The sheet of acrylic I need is 6 feet by 2 feet. It is the bottom of the tank that cracked.How hard will this be to fix and is it possible to fix it? I don't know too much about fish tanks but it cracked because of too much pressure when we tested it with water. We build a better stand for it to take pressure off the glass. does anyone know about tanks? I want to try fixing this, but I don't want to spend the money and then find out it wont work. ANY ADVICE???
Jenna
2006-09-01 07:16:42 · 16 answers · asked by Jenna J 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
At 200 gallons, the weight of the water and the pressure it creates would cause me to simply go out and but a new tank. You could try talking to some local marine store that custom build tanks and see if they can repair the tank for you. They will be able to tell you if it can be fixed and at what cost before you try.
A
2006-09-05 10:06:28 · answer #1 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It looks like you have some good suggestions from everyone, if you want to try repairing the tank yourself. Be sure when you use the silicone you allow it to "cure" long enough to not affect the water and the fish. Don't use the wrong kind of silicone sealant; use only a non-toxic 100% silicone sealant appropriate for aquarium use.
You have rebuilt the stand so you know what caused the break to begin with. Just guessing, the weight of the water and bottom fill with maybe a hairline crack or even a bump causing the crack. Even with the redone base, handle the aquarium carefully because the sides are still glass, and while it is empty clean the glass good and inspect with a light shining at an angle to look for hairline cracks in those as well, before you get involved in the extra work of repair.
...jj
2006-09-09 09:10:01 · answer #2 · answered by johnny j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advice would be to cut the acrylic (good choice) to the same dimensions as the inside bottom of the tank and, after removing the old silicone, place the acrylic in the tank right over the old cracked glass and silicone in place. Voila', a new bottom with extra support from the old glass. Also put a small bead of silicone right on the whole length of the crack to double seal it when you press the acrylic on top of it.
Removing the glass bottom would be a real job that you won't want to do once you get started. I have repaired a few tanks by leaving the old glass in and placing the new piece (I actually used plexi-glass) on top, both bottoms and sides, and it works well. The biggest was a 55 g. But, never one as big as your 200.
200 gallons of water alone is 1760 pounds, then you add the gravel and decorations and it is probably close to a ton of weight. Is your floor well braced?
Good luck.
2006-09-01 14:38:18 · answer #3 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you would do better to get a new tank. sorry but 1 gallon of water weighs about 10 lbs. you can try to seal it with silicone you will need to go to a tank supplier to get the silicone. you will have to put the silicone on the inside as well as the outside of the tank.
2006-09-08 23:15:05 · answer #4 · answered by maria k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its very easy... just take a razor blade and cut the old silicon off then lift out the glass...put new piece on and silicon it on both sides...when its dry fill with small amount of water to check for any leaks, i have done this b4 with a 75 gallon hecagon tank.
2006-09-01 14:24:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
for the safety of your fish and the safety of your carpet and flooring...i would buy a new tank if i were you .... the chances on you finding someone to repair it will be hard ...you could do it your self ...with the right thicness of glass.....and lots of silicone ...but unless youve made a fihtank i wouldnt try it .just remember 200 gallons of water ...thats a lot of pressure ...1 gallon of water equals 8.33 lbs.
2006-09-01 14:26:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advice? Buy a new tank. I have no idea if it's possible to fix a glass fish tank.....especially one that size. Even if you could, the cost might be comparable to buying a brand new tank.
2006-09-01 14:19:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you say it the bottom where no one sees it get a piece of plexi glass the exact same size coat the glass with silicone and place plexi glass on it allow to cure...the crack can't be to large and from one side to the other or it won't work...make sure your get the thickess plexi i think 3/4 inch
2006-09-01 14:31:48 · answer #8 · answered by d957jazz retired chef 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd either buy a new tank, or get a proffesional to install the glass for me.
2006-09-08 11:53:06 · answer #9 · answered by madtyga2002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The guy that answered silicone is right and it is easy, a buddy of mine had shark tanks and thats how he fixed them.
2006-09-08 09:26:32 · answer #10 · answered by sxy_tang 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋