Chipped Tank...

[LoachLover!]

I found a tank on Freecycle ... it's about 25 gallons.  Clearly hasn't been used in some time, but have given it a clean and it's come up ok.  Problem is, there is chip at one of the corners and I am not sure if it's advisable to use it.  I haven't got huge amounts of money to throw at it, hence trying to get the biggest investment for free, so would rather not have to throw away the tank if I can avoid it, but equally don't want the contents over my floor! Pics attached below..
 
It's almost like the glass has warped slightly too, but I wouldn't know the science behind any of it haha  
 

 

 

[Ch4rlie]

Looks like a pretty deep chip.
 
Where is it exactly, can see its on a joint corner but is it low or high?
 
A pic zoomed out a bit to show the whole lentgh of the corner would give a more accurate idea perhaps, the pics you have are good but very close up, just need to zoom it out a tad to see the whole side as well.

 

[LoachLover!]

I have attached a photo of it when I brought it home. The chip is the top left and corner and it's pretty high up. Not at the base or anything.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hmm.
 
Is the black plastic part at the top just decorative trim or is it a brace around the tank?
What may be an idea is just to fill the tank completely and leave it 24 hours. Where the tank is, outside just in case.
 
Then you can envaluate if its worthy of being strong enough strong term to hold water, decor and fish etc.

 

[LoachLover!]

Hmm.
 
Is the black plastic part at the top just decorative trim or is it a brace around the tank?

I'm not sure. It's a Jewel if that helps. Probably a brace but I wouldn't know!

 

[Ch4rlie]

I could well be a brace, it means its a supporting part of the tank.
 
Meaning the pressure on the joints is not as great whihc is better in your case.
 
The chip is pretty deep but its very hard to tell just from pics if its good to use the tank or not.
 
Testing with a tank full of water is one way of seeing if it does not leak or anything at that point where the chip is.

 

[NickAu]

You could use a glass repair kit, The same thing they use on chipped windscreens on cars.
 
http/www.ebay.com/itm/Windscreen-Windshield-Repair-Tool-DIY-Car-Auto-Kit-Glass-For-Chip-Crack-HM-/201551574670

 

[StevenF]

 
 
You could use a glass repair kit

Glass repair kits are mainly to fillin the cracks with epoxy to prevent the crack from growing and to make it invisible. In your case  there doesn't appear to be crack.  Just a chip.  The epoxy in the kit will fill in the chip.  but won't strengthen the glass. 
 
I think you would be save to limit your water level to just below the chip level.  And if there is no crack the the chip will probably not compromize the tank.  if you fill it up to the top I also think it would be OK.  but if there is a crack it might fail if you fill it up. The stress would cause the crack to grow.  Probably toward the center of the window. destroying the tank.
 
I am a little more concerned about the seal between the two pieces of glass.  You might have a leak in that area.

 

[NickAu]

 
The epoxy in the kit will fill in the chip.  but won't strengthen the glass.

Agreed.

 

[AbbeysDad]

I'd use an epoxy glass repair on the outside, then after curing, reseal the inside and you should be fine (but of course leak test before setting up in the living room! Also, that stand/tank has a very high profile, so I would secure the stand to the wall just to be on the safe side.

 

[LoachLover!]

Hmm doesn't seem worth the risk then! Will stick it back on Freecycle as a vivarium or something! 
 
Have managed to dig out a non chipped tank out of my loft from a couple of years ago ... was my old fry tank, but will be a good easy reintroduction!

 
Thanks for the help

 

[Ch4rlie]

Sometimes its better to be safe than sorry.
 
Certainly was worth asking advice on,
 
I love free tanks in any condition then seeing if salvagable or not, since free anyway so wont be any loss if no use.
 
Have had 2 good tanks free, just being at the right place at the right time

 

[NickAu]

You know looking at that tank I think it would make a great Riparium. Fix the chip using a glass repair kit, Only fill the tank so its like 2 or 4 inches under the chip.
 
Something like this. Now add something like a Betta or Galaxy Rasboras. Depending on water KH/GH PH.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Nice idea, though it would mean he would have to get hanging lights or clip on lamps for the plants to grow fairly well. A few minor adjustments with filter and flow etc, certainly doable.
 
A decent suggestion if he is up to that sort of little project..

 

[LoachLover!]

You know looking at that tank I think it would make a great Riparium. Fix the chip using a glass repair kit, Only fill the tank so its like 2 or 4 inches under the chip.
 
Something like this. Now add something like a Betta or Galaxy Rasboras. Depending on water KH/GH PH.

 
Oh wow! Never seen anything quite like it - looks good