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Post by phish on Mar 16, 2017 17:07:23 GMT -5
So what I thought was just a surface ding at the back of the 72 gallon bow turns out to be much more when shining a light through it. The chip seems to be shattered internally as well (although only about 1/2 way through the thickness of the glass). This most likely happened during delivery or at the warehouse. Anyways, I'll post some rough drawings to explain it and I'd love to have some input on whether or not this has any structural damage to the build of the tank. The chip is about 3-4" from the top trim of the tank. I'm not worried about it holding water, I'm sure it will... I'm curious as to whether anyone thinks this would in anyway cause structural issues down the road and whether anything can be done about it DIY style. Top View  Iso - just circling roughly where it is located on the tank.  |
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Post by Xander on Mar 16, 2017 17:20:25 GMT -5
Almost every aquarium I've run has had a chip like this on one of the edges. Some about as deep, others not so much. Unfortunately, currently, my longest running aquarium has been set up for a little over a year now, and that doesn't offer very good long-term data...
The fact that it's up by the top is a blessing in that there's not as much water pressure. However, the taller a tank is, the more the glass wants to flex.
Do you see any actual cracks within the chip? Any that radiates outward and could potentially travel?
Is there any warranty on the tank at all?
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Post by gabor129 on Mar 16, 2017 17:21:22 GMT -5
Well that is not good news! First off did you have insurance for shipping? Did the seller guarantee the product? I would be looking into a replacement if the seller is reputable they will send you a new tank!
Now, DIY the only option you got is auto glass filler! This should go to the end of any cracks and "harden" to the surface! Well at least in theory!
Good luck!
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Post by phish on Mar 16, 2017 17:31:12 GMT -5
No, it's pretty much just a clean crater when shining a light into it. It's fully supported by the side glass that is silicon-ed to it and relatively far (half glass thickness) from the bead of silicone that travels up and down that corner. So no worries about leaks. Warranty wise, I really don't want to go through all that shipping hassle only to chance getting another and it being in the same or worse condition. Honestly, the only thing I fear is the .01% chance that this thing will fail and that will be the end of my aquarium days as I'll never hear the end of it from the wife. That, and the damage/mess that would have to be cleaned up. I'm probably worrying about nothing, right? lol So I guess my options are silicone, epoxy or auto glass filler which I think is just epoxy anyways. I can't squeeze it into the ding since its at the corner of the tank and edge of the glass, the auto glass stuff is only for chips/cracks in the middle of glass. I think anything I do will just be cosmetic anyways. I don't see a way of un-doing the damage. Attachments were working before... they aren't working now? What if I did something like this? Silicone some pvc plastic corners on both sides of the back of the tank? Doesn't look too bad... but would this really do anything or be a waste of time?  |
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Post by gabor129 on Mar 16, 2017 22:45:12 GMT -5
You could tape the chip from the larger side and use liquid glass to fill it from the other?
Plastic corners just a waste since there is no support!
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Post by gabor129 on Mar 16, 2017 22:58:36 GMT -5
Not the liquid glass silly putty but the epoxy! It should be good after it is dry!
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Post by phish on Mar 16, 2017 23:18:49 GMT -5
That's probably what I'll try to do. Even if it gets messy, I think it scrapes off fairly easily with a razor blade. I just wish the chip was actually chipped out then I can fill the hole but its still attached to the glass pretty good. All I can do is scrape off the damage at the surface and fill it in and smooth it out so it looks good. Then I can fill it with water in the garage and give it a couple punches to make sure it can withstand some abuse without cracking.
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Post by gabor129 on Mar 18, 2017 13:15:42 GMT -5
Sounds like a great plan! It will keep the mess out of the house if it cracks, and you alive (your wife would certainly kill you if this happens in the house!)to enjoy this wonderful hobby!
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