busted tanks?

[wuvmybetta]

Ok, I've read many MANY posts about some of you having your tanks bust on you.....so what do you guys think caused it? Anything you can think of as far as prevention goes, like maybe adding some silicone to the edges or something like that? Did the tank suffer a bump ,for example a ball from one of your kiddos hitting it or anything,.... decor tapping the side during cleaning a few days previous to the bust? I would absolutely flip out if that happened to me ..... and now that I realize it could happen it's a little nerve racking

 

[Jamnog]

well i can tell you that minor scratches do weaken the glass allot. also if there is grit on the surface of the tank stand it is not good. also the tank stand needs to be flat very flat.some have the seals go so check the seals when you first inspect the tank. oh and say good morning to magpies, dont walk under ladders, never wear green on labour day, ... umm try and surround your tank with four leaf clovers and finally cross ure fingers. thats what i do to avoid tank bursts id say its pretty rare.

 

[Jazz_UK]

This happened to me a few weeks ago, the silicon leaked on one of the seals a few weeks ago. However the tank was over 7 years old and as it was a 7-sided bow with a flat back it had a lot of silicon on it.

I have had tanks for most of my life and this is the first time this has happened.

Fortunately it was a small leak and the only real damage was to my carpet. However I lost a few fish in transfering to another tank due to stress etc.

This however allow me to pull out the UG filter and get an external one. And also replace the gravel with sand.

Don't worry just enjoy your fish!

Jazz_UK

 

[Tanked]

I had this happen last week. the tank was over 20 years old and the plexiglass just gave out.

 

[sgtbirch]

Ive had it happen once and I believed this to be caused by the tank being slightly uneven

 

[semper fi]

if the tank breaks or leaks on the sides at the joints it is due to silicone. if the tank breaks in the middle of the glass it is due to the tank being unlevel. you should always check the level of your tank. not a pretty picture to have a tank break at midnight and have 120 gallons of water seep from the first floor to the basement. hubby gets awful mad at having tor epair the damage!

semper fi

 

[wuvmybetta]

It's the cheapo Wal-mart 30 gallon that makes me nervous


But I guess I'll deal with that when (or if) it ever happens