how to fix broken glass tank?

OodleyBoodely · 03-25-2005, 02:32 AM

I offered to trade a nice ricordia colony for a broken tank and I don't know yet if my offer will be accepted but, would like some feedback on how best to go about repairs. The tank in question is a 72g bowfront and the right side glass is cracked. Is there any way to safely repair this without removing the plastic framework and cutting out the broken pane? I don't care if the repair looks 'ghetto', it will still be a vast improvement on what I have now reqardless.

Way back in the year dot when I was a Petsmart associate, my supervisor used to fix broken tank bottoms by siliconing pieces of glass over the crack. I used to think how shoddy and unreliable it must be. Is it? Would something like that work and be reliable? Any ideas/input welcome!

wanareef · 03-25-2005, 08:05 AM

Exactly where is the crack on the side, how does it run (vertical, horzontally). IF it were me, I would do it right and not take the chance on it finally going.

If the crack were just in the middle of the pane and not spider webbed then I might just add another piece over it as a patch, on the inside thought. This way the pressure is pushing out and helping to hold the patch and the glass patch edges are on the "non-cracked"

part of the pane.

It'snot that hard to replace the pane - it is some work to get the plastic off, but once started it'll just come right off. Siliconed on both top and bottom.

JMO- make sure the patch is as big as you can put in there and use at least 3/8" if not 1/2"

good luck

OodleyBoodely · 03-26-2005, 11:49 PM

Thanks for the excellant tips! I haven't heard back from this guy with the tank yet- he may be ignoring my post,

. If the trade works out, I think I will try the full repair - I know I would feel safer with it. I'll let you know what happens....believe me, you'll know if I get it! I'll be begging an' whining for help!

OodleyBoodely · 04-12-2005, 12:34 AM

Well, that fell through! I still appreciate the tips, however! Ya never know when you'll need such info for future projects! Thankyou!

wanareef · 04-15-2005, 01:47 PM

Too bad, would have been nice. I have heard too many stories on the BF where it just leaks on the bottom corners. I guess it's too hard to get the angle right on the glass?

OodleyBoodely · 04-16-2005, 04:34 AM

I would probably have destroyed that tank trying to fix it anyway! I sure wanted it, though! It actually had a matching stand and canopy!

(My set up would give "Ghetto Tank of the Year" a run for the title.) I did replace my old acrylic 55 just today. I traded some ricorias and zoo frags for a glass Metaframe tank a couple weeks ago. The tank is 30yrs old but the reefer I traded with resealed it for me. (I got a great deal!) Compared to my 5yr old, bowed-out, scratched to h@!!, crackled seam OceanClear acrylic, this one looks almost new.

I went back to a dsb. My corals were not doing well in the bb (softies/lps) so, I decided to go dsb again. (Hey, Tom! I've come back full circle!

) I'll see if I can't get pics later this week!

OodleyBoodely · 04-16-2005, 04:39 AM

hey, you know what I missed most about having a dsb, and have rediscovered to my immense joy?

Being able to clean the glass ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE SAND! That last 3.5" in the bb was a killer to clean!

OodleyBoodely · 04-19-2005, 12:36 AM

here's a couple a pics of the new tank. I can not believe the reaction all the corals have had at this change over. All I did was replace the tank and add a 4" sterile sandbed. I reused all the old water and as of yet the skimmer and sump have not been added back. The corals have all nearly doubled in size with the biggest polyp extension I have seen in many months. Sterile sand, no new water, better coral extention/color - What's up with that!?

OodleyBoodely · 04-19-2005, 12:42 AM

I forgot something!

wharyat · 04-19-2005, 10:37 PM

Nice brains.

OodleyBoodely · 04-20-2005, 12:49 AM

Thanks, Vince! IME, most guys don't like girls with brains !

OodleyBoodely · 04-20-2005, 12:57 AM

I still have some work to do on this replacement tank. I was a little over anxious to get it set up so I won't be drilling this one anytime soon, if ever, but I am going to paint the back again, and get the sump and cls added back after I adjust the returns to fit this tank.