Cracked Glass At Bulkhead

neoh74 · 11/11/2018, 07:41 PM

I purchased a 125gal half circle tank that has 3/4 inch glass on Facebook and leak tested for about 30 min. Everything seemed fine. When I got it set up in the house everything was fine. When the overflow filled up i noticed a drip. Got the bulkheads off and the main drain is cracked the the back of the tank. Ugh! I cant buy another tank for the stand, might as well dump 2,000 for a new one... Any ideas on how to fix? It's a center overflow, the return bulkhead is fine. I was either
1. Run a glass glue and level with a razor knife, then use a small glass patch next to the bulkhead with silicone for weight distribution

or

2. Run glass glue and level on top and bottom, install the bulkheads and tubing, then use waterproof gorilla tape over the crack and last silicoe the $hiteoutof it.

Any other ideas?

I know time will tell how much mileage i will get out of it but at this point just want it to hold...

dkevink · 11/11/2018, 08:50 PM

I had a small crack in one of my tanks, bottom corner. I coated the inside with silicon and all is good so far. I guess it all depends on where crack is and how bad.

ca1ore · 11/12/2018, 08:44 AM

Picture would help. As long as the crack cannot ‘run’ it may be ok; is a risk though. A glass patch would seem like the best fix.

Kevin Guthrie · 11/12/2018, 10:53 AM

Yeah, drill an identical-sized hole in the patch glass and silicone it, to the inside if possible, directly over the existing hole.

OurCoralReef · 11/12/2018, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Guthrie

Yeah, drill an identical-sized hole in the patch glass and silicone it, to the inside if possible, directly over the existing hole.

You have to do this on both sides of the crack otherwise your risking it spread

Why don’t you just replace the whole panel with a fresh silicone job on all the joints it shouldn’t cost more than $200

Floowid · 11/12/2018, 06:23 PM

Depending on how big the crack is, you might be able to drill the hole a larger diameter. If you can get a good clean hole that extends beyond the end of the crack and put in a larger bulkhead you should be good.

OurCoralReef · 11/12/2018, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floowid

Depending on how big the crack is, you might be able to drill the hole a larger diameter. If you can get a good clean hole that extends beyond the end of the crack and put in a larger bulkhead you should be good.

That’s actually a very good idea of course you need to find a bulkhead that big

neoh74 · 11/13/2018, 08:49 AM

unfortunately due to the size of the nuts there would be no room for bigger bulkheads. Ill have to see how much a panel would be. Im thinking god awful expensive as it is an odd shape. Its a half circle.

neoh74 · 11/13/2018, 09:05 AM

Cheapest I can find a new piece of glass is $500. 1/2" thick 47 inch diameter width half circle...

nikon187 · 11/13/2018, 04:11 PM

that would be your best bet. i wouldnt trust a crack from the bulkhead 5 yrs down the road, patch or no patch. $500 now or tens of thousands later.

OurCoralReef · 11/13/2018, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neoh74

Cheapest I can find a new piece of glass is $500. 1/2" thick 47 inch diameter width half circle...

Oh its the bottom glass that sucks try to get another quote

ca1ore · 11/13/2018, 07:25 PM

Like I said above, a picture would help. If the crack is from the edge of the hole to the back of the tank it cannot go anywhere. How long of a crack are we talking? An inch or two? I’d get a small patch, drill it for the bulkhead and silicone it on, let the silicone cure and then test fill.

neoh74 · 11/13/2018, 10:45 PM

here is pic

neoh74 · 11/14/2018, 02:52 PM

Whoever concocted the recipe for marine 5200 is the devil!!! About two teaspoons of caulking in it is on my hands, shirt cabinet, sink and arms. I have been cleaning with lysol wipes for 20 minutes and still just found more!

The only way to fix this is going to be to replace the bottom glass...

neoh74 · 11/14/2018, 03:44 PM

Anyone know of a cheap custom glass cutting company in CA?

pfan151 · 11/14/2018, 05:38 PM

Why aren’t you trying the patch? Where that crack is seems like a patch would be fine. I’d temporarily cut off the overflow so you can get the patch seated well and go to it. The hole will keep the crack from spreading further. Adding a new bottom panel isn’t nearly as easy as you’d think.

R1ant04 · 11/14/2018, 07:46 PM

Big risk playing with a crack n the bottom of a tank, esp around a bulkhead....I know u don’t wanna hear this but u probably should replace entire bottom or on to a new tank.

neoh74 · 11/14/2018, 08:48 PM

There are two cracks I found now. One goes right to the back of the glass, the other runs under the display. But it was siliconed previous looks on purpose trying to hide it and foam board on the bottom so i couldn't see it. Lookig for replacement panels now. Time to drain...

ca1ore · 11/14/2018, 11:09 PM

Lizards ....

neoh74 · 11/15/2018, 09:14 AM

Nice tank, definately worth repairing as the tank alone new is $3,000. This is what it looks like tank, stand and hood. I have the 118gallon.

neoh74 · 11/17/2018, 04:21 PM

Just wanted to say thank you for everyones help. Unfortunately drained the tank, pulled it outside, scraped off the bottom black paint and the tank bottom pane was cracked the whole length of the tank! Not cheap for the replacement glass but better than a catastrophic leak! I wouldnt have broken it down if it hadn't been for your encouragement. Thanks again!

OurCoralReef · 11/17/2018, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neoh74

Just wanted to say thank you for everyones help. Unfortunately drained the tank, pulled it outside, scraped off the bottom black paint and the tank bottom pane was cracked the whole length of the tank! Not cheap for the replacement glass but better than a catastrophic leak! I wouldnt have broken it down if it hadn't been for your encouragement. Thanks again!

Hope it all goes well
Keep us updated this tank should be beautiful once you set it up

Joe0813 · 11/17/2018, 05:51 PM

I've had a tank leak, never will I fix glass. If its cracked or the seam leaks the tank is getting tossed in the trash

neoh74 · 04/01/2019, 06:15 PM

Shades back...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

neoh74 · 05/17/2019, 08:37 PM

And just a final update

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11/11/2018, 07:41 PM	#1
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	Cracked Glass At Bulkhead I purchased a 125gal half circle tank that has 3/4 inch glass on Facebook and leak tested for about 30 min. Everything seemed fine. When I got it set up in the house everything was fine. When the overflow filled up i noticed a drip. Got the bulkheads off and the main drain is cracked the the back of the tank. Ugh! I cant buy another tank for the stand, might as well dump 2,000 for a new one... Any ideas on how to fix? It's a center overflow, the return bulkhead is fine. I was either 1. Run a glass glue and level with a razor knife, then use a small glass patch next to the bulkhead with silicone for weight distribution or 2. Run glass glue and level on top and bottom, install the bulkheads and tubing, then use waterproof gorilla tape over the crack and last silicoe the $hiteoutof it. Any other ideas? I know time will tell how much mileage i will get out of it but at this point just want it to hold... __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave

11/12/2018, 08:44 AM	#3
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Picture would help. As long as the crack cannot ‘run’ it may be ok; is a risk though. A glass patch would seem like the best fix. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

11/12/2018, 06:23 PM	#6
Floowid Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Centerville, UT Posts: 712	Depending on how big the crack is, you might be able to drill the hole a larger diameter. If you can get a good clean hole that extends beyond the end of the crack and put in a larger bulkhead you should be good. __________________ 75 gallon mixed reef

11/13/2018, 08:49 AM	#8
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	unfortunately due to the size of the nuts there would be no room for bigger bulkheads. Ill have to see how much a panel would be. Im thinking god awful expensive as it is an odd shape. Its a half circle. __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave

11/13/2018, 09:05 AM	#9
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	Cheapest I can find a new piece of glass is $500. 1/2" thick 47 inch diameter width half circle... __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave

11/11/2018, 08:50 PM	#2
dkevink Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 51	I had a small crack in one of my tanks, bottom corner. I coated the inside with silicon and all is good so far. I guess it all depends on where crack is and how bad.

11/12/2018, 10:53 AM	#4
Kevin Guthrie Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 506	Yeah, drill an identical-sized hole in the patch glass and silicone it, to the inside if possible, directly over the existing hole.

11/13/2018, 04:11 PM	#10
nikon187 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 4,717	that would be your best bet. i wouldnt trust a crack from the bulkhead 5 yrs down the road, patch or no patch. $500 now or tens of thousands later. __________________ ----------------- Current Tanks: New 210 custom 84 x 24 x 24, 60g sump, SWC 250 extreme with bubble blaster 5000, 2 vortech mp40, 2 vortech mp10, 12 T5, Water blaster 5000, warner marine bio pellets, 60g clownfish cube, red carpet anemone with a 25g sump,SRO octopus 1000sss, 250w radium, lumenarc large.

11/13/2018, 07:25 PM	#12
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Like I said above, a picture would help. If the crack is from the edge of the hole to the back of the tank it cannot go anywhere. How long of a crack are we talking? An inch or two? I’d get a small patch, drill it for the bulkhead and silicone it on, let the silicone cure and then test fill. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

11/14/2018, 02:52 PM	#14
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	Whoever concocted the recipe for marine 5200 is the devil!!! About two teaspoons of caulking in it is on my hands, shirt cabinet, sink and arms. I have been cleaning with lysol wipes for 20 minutes and still just found more! The only way to fix this is going to be to replace the bottom glass... __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave

11/14/2018, 03:44 PM	#15
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	Anyone know of a cheap custom glass cutting company in CA? __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave

11/14/2018, 05:38 PM	#16
pfan151 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: FL Posts: 1,897	Why aren’t you trying the patch? Where that crack is seems like a patch would be fine. I’d temporarily cut off the overflow so you can get the patch seated well and go to it. The hole will keep the crack from spreading further. Adding a new bottom panel isn’t nearly as easy as you’d think.

11/14/2018, 07:46 PM	#17
R1ant04 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 232	Big risk playing with a crack n the bottom of a tank, esp around a bulkhead....I know u don’t wanna hear this but u probably should replace entire bottom or on to a new tank.

11/14/2018, 08:48 PM	#18
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	There are two cracks I found now. One goes right to the back of the glass, the other runs under the display. But it was siliconed previous looks on purpose trying to hide it and foam board on the bottom so i couldn't see it. Lookig for replacement panels now. Time to drain... __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave

11/14/2018, 11:09 PM	#19
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Lizards .... __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

11/17/2018, 04:21 PM	#21
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	Just wanted to say thank you for everyones help. Unfortunately drained the tank, pulled it outside, scraped off the bottom black paint and the tank bottom pane was cracked the whole length of the tank! Not cheap for the replacement glass but better than a catastrophic leak! I wouldnt have broken it down if it hadn't been for your encouragement. Thanks again! __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave

11/17/2018, 05:51 PM	#23
Joe0813 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston strong Posts: 2,766	I've had a tank leak, never will I fix glass. If its cracked or the seam leaks the tank is getting tossed in the trash __________________ Joe and Jenny Current Tank Info: 180 reef

04/01/2019, 06:15 PM	#24
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	Shades back... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave

05/17/2019, 08:37 PM	#25
neoh74 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Oakley, CA Posts: 151	And just a final update Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ 118 gallon Aqua Vim Moon View glass tank w/ hood Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump w/ refugium and full spectrum led Aqua C EV180 skimmer 2 Viparspectra 165w LEDs Hydor Smart Wave