Tank Problem

[jdprice1988]

hi all,

sorry for reposting this here. i have posted it in the hardware section but i have not had any replies and really need to put my mind at ease.

i recently bought a rio 240 for a tidy price. however, i have noticed a tiny chip on the front glass panel. it is about 2mm in radius. i cant feel the chip with my finger nail but only if i use a fine needle point can i feel it and then its only slightly. it may be a stupid question but i really dont want a pond in my living room

will this affect the strength of the glass and do i have anything to worry about? the guy i had it from had it filled for two years and he had only just emptied it with no problems. am i worrying too much? could it be just a defect during the manufacturing process?

thanks in advance

 

[mark4785]

If I was you I would ask the seller how long the chip was there and for how longer after it appeared the aquarium was used without any major disaster occuring (i.e. leaking).

I think aquarium silicone weakness would be more of a concern than a small glass chip, but I still suggest you get to know about the tank's past usage before filling it up with a large amount of water.

Mark.

 

[dissimulo]

Hi,

I think you have every right to worry as there are 5 pieces of glass (effectively 4) that support a massive 240kg of water (1l = approx. 1kg). The front and back panels support reasonably more weight than the much smaller side panels. Without working out exactly how much weight the front panel alone will be supporting, take it to be around 70kg. Assuming the weight is evenly spread, you must consider whether that single pane of glass, with a 4mm chip, will tolerate 70kg of weight. My numbers may well be out, I'm not sure; but I hope you understand where I'm coming from. Having little knowledge on the strength of standard aquarium glass, and working on grounds of common sense, the best advice I can give is to definitely acquire further advice from more experienced members whilst looking at the possibility of performing a repair similar to that of a chip in a car windscreen.

I hope this helps,

Luke.

 

[jdprice1988]

Hi,

I think you have every right to worry as there are 5 pieces of glass (effectively 4) that support a massive 240kg of water (1l = approx. 1kg). The front and back panels support reasonably more weight than the much smaller side panels. Without working out exactly how much weight the front panel alone will be supporting, take it to be around 70kg. Assuming the weight is evenly spread, you must consider whether that single pane of glass, with a 4mm chip, will tolerate 70kg of weight. My numbers may well be out, I'm not sure; but I hope you understand where I'm coming from. Having little knowledge on the strength of standard aquarium glass, and working on grounds of common sense, the best advice I can give is to definitely acquire further advice from more experienced members whilst looking at the possibility of performing a repair similar to that of a chip in a car windscreen.

I hope this helps,

Luke.

yes i do understand and it makes perfect sense. i also meant diameter no radius i was never any good with remembering that sort of stuff! it seemes so tiny i dont think i could really repair it. like i said i cant even feel it with my finger nail and need a fine pin to even feel it. i just measured it properly with a vernier guage and it is actualy only roughly 1.5mm but not that it makes much difference. the guy i had it off had it full for around two years with no issues so maybe i am being picky. but i came here for advice and it is all greatley appreciated. thanks for the help

also thanks for your advice mark

any others want to help out a newbie?

also, i apologise for posting in the emergency section it was meant for the discusion section!