Help!!! How screwed am I?

Jefdav84 · Jan 21, 2020

I come home today from work to find my Hydra 32 tipped over the side of the tank. Luckily it didn't fall in the water however it looks like it hit the corner of the tank. The back left corner is now chipped. It looks like it only chipped on the back panel and did not reach the left main glass panel. I am literally sick to my stomach right now.

Tank is an SCA 50 Cube

Dr. Dendrostein · Jan 21, 2020

At this point you got to take it slow. If you can fill the tank with water outside let it sit for a week or two and observe. No leaks, good to go. I've had some similar just got to take it slow.

Cell · Jan 21, 2020

Hard to tell if that crack is deep or not, if it's literally just a small layer that chipped off on the edge, I think you'd be fine. I would think there isn't as much pressure on the glass up at the top where it's not touching water, but I'm not really sure.

Jefdav84 · Jan 21, 2020

Looks to me like it's just a chip off the surface. Here are some more pics that hopefully detail it a little better.

Artimusclyde1974 · Jan 21, 2020

Looks fine to me man if I’m seeing it right it’s a sliver on the side going front to back of the rear panel but not more then a few millimeters in from the side it shouldn’t cause any issue as it also looks that the crack is chipping in a sharp edge and isn’t spidered into the glass

Skynyrd Fish · Jan 21, 2020

My opinion is it’s a sliver. Thankfully it’s on the top. I would watch it like a hawk. Be prepared if it leaks with a new tank or buckets to put stuff in. I feel your fine and won’t have any problems.

MTBake · Jan 21, 2020

I think you'll be fine. However, I would keep an eye on it. And start looking into a replacement tank just in case. I wouldn't be able to get that off my mind if that was my tank. I would gravitate right to it to check it everytime I look at the tank to make sure it isn't spreading or leaking.

Jefdav84 · Jan 21, 2020

If its just cosmetic I do not mind at all. Would it be worth putting something over it like flex seal, or just leave it the way it is?

Txplicit · Jan 21, 2020

You can always fill chip with silicone, razor blade it down to remove access after it dries for added measure, but seems to be ok like everyone else says.

***disclaimer I am in no way a glass expert or expert at glass rigidity*** lol. Just speaking from experience.

WVNed · Jan 21, 2020

Unless there are cracks not apparent in the pics traveling into the panes of glass I would get a diamond nail file and round the sharp edges of the chip and use the tank without worry.

ScottB · Jan 21, 2020

Given the location (at the top) I am going to go along with the consensus that you should be OK, but keep at eye out. You have pictures now that you can compare to.

Of course I would be looking at this a responsible excuse to start shopping for something twice as big. I mean, how could you blame me? I am finally being responsible.

Dom · Jan 21, 2020

I don't think it is anything to worry about. Understand something; the higher up the tank you go, the less water pressure there is.

So the corner at the top left has minimal water pressure while the bottom has maximum pressure.

If you are going to live with a chip in your tank, a top corner is the place to have it.

Jefdav84 · Jan 22, 2020

Thanks to everyone who responded. My initial thought process put me in a mindset of worst possible scenario. I am now more at ease and after looking at it more think that I will be fine. Will just chalk this up as a learning experience to try and be a little more careful when adding equipment.