Help! Aquarium has a crack..

[mvan14]

Lookin for some advice on what to do here. My aquarium was bumped with a glass cup and it received a small but noticeable crack on the top corner. If I rub my finger on the outside of the glass I can’t feel anything. It’s contained to the front panel not the side. I’m concerned about the pressure on the glass. The tank is an IM 25 Lagoon. I’m not sure if I should consider patching or possible more drastically looking to replace the tank.

 

[Cell]

Pretty gnarly looking crack. Just the bottom part might be a clamshell, but the top looks like it goes all the way through the glass. Given the location though, you might be ok. Not sure I would trust it personally though.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Lookin for some advice on what to do here. My aquarium was bumped with a glass cup and it received a small but noticeable crack on the top corner. If I rub my finger on the outside of the glass I can’t feel anything. It’s contained to the front panel not the side. I’m concerned about the pressure on the glass. The tank is an IM 25 Lagoon. I’m not sure if I should consider patching or possible more drastically looking to replace the tank.

its in an area that is structural and not to be trusted.
Looks like you will need to replace it

 

[Naturalreef]

It looks like the crack compromised the silicone side, which means less adhesion. While I don’t think it will spread, it is slightly below the water line which would make me nervous. I would replace the tank imo. Sorry that happened!

 

[mvan14]

Pretty gnarly looking crack. Just the bottom part might be a clamshell, but the top looks like it goes all the way through the glass. Given the location though, you might be ok. Not sure I would trust it personally though.

Yeah the top appears to go all the way through which is my main concern. I’m afraid the silicone will fail.

 

[mvan14]

its in an area that is structural and not to be trusted.
Looks like you will need to replace it

I was afraid of this

 

[mvan14]

It looks like the crack compromised the silicone side, which means less adhesion. While I don’t think it will spread, it is slightly below the water line which would make me nervous. I would replace the tank imo. Sorry that happened!

Yeah, maybe 1/3 of the lower part of the crack is below my water line. My fear is the silicone failing and having a leak.

 

[ZoWhat]

 

[sfin52]

Yeah the top appears to go all the way through which is my main concern. I’m afraid the silicone will fail.

I was afraid of this

Yeah, maybe 1/3 of the lower part of the crack is below my water line. My fear is the silicone failing and having a leak.

All great reasons for a tank upgrade

 

[mvan14]

All great reasons for a tank upgrade

Lol not going to lie this did cross my mind too. I’d love to go bigger but don’t know if I want to spend that kind of money…yet.

 

[sfin52]

Lol not going to lie this did cross my mind too. I’d love to go bigger but don’t know if I want to spend that kind of money…yet.

I get that as well. You can sell this tank to reptile or arachnid hobbiest

 

[mvan14]

I get that as well. You can sell this tank to reptile or arachnid hobbies

 

[mvan14]

Not a bad idea actually. That might be my only option.

 

[Dom]

The first thing I would do is stabilize the area. You can do this by placing 1x3 on the front corner and back corner on the front and rear panes. Then use a clamp to hold those pieces in place.

This will support the glass and the pressure against it.

Working in your favor: The chip is at the top where the smallest amount of water pressure exists. If this were at the bottom, I'd be recommending that you take some water from the tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I was afraid of this

I when I had my LFS fixed over 70 tanks and quickly learned what is doomsday for cracks and leaks

 

[mvan14]

The first thing I would do is stabilize the area. You can do this by placing 1x3 on the front corner and back corner on the front and rear panes. Then use a clamp to hold those pieces in place.

This will support the glass and the pressure against it.

Working in your favor: The chip is at the top where the smallest amount of water pressure exists. If this were at the bottom, I'd be recommending that you take some water from the tank.

Yeah I think I need to reinforce it like this for the time being. Thanks!

 

[blaxsun]

On the plus side - IM makes really good tanks - so I don't think it's going to immediate fail (you have time to reinforce it). IM also has some new 40 and 50 gallon long Lagoon tanks...

 

[Cell]

I love those lagoons. Not a huge fan of the APS stands though.

 

[blaxsun]

I love those lagoons. Not a huge fan of the APS stands though.

I don't think anyone loves the stands, to be honest. If IM ever overhauled them they'd really have a nice offering.

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

That was a good knock to the aquarium!!!!

I'm with everyone, I wouldn't trust it.

I'd see the smallest bubble in the glue of my old acrylic tank and start thinking we'd get home to a disaster one day...