What is the worst sound a reefer can hear?

[TritonsGarden]

The pop a 150G frag tank makes when the glass shatters. In our haste to setup one of our tanks, we got the back two legs of the stand on top of a sheet of plywood that was underneath our sump. This made the stand slighly unlevel but had not caused a problem.

Today we were going to install a bigger sump for a bigger skimmer. I jacked up one end of the stand about 1/4" to slide the plywood out. I removed the plywood from one leg and let the stand back down. Was trying to figure out how to jack the center to remove the wood from the center leg. Then we heard a pop. The bottom broke into about 20 pieces.
Stupid mistake. I should have known better.

We rushed to move coral and fish into other tanks and to pump water out as fast as we could. Maybe our quick acclimation did not hurt anything. Time will tell.

Does anyone have recommendations on how to safely remove a large broken tank? I would hate for the glass to fall and cut someone. If we carefully raised the tank on its edge and wrapped duct tape all around, would that hold it?

Jack

 

[inactive]

You sure know how to make a girl cry! That's horrible. I'm sorry

 

[Jon Warner]

"drip"

 

[ahayes13]

wow, sorry to hear about that....

 

[Reef Pets]

Jack - Thats horrible! I am sure that the coral will be just fine with the quick acclimation. Moving a broken tank of that size can be a little risky. Leather cloves and thick clothing just in case something does go wrong. I wish you luck with it!

 

[ahayes13]

how bout sliding a thick blanket or comforter under it and then pull it up the sides and duct tape it around. that way it will keep the glass from falling all out.

 

[andywe]

Jack/Kathy,

Yes...buy the widest roll of saran wrap or pallet wrapping and carefully wrap it all around the tank many many times. It will add stabaility to the remaining panes and trap any fragments that could pop loose during handling. It is probably the easiset and least harmful way, better than trying to use tape forming a cocoon around it.

Regards,

Andy

 

[amore169]

Sorry to hear.

 

[bangoo]

Sorry to hear that. Now I'm getting really worried. After reading about another recent thread about tank cracking, I also noticed that my tank is not 100% even. I'm noticing that my right side water level is slightly higher than my left. Its been fine for 3 yrs. I hope it doesn't crack. Anyway good luck with transfering the corals.

 

[cparka23]

Without a bottom pane, the tank would be susceptible to swinging out of square. You'd better brace it before lifting to keep the back and sides from folding on each other.

 

[justin_freebords]

i agree with andywe get some of that pallet wrapping material. I used to work with it all the time it holds up really well if you wrap it right and tight

 

[oceanparadise1]

WOW jack...so sorry to hear this

 

[gnoles]

Jack... Which prop tank? I'd offer to house some corals for you, but they would all grow into the rocks overnight. Let me know if you need any help.

 

[Reef 5etup]

Sorry to hear this jack!
If I were close to you Id be willing to help in any kinda way!
Good luck with removing the broken tank!

 

[TritonsGarden]

Gary it was the SPS tank. I'm seriuosly considering getting a pieice of glass cut and trying to repair it. I really don't have time to get a new one made. We are expecting new shipments this week and I've moved all SPS to the QT tank.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. We have needed them today.

Jack

 

[bamachamp92]

Sorry to hear Jack, wish I was closer and could help.

 

[Azurel]

Ouch that sucks......Yea there is nothing like that sound dealt with that last year on my set-up.....

 

[Acezwild]

wow man sorry to hear that is truly a reefers nightmare...

 

[laskopyre]

Sorry to hear about that. Be really careful, and I hope you can repair it.

 

[firsttime]

Ouch that hurts. Sorry to hear that. I hope the corals make it.