Potential 180 Gallon Blowout

[Johnson556]

Hello,

I have a 180 Tank thank was chipped during a move. A ratchet strap slipped and landed on the bottom corner chipping the glass. I applied extra silicon in all four corners (more for aesthetics) and have water tested it twice, both for 3 days at a time. During the tests pressed against the glass from the inside, as well as gave it a couple slaps on the outside hoping if it where to ever blowout, there in my backyard would be preferred.

Do you think I will be ok? Or do I have 350lbs of scrap glass in my possession.

Please see pics,

Thanks

 

[Greybeard]

I've seen worse that held water just fine... and chips that didn't look that bad that failed catastrophically.

 

[Johnson556]

Do you think the two water tests and added physical stress brings it closer to the "Held water just fine" spectrum?

 

[Trickman2]

What about just getting the chipped panel replaced? Is it a side panel?

 

[Johnson556]

It’s the front panel and at that point I rather just get a new tank

 

[Flippers4pups]

I think your fine. The silicone looks intact from the pictures and the glass doesn't look fractured. As long as the chipped area doesn't have fracture lines coming from it, you should be good to go.

 

[Greybeard]

Do you think the two water tests and added physical stress brings it closer to the "Held water just fine" spectrum?

You've tested it... it'll hold water... until it doesn't.

Keep in mind that EVERY SINGLE ONE of our tanks will fail eventually. Silicone is not permanent, it will eventually fail. Even acrylic tanks will fail, eventually, light and oxygen are constantly trying to destroy acrylic... eventually, they'll succeed. When? Who knows. Hopefully, many years, after it's served out it's useful lifetime. Yours, being chipped, may fail early, or it may not. Damaged glass is unpredictable under stress. Might be fine for years... and might not. I don't believe that _anyone_ can tell you for sure.

 

[Johnson556]

Well, I'm only looking for about 2-3 years for this tank before I move and go with something else. Just need that out of it.

 

[Greybeard]

If I were putting this on vinyl flooring, over a concrete slab, with a floor drain, I'd probably go ahead and do so.

Fourth floor apartment? Not so much.

Somewhere in between? Once again...

What kind of damage is going to occur IF it fails? How much would it cost to repair that damage? Does it exceed the cost of a new aquarium significantly? If so, there's your answer.

 

[Livinlocal]

What’s cheaper, a new tank, or a insurance claim and time away from your house for water damage repairs?


I personally wouldn’t risk it.

Not to mention the livelyhood of the fish and coral. Do you want to risk their lives as well?


Like said above, it’s a roll of the dice but...

MURPHYS LAW is a *****.

 

[Johnson556]

Well, as of now its 50/50. The tank is back outside and has a Jebao PP-20 splashing around a 5" wave inside.

I also have a Mag 18 on a timer that is going 30min on 30min off with its output pointed directly at the corner with the chip.

If it survives this for a week, I will deem it safe. Otherwise, still waiting to hear back from this guy who has one for sale in my area.

 

[Coralfuture]

I'd risk it lol I already do with several tanks...been fine for years

 

[Johnson556]

Tank's being sold today, person is well aware of the chip and is fine with it.

I already have a deposit on another tank a guy needs to get rid of. For $100, I'm getting a flawless tank with corner overflows and a bunch of equipment.

The 3 month old QD MP40's that's coming with it is a nice touch as well. All worked out in the end. Thanks for the input everyone

 

[Ashish Patel]

You have to ask yourself do you want to sleep well at night knowing there is a point of weakness in your aquarium? Personally if this happened to me I don't think I could spend that kind of money on a new tank, I would look for a replacement glass and find a way to replace that damaged panel. Take the time to find some really strong silicone!