HELP!!!Chip in tank! should I use it?

aslmx · Mar 28, 2013

Got this tank last week. It was in a guys back yard full of water, said its been that way for a couple of moths. I was out cleaning it this evening and found a chip. Its on the side , 10" from the bottom on the out side. The tank is an Oceanic 210 gallon with 5/8" glass. I dont think its a problem but I want a 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th and alot of opinions, Maybe 1/16 inch deep.

tulipgirl · Mar 28, 2013

A chip is a chip.. I wouldn't trust it, can you replace the panel that is cracked?

KJAG · Mar 28, 2013

Might be okay since it's 5/8, but its a bummer it's 10" from the bottom where all the pressure will be. Personally wouldn't risk it with a 210

aslmx · Mar 28, 2013

no not cracked just a chip.

Dana · Mar 28, 2013

Well, a chip in glass under pressure usually leads to cracks

Dsdaley77 · Mar 28, 2013

I for one wouldn't use it unless the panel(s) affected can be replaced.

I have seen/heard of tanks blowing out just by the added pressure of being unleveled. If yours is even a fraction off, add in a chip and your playin with fire (IMO) especially on a tank that size and the chip being so low

From an engineering stand point the chip could drastically weaken the structural integrity of the edge/panel. Not worth the risk if you ask me

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP
So You Can
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON!!

Breakin Newz · Mar 28, 2013

Honestly, I'm not sure i'd worry about it... Think as if you were to drill a hole for a bulkhead in that spot, would it crack the tank once filled? Most likely not, that's just my opinion... If anything since it is on the side i'd silicone a piece of glass to cover it if you wanted to be extra safe... But like I said I don't think i'd personally worry about it..

Dsdaley77 · Mar 28, 2013

Another question, is the glass tempered?

Regardless, after looking at the pics again maybe Novus or Safelite could fill it with one of their kits. If I remember, they warranty structural integrity of windshields they fix (obviously I don't think a tank would be warrantied but they might do the work minus liability).

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP
So You Can
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON!!

EpicWin · Mar 28, 2013

Breakin Newz said:
Honestly, I'm not sure i'd worry about it... Think as if you were to drill a hole for a bulkhead in that spot, would it crack the tank once filled? Most likely not, that's just my opinion... If anything since it is on the side i'd silicone a piece of glass to cover it if you wanted to be extra safe... But like I said I don't think i'd personally worry about it..

Your opinion is a bad one. This is a serious matter. 210 gallons of water will be one heck of an insurance claim. When u drill for a bulkhead u reinforce the hole with the plastic bulkhead. No one knows if the chip will lead to an issue. One option that is proven to work is to sand it down to where the whole chip is gone. Just replace the panel. It's not too hard. Plus u will sleep a lot better

Dsdaley77 · Mar 28, 2013

Breakin Newz said:
Honestly, I'm not sure i'd worry about it... Think as if you were to drill a hole for a bulkhead in that spot, would it crack the tank once filled? Most likely not, that's just my opinion... If anything since it is on the side i'd silicone a piece of glass to cover it if you wanted to be extra safe... But like I said I don't think i'd personally worry about it..

When you drill a hole for a bulkhead you create angular edges that again from an engineering standpoint are stronger than edges in a chip.

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP
So You Can
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON!!

Breakin Newz · Mar 28, 2013

Dsdaley77 said:
When you drill a hole for a bulkhead you create angular edges that again from an engineering standpoint are stronger than edges in a chip.

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP
So You Can
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON!!

So then technically he can just drill it out and plug it? Correct?

Dsdaley77 · Mar 28, 2013

Plus if the glass bows at all upon filling with water or taking water out and refilling it WILL change the structural integrity of the chip/panel.

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP
So You Can
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON!!

Dsdaley77 · Mar 28, 2013

Yes he could but then still the overall integrity of the panel has been changed, IMO I think he's better off replacing the panel.

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP
So You Can
KEEP CALM AND REEF ON!!

Breakin Newz · Mar 28, 2013

I mean, for me I still don't think i'd worry about it but that's me just me... I'd be more concerned about the integrity of the silicone since he left it outside....

aslmx · Mar 28, 2013

I dont know im still on the fence. I would say no if the glass wasnt as thick but its no where close to the inside and now days these tanks are made with thinner glass. I thought about calling a windshield repair place and filling it with water in my garage and letting it set for a month or so. Ive never heard of sanding, is that something I could do or what about siliconing another piece of glass inside on top of this one? I dont trust myself replacing it and im afraid to think what it would cost to have it replaced. I am getting a lot more no votes then I expected. I need some body that is using one now with a chip..lol.. This Sucks...

Dana · Mar 28, 2013

You could try calling the manufacturer and getting their opinion?

aslmx · Mar 28, 2013

Dana said:
You could try calling the manufacturer and getting their opinion?

good idea. Im gonna see if I can find a web site.

Munch · Mar 28, 2013

Why even chance it?

turbo21 · Mar 28, 2013

drill a hole over the chip and put a bulkhead in and plug it. gets rid of all your issues concerning the chip

aslmx · Mar 28, 2013

Munch said:
Why even chance it?

Want to see it work, dont have the money for another one, I mean ive seen people build a homemade tank and that looks like a bigger chance then this would be. Im really hoping for someone with personal experience with something like this. It would be a chance but is it anymore then a seam splitting or bulkhead cracking or maybe even a rock falling. Just weighing the options before I do something drastic.