Once you have the panels set in place and lightly pressed you have plenty of time for the next step because air cannot get to the silicone.
3. Once the panels are in place GENTLY push them together and check to make sure there are no air bubbles. DO NOT push them so tight that you squeeze out all of the silicone or you will need to start all over. You only need about 1mm of silicone in the seam. You will need some means to temporarily hold the panels in place. Clamps work good, either bar or strap. You also simply run two or three pieces of tape all around the perimeter of the tank. The critical thing is to not clamp the tank so tight that you squeeze out too much of the silicone.
4. Smoother out the silicon oozing out of the inside seams (hopefully you did the tape off technique). After you have removed the excess silicone remove the tape before it dries and you will have a nice clean internal seam, just like the pros.

You tank probably has a max of 1/2" glass. My guess is you can get a piece that will work for about $50-$75. Measure the old one carefully and make sure they polish the edges. I have only used RTV silicone, you can get either clear or black. I would estimate no more than two 10 oz tubes. You will likely need to order this online, I have never seen it the big box stores. So for under $100 you will have a nearly new tank.

 

[leroy_jenkinz]

The only option is the take the tank completely apart. I have used the blades from disposable razors to cut through the seams. They are very thin and flexible, some have had luck using very thin wire and pulling it back and forth in a sawing motion. Before you reassemble the panels you must clean off all of the old silicone and its residue. Scrape with a razor blade then scrub with steel wool and acetone. Putting it back together is not all that difficult but it does require patience.
1. Lay out the panels and tape all of the edges that be on the seams. Hold the tape back to create about a 1/16" space and remember to make an allowance for the panels that have an opposing panel abutting them. The reason for this is to make a nice straight internal seam when you spread the silicone with your finger instead of an uncontrolled wide ugly seam.
2. Spread a nice even bead of glue on seams. It only need to be on one side of each seam. Do one panel at a time and have someone help you to hold them in place while to apply the silicone to another panel. It is critical that you work at a steady but fast pace. DO NOT let the silicone skim over or it will not bond correctly. You have about 5 minutes per panel. Once you have the panels set in place and lightly pressed you have plenty of time for the next step because air cannot get to the silicone.
3. Once the panels are in place GENTLY push them together and check to make sure there are no air bubbles. DO NOT push them so tight that you squeeze out all of the silicone or you will need to start all over. You only need about 1mm of silicone in the seam. You will need some means to temporarily hold the panels in place. Clamps work good, either bar or strap. You also simply run two or three pieces of tape all around the perimeter of the tank. The critical thing is to not clamp the tank so tight that you squeeze out too much of the silicone.
4. Smoother out the silicon oozing out of the inside seams (hopefully you did the tape off technique). After you have removed the excess silicone remove the tape before it dries and you will have a nice clean internal seam, just like the pros.

You tank probably has a max of 1/2" glass. My guess is you can get a piece that will work for about $50-$75. Measure the old one carefully and make sure they polish the edges. I have only used RTV silicone, you can get either clear or black. I would estimate no more than two 10 oz tubes. You will likely need to order this online, I have never seen it the big box stores. So for under $100 you will have a nearly new tank.

He already stated it’s 3/4 starfire glass

 

[jtl]

He already stated it’s 3/4 starfire glass

He said he "believes" it is 3/4" glass. I seriously doubt any tank builder would use 3/4" glass on a 75 gallon tank. That would excessive and expensive overkill.

 

[WVNed]

Much here doesn't make sense. I paid $299 for a 75 gallon tank with a stand.