I Cant Believe This Happened!

[brandi_k1985]

From my last post most of you probably know I was getting ready to set up my 60-65 gallon tank. I got everything put in it, filled it all the way with water got the air stones hooked up, and all the decorations in place. I was messing with the filters so more water would flow, just turning the knob... then I hear a cracking noise, ok didnt think anything, then like 2 seconds later water starts pouring every where . I cant believe this. I swear I grabbed every towl, sheet, bucket, anything that could hold water. The tank must have cracked on the very bottom cause I cant see any other cracks. I guess its a good thing that I still live at home in my moms basement (that sounds bad, its a walk out so its not too bad) so the water couldnt leak through the floor. Its mostly laminate wood (fake wood) flooring, it might all have to get replaced because it might start to bubble. The water went into a bedroom, soaked the carpet. My 2 brothers and there girlfriends helped clean up the mess. I still have fans going. I glad i bought a huge shop vac this summer, it came in handy. I still can believe it. There were no cracks what so ever on that tank. From looking at the cabinet thing its on, it looks a little bowed. So I wonder if thats what happed?? It always helt a 55 gal fine. I bought it used and by the looks of it, it is an old tank. I guess I will find out when I take everything out. again...
At least I have a 55 galllon tank that I can put all the stuff in. We had It going a long time ago, but over time stuff broke and never got replaced. So its been setting empty for the last few years. Then i got the 60 gal with everything s I decided to use it. Oh well...

 

[Rooster]

If theres NO cracks, I bet the one of the seams has "gone" ie if its an all glass tank, the panes are glued together with silicon... its possible that you disturbed one, which then emptied the tank... once the pressure had gone, the elastic nature of the rest of the seal may have drawn the panes back together - thus hiding the evidence !

Miss Scarlett, drawing room, dagger.

 

[brandi_k1985]

I was kind of thinking that. I guess I will find out when I take the rocks if it was that or an acuall crack. I might do that tomorrow before work. Ill let everyone know then.

 

[Rooster]

I was kind of thinking that. I guess I will find out when I take the rocks if it was that or an acuall crack. I might do that tomorrow before work. Ill let everyone know then.

..or the bottom pane IS bust ! If not, test fill it OUTSIDE ! even if it DID hold water, I wouldnt trust it again

 

[Jim Curtis]

This is why I would never buy a used tank, Its just not worth the risk.

 

[erk628]

I agree with rooster if there are no cracks then the seal busted. More in likely it was at the bottom, you can do a google search on how to reseal a tank. From experience though it you do decide to reseal it onces it has dries which takes 48 hours fill it with water some were were it won't matter if it gets wet I did it in the garage. The let it sat filled for about a week and see how it holds. I did that with a 90 gallon a couple weeks again and the night before I was going to bring it in its started leaking again.

 

[brandi_k1985]

Even if it looks ok I will not use it for water again. Im sure I can find some reptile that would love to have a new home in there. hmmm
Jim Curtis, I know now not to buy used tanks again atleast that size.

 

[Tolak]

At least half of my tanks are used, quite a few are resealed. If the cabinet was bowed you are asking for trouble, used or new tank. All but one of my stands/racks are home made, the one I trust least is store bought, but free.

Of all the tanks I have only one has a slight leak, an old 15 high, leaks at the top rim if you totally fill it. I fill tanks level to the top to leak test, with hot water, like that of a really warm bath. Nearly all are from breeders, they have seen quite a bit of use.

The second worst thing I have found for tanks after an inappropriate stand is substrate. Cleaning substrate, which is necessary maintenance, tends to tear up the bottom seams.

 

[brandi_k1985]

Just to let everyone know, there is a crack on the bottom of the aquarium. It goes through almost the whole middle long ways. Anyone know af a way to support the bottom so it does fall through. Could it be possible to use ceramic tile with morter?