Damaged tank, kan I fill or repair it?

Arylus · May 30, 2020

So today I picked up a new second hand 220 gallon tank, as an upgrade to my 30 gallon cube. But I think it got damaged in transport. Or I missed it.
can it be filled safely? Or repaired?
Any help would be appreciated

Jonify · May 30, 2020

From the looks of it, no. I'm so sorry. Chips or gashes that deep at the junction of each corner are pretty fatal. It might hold water for a little while, but the pressure and stress would pull off the silicone over time, and you'd have small leaks, and then probably larger cracks as the weight structure shifted.

vetteguy53081 · May 30, 2020

UNFORTUNATELY, Structurely Unsafe

DCR · May 30, 2020

I will say that I have used tanks with chips like that successfully. It does not appear to have reached the silicone and I think there is a reasonable chance it would hold. There is still a lot of glass in the area of the chip, although it is a relatively deep tank which increases the risk.

You could mitigate the risk by siliconing a backing plate of 1/2" glass to the cracked panel on the inside of the tank, something like 3" x 5". You would have to cut away the seams and silicon it fully to the panel and the connecting panels. Obviously you would make that corner part of the back of the tank. I have done these type of repairs on smaller tanks where I was uncomfortable with the size of the chip.

It is the side panel that is chipped so you could also remove and replace it at a cost that would not be anywhere near that of a new tank. It does not look like it would be that difficult. I have done panel replacement as well.

I am not saying it is without risk or recommending it for you. Everyone has to consider their risk tolerance and there DIY skills, but it is a very nice tank. I would certainly test it in a safe location for an extended period if you do decide to repair or use it.

Arylus · May 31, 2020

Well, seeing the responses here and on other forums, it’s mostly not a good idea. At best it’s risky at worst it’s getting ready to do some surfing.
so looking at the price of a replacement frontglas witch is 160 bucks. It’s just not worth it, and I’m not going to risk 10 grand of animals for 16” bucks. I’ll replace the glass and feel a lot safer, now to figure out how exactly