Tanks cracking left and right please help!

[MoH]

Hello all it’s been a crappy couple of weeks.
First my zoomed lowboy tank cracked on the bottom pain it was brand new and only filled for about 2 weeks. Not sure how it happened but that tank is done for. So I decided let me use the 40 breeder that was going to be the sump for that tank as my new tank. Somehow I cracked a bit of it while drilling. Please see the pic below and let me know if you think this is usable.

 

[homer1475]

Nope, it's junk.

It will either continue to crack when filled, or constantly drip from the cracks.

 

[Big G]

Sorry. That's unsafe. Been there, done that. Didn't end well.

 

[MoH]

Nope, it's junk.

It will either continue to crack when filled, or constantly drip from the cracks.

Thanks RIP to another tank

 

[MoH]

Sorry. That's unsafe. Been there, done that. Didn't end well.

Thanks I figured it was all bad

 

[Awesome Dennis]

Next time use more water and less pressure.
;Joyful It happens

 

[count krunk]

it took my 2019 dewalt 20v drill around 4 minutes to get thru 40 breeder glass. Put 3 holes in it total. Gotta take it slow and use a hole guide for sure. I had to make one for the return hole. Simply find a hole saw bit that is just barely bigger or the same size as the glass bit. drill thru some plywood and clamp that to the surface of the glass. Also duct tape over the hole on the inside of the glass and put a towel on the glass panel that is on the bottom just to be safe.

I just had my wife use a spray bottle to spray the bit every 5-10 seconds.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I use little pressure and run the garden hose on the drill spot when drilling. Heat and too much pressure causes 90% of them to crack like that.

Sorry it happened and better luck next time!

 

[lpsouth1978]

it took my 2019 dewalt 20v drill around 4 minutes to get thru 40 breeder glass. Put 3 holes in it total. Gotta take it slow and use a hole guide for sure. I had to make one for the return hole. Simply find a hole saw bit that is just barely bigger or the same size as the glass bit. drill thru some plywood and clamp that to the surface of the glass. Also duct tape over the hole on the inside of the glass and put a towel on the glass panel that is on the bottom just to be safe.

I just had my wife use a spray bottle to spray the bit every 5-10 seconds.

I must Have really gone slow when I drilled mine. It must have taken me 15 minutes per hole.

 

[Crustaceon]

Definitely not safe. That crack will progress for sure. For now and since that panel is toast, use it for practice. I like to use a dixie cup siliconed to the glass as a reservoir for water around the cut. This time use an absurd amount of water and do not apply any additional downward pressure on the drill aside from its own weight. Stop frequently to drain and wash out the cut. I get anxious if I go more than an minute of straight of running the drill. Pour more water into the cup. You might have to repeat this ten times or more. It helps to check the depth of the cut with a toothpick. When you start nearing the end of the cut, slow down the speed of the drill and take some of the weight off of cut, trying to be as steady as possible. Paranoia is your friend here and these are the moments that are going to make or literally break your chances of success.

 

[Joeg]

Not sure if this will help for your next attempt but I mark the circles from the inside of the tank and then use some plumbers putty (Play Doh works too) to build a ring around the top side and fill it with water. You'll have constant lubrication and cooling until you just start to break through the glass. At that point I ask one of my kids to use a measuring cup and top off the water as it drains through the opening hole and onto the towel I've set inside to catch the water and glass plug.

 

[WallyB]

I wouldn't throw out that tank. Use it for a Sump.

Your hole is at the Top, so it can still be used for Sump since water will never reach that high.
Especially if you make the Hole side the Lowest Water Level Side (Return Section)

The pressure is always below the water line, so bottom of sump will be highest pressure.
There will be some stress but minimal.

Seal it up with a Bulkhead, and that will give it strength. Or jus two sheets of acrylic bonded to Glass with Silicone.

I agree it's Too risky to use for a DT, but for a Sump, it should be fine.

If you want 100% risk free, throw it out like others say. I would re-use it for a Sump.

 

[count krunk]

you could also replace that panel.

 

[MoH]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I have successfully drilled several tanks using the same method and never really had this problem. I think it might be due to the bit being kinda old and since it’s drilled many tanks with it already.... I was able to go out and get another 40 Breeder I think for now I’m just going to run it without the sump and use a HOB filter. Maybe down the road I’ll try drilling it again.

 

[HuneyBear]

I wouldn’t use it at all even a sump. It sucks, but I wouldn’t throw it out either. It still has 4 good panels. So, that’s glass to use for making sumps or replacing panels on another 40. The bottom would only be good for another bottom but you get the point.

 

[MoH]

I wouldn’t use it at all even a sump. It sucks, but I wouldn’t throw it out either. It still has 4 good panels. So, that’s glass to use for making sumps or replacing panels on another 40. The bottom would only be good for another bottom but you get the point.

thanks! I think I will keep it fill it up a little and try growing some mangroves outside with it

 

[kevin_e]

I wouldn't throw out that tank. Use it for a Sump.

Your hole is at the Top, so it can still be used for Sump since water will never reach that high.
Especially if you make the Hole side the Lowest Water Level Side (Return Section)

The pressure is always below the water line, so bottom of sump will be highest pressure.
There will be some stress but minimal.

Seal it up with a Bulkhead, and that will give it strength. Or jus two sheets of acrylic bonded to Glass with Silicone.

I agree it's Too risky to use for a DT, but for a Sump, it should be fine.

If you want 100% risk free, throw it out like others say. I would re-use it for a Sump.

Ypu can get a 40 breeder for $40. Not worth the risk or eye sore.

 

[sfin52]

I wouldn’t use it at all even a sump. It sucks, but I wouldn’t throw it out either. It still has 4 good panels. So, that’s glass to use for making sumps or replacing panels on another 40. The bottom would only be good for another bottom but you get the point.

It would make a great reptile tank or even a hamster cage. I'm sure there's a good use out of it