My fish tanks glass cracked from the centre, the crack is around 1 feet long from edge to edge. The water leakage started therefore I have evacuated my fishes to safer place. Now is it possible to repair the cracked bottom glass or I have to replace the whole glass with a brand new, which I suppose would be a costly affair, as the size of the bottom glass is around 7 ft x 1 ft. .
Please suggest if there is some fool proof method to repair the cracked glass. Kindly note, I haven't separated the bottom glass from the fish tank, its absolutely fixed. I prefer to receiving answers from people who have successfully accomplished this task or professional in this feild. Thanking you all in advance.
2006-08-07 09:47:10 · 13 answers · asked by 10 points 4u 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
The thickness of glass is 8 mm !
2006-08-07 09:48:09 · update #1
Get a piece of plexiglass about 2" smaller all the way around than the entire bottom of your tank. Put a very thick bead of aquarium sealer (silicone) directly on top of the crack (inside the tank). Now lay a bead all the way around the crack about 2" from it.
Next put a bead on the bottom edges of the plexiglass (all the way around). Now place the plexiglass in the tank. It will distribute the downward force of the water so the crack will not widen.
Put gentle pressure on the plexiglass all over so the silicone will spread out and seal against both the glass of the tank and the plexiglass.
I have sealed a few tanks with this method. You may have to drain and reseal a spot or two if the silicone does not spread evenly around the crack and the edges.
You must let the silicone cure for at least 24 to 36 hours before you refill the tank for the first time. Do not fill it all the way at first, fill it only about a third and check for leaks. Then fill it up to two thirds and check again. Finally fill it up and wait for 24 hours before restarting the system.
Good luck!
John
2006-08-07 13:18:09 · answer #1 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no foolproof method. I had the same thing happen (different size tank), went to a shop that specialised in cutting glass and had done some tank work for me previously. They were adamant it cannot be done.
Once the crack is there, the whole stability of the tank has been compromised, and the tank will crack again. You cannot replace the bottom with new glass and you can't glue it (the fish will suffer). Basically you need to buy a new tank. Bummer, I know.
Best of luck.
2006-08-07 10:21:46 · answer #2 · answered by shandare 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since you stated that the tank is 7 feet by 1 foot and the crack is 1 foot long. If the crack runs from one side to the other of the 1 foot side you can buy a piece of Plexiglas (thickness depends on how deep the tank is. seal the crack from the bottom with 100% silicon rubber allow to dry. Cut the Plexiglas to (1ft by at least 2 feet) fit the tank. Remove old silicone from area where the new piece is being placed. apply a thin layer of silicone over the crack inside the tank. apply a bead of silicone both sides were the 1ft with will fit in. spread a thin layer on he underside of the piece. Place the Plexiglas into the tank pressing the Plexiglas into the silicone bead with the crack in the middle of the Plexiglas's. place weights on the Plexiglas's holding it down. Put a bead on all sides and smooth with a Popsicle stick (or your finger). If the crack is running the lenght of the glass (7ft) you can buy a piece of Plexiglas to fix the bottom or you can buy a piece of marine plywood and paint with fiberglass paint. installing with silicon rubber
(Marine plywood with fiberglass paint should not be used if your are not going to have gravel.
2006-08-07 10:29:16 · answer #3 · answered by Stan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fish Tank Base
2016-10-17 23:10:47 · answer #4 · answered by mahler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may work on a smaller tank, like a 10gal, but a tank that size just holds too much pressure between the gravel and the water weight. I'd suggest to replace the whole tank unless you can find a professional in the area who can replace just the bottom panel. That sounds costly as well though. You could just give it to someone who needs a reptile enclosure, or try to sell it as that to offset the cost of the new tank.
2006-08-07 10:08:06 · answer #5 · answered by Huh? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't trust any method that says it will fix the bottom of the glass, there is too much weight on the bottom to try to fix a crack. I've seen people stop a leak coming from the seams, but never a crack. It is much safer to just buy another tank, than to risk it breaking all on your ground causing a much bigger problem.
2006-08-07 09:58:41 · answer #6 · answered by Erick B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, way too much weight on cracked glass makes it sure to break. Buy a new one, Unless somehow you can buy a piece of glass to fit and replace the whole bottom glass. I would think the cost would be huge on that but check local glass makers. If you find a better way let me know. Im interested in finding out how this turns out for you. email me: drummunky@yahoo.com
2006-08-07 10:21:35 · answer #7 · answered by drummunky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I fixed a cracked 10 gallon tank with silicone aquarium caulking... but with a tank THAT large, I would worrry about the weight and pressure of the water on the crack. You might just have to retire the tank to terrestrial pets :-(
2006-08-07 09:53:07 · answer #8 · answered by ziz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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You'd probably be better off with just getting another 20 gallon... you don't want to have a tank all set up and balanced only for it to spring a leak... I would just get another 20 gallon... they're not too terribly expensive, and I think you might regret repairing and using this one in the future.
2016-04-08 05:51:57 · answer #9 · answered by Brianna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you manage to fix your tank using the above method? Same thing has happened to me, there is a crack on the bottom panel about 1.5 ft in length. :|
2014-10-16 10:22:22 · answer #10 · answered by Jack 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋