Cracked tank EMERGENCY!!

TaylorLee · Jan 19, 2013

Well i have a 20 gallon high tank that is drilled for my sump. I have 2 holes 2" from the top trim of the tank with 2 bulkheads in the tank and this tank sits inside another container that holds my skimmer and return pump. The crack is huge!! It goes from the top right corner of the tank all the way to the BOTTOM LEFT corner of the tank. Its cracked all the way through...

. so it looks almost like this / if you're looking at it from the side. The crack is on the side panel of the tank, not the front glass. It just so happens to be cracked on the side where the 2 bulkheads are. I read that silicone can seal it?? Is this possible with how big of a crack it is or am i just waisting my time and i should just buy a whole new tank and get it drilled?? oh yess. Btw, if i had to gestimate how long the crack is, I would say its, if not a foot or a little more, about a foot long. its no less than 10"

Reply fast please! There isnt any water in the sump but it still needs to be a quick fix if possible!!
Thanks for all who view this thread!
-Taylor

Fatmike92 · Jan 19, 2013

silicon could be a good quick fix for the night but dont trust it for long at all!

youll definitely need to get a new sump in my opinon.

good luck!

SeahorseKeeper · Jan 19, 2013

I would go with a new tank. I think this would be the best fix.

TaylorLee · Jan 19, 2013

Alright

I didnt want to have to spend 40more dollars on a new tank but i guess ill play it safe. The silicone will not be able to hold up for a long time? I read somewhere that a guy had a crack in the bottom of his tank and he siliconed it and its been fine for 3 years. Any input on this statement?

Tinola · Jan 19, 2013

There's less pressure on the bottom of the tank... Which is why it'd be fine if it was the bottom.

revhtree · Jan 19, 2013

New tank! I heard that the Petco $1 per gallon tanks are on sale now.

JonnyJ · Jan 19, 2013

Glass - crack - water

Buy a new tank

Singlefin · Jan 19, 2013

New tank for sure.

Squishie89 · Jan 19, 2013

TaylorLee said:
I read somewhere that a guy had a crack in the bottom of his tank and he siliconed it and its been fine for 3 years. Any input on this statement?

Is it worth the risk? That is essentially what it comes down to.

TaylorLee · Jan 20, 2013

Thanks for the heads up rev! Ill jump on a new tank! but will the be able to order me a 20gallon high? they dont have them in stores...

peterthegamer · Jan 20, 2013

If the tank is still leaking then put something on it and get a new tank asap. I would use something that dries up quicker than silicon.

TaylorLee · Jan 20, 2013

theres no water in the sump at all. Its a new setup XD i forgot to mention that. Haha but my concern is jumping on the petco deal $1 per gallon tanks but idk if they carry 20Highs

peterthegamer · Jan 20, 2013

Oh phewww. Show us your sump setup so maybe we can suggest something else.

TaylorLee · Jan 20, 2013

I would love to but idk how to upload photos :/

danka-cedium · Jan 20, 2013

can yu fit a 20 long? should be available at any walmart. at this point get anything.

TaylorLee · Jan 20, 2013

i have a 20 long tank. but i have a 40gallon long tank with a 20 gallon high sitting inside of that for my refugium stage in the sump. the 20 long would forfeit the space i would put the skimmer in so the 20L is not an option. :/