So I just picked up this 180 gallon tank from someone and noticed a hairline crack on the bottom panel by one of the bulkheads. I imagine there isn't a way to fix the crack itself and I'm not sure if I would trust a patch job. Does anyone know about how much it would to replace the bottom panel? Is a panel replacement necessary for this crack? My buddy thought maybe we could drill the bulkhead hole a little bigger to remove the crack. Not sure if that's an option.
How much is this going to cost me?
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ElusiveKumquat
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Maybe get a piece of glass and drill holes to line up with the existing holes and silicone the glass square to the bottom?
ElusiveKumquat
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Should be inexpensive
Is it for sure a crack or is it silicone? I had a 55 with silicone that looked like a hair line until I ran my finger over it and realized it was silicone. I don't know about the cost but if it is really a crack, I wouldn't trust the tank unless the entire bottom was replaced. That is a massive amount of water/sand/rock to be gambling with.
Fin
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No one will be able to tell you for certain if it is safe to use, or not. That crack may have been there for a long time, or it could have happened when the previous owner tore it down to sell. I notice that there is also silicone globbed around that bulkhead, so it is probably also leaking at that spot. Bottom line is, if it were mine, I wouldn't use it. You never know when that crack may run and cause the bottom to give way, causing damage to your home, not to mention the cost of the loss of the expensive inhabitants in your tank. Replacing the glass can be done, but it is a lot of work and needs to be done properly. I'd try to get my money back if I were you, if that is even possible. I'd get a new tank.
After further inspection it's not a crack but a chip and not that deep. I spoke with a custom aquarium maker and he suggested to silicone two pieces of acrylic on each side of the tank where the chip is and redrill the bulkhead holes
Fin
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I am quite surprised that a tank manufacturer told you to try to bond acrylic to glass with silicone. Silicone does not adhere long term to acrylic. If you are going to do that, make the patches out of glass. I have personally patched holes that were drilled in the bottom of a 200 gallon tank and moved the overflows.
I think if this was my tank and I was dead set on trying to save it, I would remove the overflow, seal up the holes on the bottom (on both sides) with glass & silicone and then install a "Ghost style" overflow on the back.
I think if this was my tank and I was dead set on trying to save it, I would remove the overflow, seal up the holes on the bottom (on both sides) with glass & silicone and then install a "Ghost style" overflow on the back.
May I ask why you would seal up the holes on both sides and add a ghost overflow vs just sealing the one slide up with glass and redrilling the holes? I appreciate all your advice. I'm new to drilled tanks so I'm just curious
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It's hard to tell from the picture, but it does look like the bulkhead is installed wrong. It looks like the gasket is on the nut side......that's wrong. Gasket always goes on the flange side. Maybe that's why there is all that silicone around the flange.....and why the glass is cracked.....Over tightening the nut.
Fin
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Because I really would want to avoid messing with (drilling around the hole) the tank in the damaged area. That is just what I would do.
I would go with the Ghost or similar overflow, because it frees up lots of space in the tank nd if set up properly, silent. The Ghost style only extends into the tank 1¼".
What brand tank is it? Get your money back. But a new marineland for about 350$. Cheaper than having 10k in damage to your home and lost livestock. I wouldnt even consider using it. If ypur friends a good friend you will get your money back.
Not sure what brand it is. There is no sticker. I didn't buy this from a friend. Just a person online. I paid 400 for the tank, stand, 2 return pumps, 2 protein skimmers, sump, chiller, phosphate reactor, a couple of maxijet 1200, 150lbs of rock, redsea wavemaker and some other misc stuff.
I'm not sure where you saw a brand new Marineland 180g tank for 350. New they are almost $1,000.
I'm not sure where you saw a brand new Marineland 180g tank for 350. New they are almost $1,000.
Well you got your 400$ worth out of everything without the tank, assume the stuff is quality.
I cant speak for your area but around me 125s are like 300 for just the tank, 180 may be 400 tops in a lot of lfs. But your area may ne different.
On a side note, if you want to save it, remove the bulkheads and all plumbing, since you will have to anyway. Amd really figure out if its a crack or a chip, doesnt seems like anyone can see it real well. Get some good pics and maybe you will have a better idea of severity. A small chip is not as bad as a crack of any kind.
I cant speak for your area but around me 125s are like 300 for just the tank, 180 may be 400 tops in a lot of lfs. But your area may ne different.
On a side note, if you want to save it, remove the bulkheads and all plumbing, since you will have to anyway. Amd really figure out if its a crack or a chip, doesnt seems like anyone can see it real well. Get some good pics and maybe you will have a better idea of severity. A small chip is not as bad as a crack of any kind.
I was just looking online and saw them for $1000. I haven't look at any of the lfs near me yet.
It's not a crack. It's a chip. I originally though it was a crack but when I removed the bulkhead I realized its actually a chip. Not too deep either
I'd just get a new tank. I know it costs more right now but if the tank busts then you lose the tank, inhabitants, and damage your home with corrosive water. Please think carefully about the long term affects of not buying a different tank.
tom reilly
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Nice terrarium.180 gallons of water in your living room not worth it.
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