So i accidentally cracked my tank

[Jenksreef]

A couple days ago, I was testing my 40g breeder to see if it would hold water. The tank is drilled so I had to place some pvc pipe in the bulkhead to prevent water from flowing out of the bulkhead. Unfortunately, I applied too much force when inserting the pvc pipe into the bulkhead and ended up cracking the glass all the way to the bottom of the tank. Now, I have posted this thread to start a conversation about a proper plan of action. First and foremost, who here believes that this issue can be fixed, and how? Second, for those that don't believe the tank can be repaired, please share why.

At the moment, I had some aquarium sealant laying around the house so I applied generous amounts of it to the crack. However, I have very limited experience with issues similar to this so I have no idea if it will work. I'd love to hear what the community has to say.

 

[motortrendz]

Nope. Just replace it at this point 40s are cheap enough. Get them at petco when they have the $1 per gallon sale

 

[W1ngz]

You can't just glue a cracked piece of glass. Silicone may be watertight but structurally, a cracked pane of glass will fail when you add the force of 400 lbs of water.

 

[JasonK84]

Not a chance it would be full of water in my house. A 40 breeder is only $50 so why risk it.

 

[Hemmdog]

Get a new one.

 

[JasonK84]

I picked up 4 last time they were on sale. I’d sell you one if you were closer.

 

[Peace River]

You can't just glue a cracked piece of glass. Silicone may be watertight but structurally, a cracked pane of glass will fail when you add the force of 400 lbs of water.

+1

I’m an sorry to hear about your tank - I have been there. The only reasonable repair would be to disassemble the entire tank, replace the cracked pane of glass, and then rebuild the tank which would cost much more in time and materials than the $50 replacement cost.

 

[John08007]

I would replace it since they're so cheap, i have a 40 breeder sump, the heater was too close to the back panel and cracked it. Since i already had all my baffles built and installed i had a 1/4" thick piece cut and glued it to the back smearing silicone all along the panel. I also installed a 1/4" piece inside, my sump is typ only about 6-8" filled. Havent had any issues with it. But its not the prettiest to look at.

 

[lapin]

To repair it you need to take the whole thing apart. Clean off all the old sealant and reseal it with a new piece of glass. If you have the time go for it. If not wanting to spend days on a repair that will be only as good as your skill level then you should buy a new one.

 

[Jay Z]

You can repair it. Not sure if it’s worth the time or effort.

You could add a piece of plexi or acrylic on the inside, the size of the full panel. Will have to be a tight fit. And silicon it in. That will distribute the weight. But like others have said, it’s probably a better, money and time wise to get another.

 

[dantimdad]

I am usually the first to say repair something but this is not the place for that.

Given how cheap they are, it's not worth it.

 

[John08007]

You can repair it. Not sure if it’s worth the time or effort.

You could add a piece of plexi or acrylic on the inside, the size of the full panel. Will have to be a tight fit. And silicon it in. That will distribute the weight. But like others have said, it’s probably a better, money and time wise to get another.

Has to be glass, silicone does not bind to plexi, in time it will leak

 

[LadyMac]

At this point I’d replace it. Fixing it is tedious work, and really not worth it cost wise. You can probably find a used one online too for a decent cost.

 

[BeejReef]

sorry. goes on Craigslist as "Reptile Tank" for sale

 

[motortrendz]

So if it makes you feel any better 2 weeks ago I drilled a 40g tank I was going to add into my system I had it on my basement floor... last weekend I was cleaning and going though old fish tank stuff and throwing out alot of trash, somehow while carrying an old box of esv salt that turned into a brick I tripped over it and shattered it into a million shards... somehow i didn't get cut but i definitly bruised my ego. I was so mad. Spent an hour drinking that tank just to put my foot though it

 

[Pedal Dangit]

here is another "If it makes you feel any better", I just did this yesterday. POW! it was loud. made me jump.

 

[code4]

With me it was a hundred gallon. Still hurts. ?
a 40 breeder is not worth the chance.

 

[Jenksreef]

I appreciate everybody that responded. As you guys put it, it'll be getting replaced. Thanks again

 

[Porpoise Hork]

here is another "If it makes you feel any better", I just did this yesterday. POW! it was loud. made me jump.

Yeah... Tempered glass really does make a loud pop when it lets go doesn't it.

 

[Peace River]

here is another "If it makes you feel any better", I just did this yesterday. POW! it was loud. made me jump.

I hate to see this and I’m sorry that this happened with your tank. This is a healthy reminder to always check for tempered glass before drilling - the polarized sunglasses approach is easy, cheap, and effective.