Aquarium Cabinets - Question

[RaymondL]

Hello folks,

I visited a LFS on the weekend that had on display many aquarium manufactures their tanks and accompanying stand that goes with the tank: not just limited to Waterbox, or RedSea but other as well.

All of the tanks extend over the cabinet at the front by 1/4 inch or a bit more, so that the cabinet doors when close flush with the front glass of the aquarium. Whether it's a small tank or a large one it seems to be the case.

I am by no means an engineer or know anything of the science behind weight distribution and silicone seams, and since the glass and seams overhang the cabinet, isn't this a bad thing with all the weight pushing at the bottom and the corners of the glass - silicone that don't have support from the bottom?

The store also carried Aquaatlantis stands and their tanks and the cabinet flushes with all 4 sides of the aquarium even with the front cabinet doors closed - great and better design it looks in my opinion.

Anyone can share any feedback on this?

 

[Quietman]

So far the glass hasn't fallen off the front of my Red Sea Reefer 170 in 6 years. Hasn't slid or shifted in the slightest. Knock wood.

Silicone is incredibly strong regarding both shear and tensile stresses. As long as it's applied correctly to properly prepared glass a thin bead is more than strong enough to hold the weight of the glass for the life of the aquarium.

That said there is a life expectancy of aquariums as silicone does breakdown over time. I'm sure our intense lighting and saltwater help that aging along. I've heard 10 years and some report up to 20 years. Usually that'll begin with a some noticeable signs of aging in the seems or perhaps of small weeping leak.

If I was building my own tank and stand, I don't think I'd do this though. I know the analysis supports it but I don't think I'd trust my application of silicone to be as good.

 

[Fish Fan]

I've never owned one, but I've seen a lot of the Red Sea tank failures posted here at R2R and elsewhere, and I personally wouldn't get a Red Sea tank. While clearly the majority of their tanks are just fine, they do seem to have a high rate of failures, and it's often suggested that it's a combination of a poor design with the glass panel being unsupported and the seemingly low quality silicon they use. I would do yourself a favor and just search for "Red Sea tank failure" or similar and see for yourself some of the disasters some Red Sea tank owners have had to deal with. Keep in mind, when a tank fails it's not just the loss of livestock and the money spent on the livestock, it's also damage to your home that can sometimes be thousands of dollars to repair.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[RaymondL]

I've never owned one, but I've seen a lot of the Red Sea tank failures posted here at R2R and elsewhere, and I personally wouldn't get a Red Sea tank. While clearly the majority of their tanks are just fine, they do seem to have a high rate of failures, and it's often suggested that it's a combination of a poor design with the glass panel being unsupported and the seemingly low quality silicon they use. I would do yourself a favor and just search for "Red Sea tank failure" or similar and see for yourself some of the disasters some Red Sea tank owners have had to deal with. Keep in mind, when a tank fails it's not just the loss of livestock and the money spent on the livestock, it's also damage to your home that can sometimes be thousands of dollars to repair.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

I did some reading and watched some videos. How is Red Sea able to stay in business and why are so many reefers willing to take the chances on their aquariums? I'm a bit perplexed how a company such as with so many numerous reports of tank failure can keep afloat (no pun intended).

 

[Fish Fan]

I did some reading and watched some videos. How is Red Sea able to stay in business and why are so many reefers willing to take the chances on their aquariums? I'm a bit perplexed how a company such as with so many numerous reports of tank failure can keep afloat (no pun intended).

Why? That was a great pun

I don't know how they've continued for so long. I do believe they take down negative posts/comments about their tanks on social media outlets like their Farcebook and IG pages. They also have huge marketing, and seeming their tanks are offered in many LFS's, where people purchase them without knowing their history.

I've never had a Red Sea tank myself, and I don't want to sound like I'm bashing a manufacturer, but this is my take after seeing a lot of Red Sea tank failure posts here on R2R.

@exnisstech please post up my favorite picture you have. You know the one

 

[exnisstech]

Why? That was a great pun

I don't know how they've continued for so long. I do believe they take down negative posts/comments about their tanks on social media outlets like their Farcebook and IG pages. They also have huge marketing, and seeming their tanks are offered in many LFS's, where people purchase them without knowing their history.

I've never had a Red Sea tank myself, and I don't want to sound like I'm bashing a manufacturer, but this is my take after seeing a lot of Red Sea tank failure posts here on R2R.

@exnisstech please post up my favorite picture you have. You know the one

Ask and ye shall receive.

My reefer 170 after a seam failed in the upper RF corner. Its the sump still holding water not the tank lol