Chip In New (To Me) Tank!

[jojouk]

Ok, so some of you may know that I have recently got a new (to me) 5 foot, 350l tank. Got it from my brother in law, he had it set up for ages, and upgraded to a 6x2x2.

Anyway, I brought it home on Friday, and when I loaded it into the van at his end, I cut my hand as there was some flaking glass.

Didnt think too much of it as I was in a rush, but I got home and had a look, and now I am very upset!

It looks like he has maybe (I am assuming it was not there before he took the tank down -as it looks like a new chip) washed the tank outside, then when draining it of water, he has tipped it up and onto its end, and a stone or something has chipped the glass.

The chip is fairly long. It is on the base pane of glass, on the edge, on the bottom right hand side.

I have taken some pics to illustrate:

Tank (please ignore the mess, its in the dogs room at the moment, as it needs to be stored for a month ish)

This is where the chip is located:

Before I cleaned it up and removed the flakes of glass:

Flakes I removed

View straight looking at the chip

View from below the base (looking up through the tank)

What does everyone think? Im thinking that maybe a bit of glass on the inside of the tank base, butting up to the right hand pane to strengthen? Or should I get really angry at the brother in law?

Really, really upset

It actually looks worse in the pictures than when I was down taking the photos

 

[shelaghfishface]

Dont panic.. its not full yet so its not about to completely fall apart.. tho i do understand your very upset.. i would be too.

inbox BigC ( a moderator) he works with glass and builds a lot of his own tanks.....be prepared to wait for a reply as its the hols... hes a lovely guy and will help you with fab advice without a doubt

try not to dwell on it xx

 

[tribalbrit]

looks a bit nasty, if you'r not sure about its strength get a piece of 10mm glass cut and silicone it into the bottom. To much weight IMO to not repair it.

 

[jojouk]

looks a bit nasty, if you'r not sure about its strength get a piece of 10mm glass cut and silicone it into the bottom. To much weight IMO to not repair it.

Silicone it inside or outside underneath, kinda like a new base?

 

[tribalbrit]

looks a bit nasty, if you'r not sure about its strength get a piece of 10mm glass cut and silicone it into the bottom. To much weight IMO to not repair it.

Silicone it inside or outside underneath, kinda like a new base?

Needs to be a tight fit internally, silicone to the existing bottom and point around the edges as you would if it were the only base.
Thats what I would do anyway.

 

[watertown28]

eww there is no bracket on the bottom? Then I would say replace it. Seeing how it made it to the sealer on the bottom.

 

[jojouk]

looks a bit nasty, if you'r not sure about its strength get a piece of 10mm glass cut and silicone it into the bottom. To much weight IMO to not repair it.

Silicone it inside or outside underneath, kinda like a new base?

Needs to be a tight fit internally, silicone to the existing bottom and point around the edges as you would if it were the only base.
Thats what I would do anyway.

At least no one is saying its trash! Thanks

If you look at the second photo, it has these glass 'runners' going down the length of the base, should I remove them and fit the new 'base' or just make it fit inside them?

 

[minnnt]

Its trash!



I think it will be fine, it is well reinforced inside. I would silicone the outside or add some trim to cover the damage.

 

[jojouk]

Its trash!



I think it will be fine, it is well reinforced inside. I would silicone the outside or add some trim to cover the damage.

Thanks for almost giving me a heart attack...

 

[jojouk]

What if I was to 'fill' it with an epoxy resin of some kind?

 

[Tizer]

bosh in a small plate of glass and seal it up like mad, should be fine imo.

 

[jojouk]

I have had a quote to replace the glass at the bottom for £70.

Is it worth it for the peace of mind?

 

[Tizer]

I have had a quote to replace the glass at the bottom for £70.

Is it worth it for the peace of mind?

If its done well, yes, if you don't trust the workmanship....no

 

[phoenixgsd]

i paid £8 for a 3ft x 1ft piece of replacement glass for a tank i bought, it has a watertight already repaired crack in the bottom but for extra safety im putting another piece inside and sealing it, just to be sure, i just have to get some sealent now

 

[jojouk]

bosh in a small plate of glass and seal it up like mad, should be fine imo.

Should I remove the internal sillicone first?