SC aquarium Revisiting

[Devisissy]

So back when I first got this tank I found an extremely questionable seam on the tank. I could get my finger in it and feel the edge of the glass. I wanted a replacement but owner refused and told me the tank was "fine". It was set up for five months before I had to take it apart because we moved. So I just want to revisit this tank seam before I trust it on my brand new floors.

There is sand under the seam now. I am able to pick it out with my finger but these pieces are wedged between the two panes of glass. And the seam is much larger than before. The right way to handle this would have been to give me a replacement back when I showed photos. Now it's past warranty I'm sure or I will just be told it's "fine".

So is it "fine"?

 

[threebuoys]

Thoroughly clean and dry then add a bead of aquarium grade silicone. I agree the vendor should have repaired or replace when you bought it. But, since it has not leaked (nor exploded), you are probably safe as long as the silicone is not compromised.

 

[ScottD]

Where is it located, kind of hard to see. Is it the red area or yellow area in this sketch. The blue is the panes of glass.

 

[Devisissy]

Where is it located, kind of hard to see. Is it the red area or yellow area in this sketch. The blue is the panes of glass.

That tank is actually like this.

The red is silicone. I can feel the sharp jagged edge of the glass with my finger and actually see it. Hard to take a photo of. The yellow is the other silicone. The one in question. The sand is now wedged under the edge of the glass and the red silicone I think. The sand is not stuck to the yellow. SC aquarium are not well made and I'm bummed this was never resolved back when I first received the tank. If you look at my photo in my original post you can see the edge of the glass. It's difficult to photo.

 

[ScottD]

So if it’s the yellow than that is not a structural part of the seam so you’d be fine. If it’s under the red area than depending how much could be concerning.

 

[Devisissy]

So if it’s the yellow than that is not a structural part of the seam so you’d be fine. If it’s under the red area than depending how much could be concerning.

Either way I have to roll with it. For the next few years at least.

 

[Devisissy]

I wish I could redo the return line. They have it in the middle and you would think it would be easy to move it to the side. NOPE. Weird fitment, proprietary Chinese fittings that you don't find here in the states.

 

[ScottD]

I ended up gluing a 1” pvc pipe into my bulkhead and running 1” fittings from there. You could do the same.

 

[RedReefer]

I ended up gluing a 1” pvc pipe into my bulkhead and running 1” fittings from there. You could do the same.

Same

 

[Devisissy]

I ended up gluing a 1” pvc pipe into my bulkhead and running 1” fittings from there. You could do the same.

It is 1inch. With the T the standard length of the adapter is too long. So I have to put it back to center, unless you can give me an exact list of what you bought. I did, one inch tube to one inch T, then one inch fitting to 1/2 inch female so the male loc line can screw in. It is too long to fit all the way to the right of the overflow. Unless I am missing something. The hole through the overflow is 1/2 inch.

 

[ScottD]

It is 1inch. With the T the standard length of the adapter is too long. So I have to put it back to center, unless you can give me an exact list of what you bought. I did, one inch tube to one inch T, then one inch fitting to 1/2 inch female so the male loc line can screw in. It is too long to fit all the way to the right of the overflow. Unless I am missing something. The hole through the overflow is 1/2 inch.

Sorry, I misinterpreted that. They’re standard fitting they used, just cut down one to make it work. I left mine in the center but swapped out the metric pipes for 1” and changed mine to 3/4” locline instead of the 1/2”. You could try using this right from the tee fitting.

Charlotte Pipe 1 in. x 1/2 in. PVC schedule 40 Reducer Bushing Fitting PVC021070700HD - The Home Depot

PVC schedule 40 pipe and pressure fittings are used in irrigation, underground sprinkler systems, swimming pools, outdoor applications and cold water supply lines. These fittings are highly resilient,

www.homedepot.com

 

[jmcdona6]

I would say that's the tradeoff with SCA. I personally never had a major issue with them but the customer service was lacking the few times I worked with them.

Recently bought a waterbox and took a moment to compare the experiences...incomparable. But the value is unmatched. I just couldn't afford a name brand tank back in the day.

If it's not an actual seem issue I agree with the other guy. It's probably fine (no guarantees), but apply some more silicone if it makes you feel better. Jt won't fix structural issues if they exist, but it will keep the sand out. Ride with it and replace with something better later.

 

[Devisissy]

Sorry, I misinterpreted that. They’re standard fitting they used, just cut down one to make it work. I left mine in the center but swapped out the metric pipes for 1” and changed mine to 3/4” locline instead of the 1/2”. You could try using this right from the tee fitting.

Charlotte Pipe 1 in. x 1/2 in. PVC schedule 40 Reducer Bushing Fitting PVC021070700HD - The Home Depot

PVC schedule 40 pipe and pressure fittings are used in irrigation, underground sprinkler systems, swimming pools, outdoor applications and cold water supply lines. These fittings are highly resilient,

www.homedepot.com

Doesn't work. I really want to clean up the plumbing. Moving the return over would really help. I might Y it off with barb and soft plumbing. Or just live with it.