Can I still save this?

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

I received a used 125 gallon 6 ft tank a few days back. I'd like to try my best to save it, but I'd like to know if this chip and seam are concerning. There are lots of bubbles in the seam. Is that because it is separating? I plan to completely reseal the tank if I am keeping it. TIA.

 

[SimbaAnto]

Yes of course needs Resealing

 

[EricR]

I think that chip is enough to cause "ME" eternal worry,,, so I'd vote not worth it.
*only based on my perception (from picture) of how deep and wide it is

 

[Sassafras]

Is this tape residue on the glass exterior or something that extends into the seam?

Any of the other seams have bubbles? Seam above the chip in the first pic looks like more air than silicone.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Is this tape residue on the glass exterior or something that extends into the seam?

Any of the other seams have bubbles? Seam above the chip in the first pic looks like more air than silicone.

That's tape residue. None of the seams are as bad as the one pictured.

 

[Sassafras]

If I'm seeing right, the chip looks very shallow, almost surface only. The bubbly seam would concern me more than the chip, although the tank may have been in service like that from day one-just poor workmanship on that seam.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

If I'm seeing right, the chip looks very shallow, almost surface only. The bubbly seam would concern me more than the chip, although the tank may have been in service like that from day one-just poor workmanship on that seam.

Yeah I have no idea what the background is of the tank. All I know is that it is 28 years old. Probably never sealed since manufacturing.

 

[EricR]

Yeah I have no idea what the background is of the tank. All I know is that it is 28 years old. Probably never sealed since manufacturing.

If you're going to strip it down and rebuild it, maybe replace that one pane of glass?
...or is it two panes at the same place? (can't tell from the picture)

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

If you're going to strip it down and rebuild it, maybe replace that one pane of glass?
...or is it two panes at the same place? (can't tell from the picture)

I believe it's only one pane but will have to look closer tomorrow.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I received a used 125 gallon 6 ft tank a few days back. I'd like to try my best to save it, but I'd like to know if this chip and seam are concerning. There are lots of bubbles in the seam. Is that because it is separating? I plan to completely reseal the tank if I am keeping it. TIA.

Looks to like the chip is not a big deal, but that seam!all air bubbles! Worth saving, yes, but I would definitely re do the seams. It’s a lot of work, but for a 125, worth the effort. To me at least.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Looks to like the chip is not a big deal, but that seam!all air bubbles! Worth saving, yes, but I would definitely re do the seams. It’s a lot of work, but for a 125, worth the effort. To me at least.

After all I did get this tank for free... I guess that's what I get?

 

[Sassafras]

I was going to respond to the age of your tank, 28 years, with an emoji. Then I realized that I am running a 28 yo 75 gal. quarantine tank and that one of my display tanks, a 330 gal. glass tank, is bumping 20.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

How would I go about redoing the seams?

 

[Sassafras]

I'm no expert. I have built a tanks your size from new glass, but never dismantled and reassembled an old tank. I can tell you one thing. Cleaning the old silicone off the glass so there is absolutely NONE left is crucial. Pretty big job on a 125, but certainly doable, even if it is your first time.

 

[Mschmidt]

The chip wouldn't bother me, but you could also about the whole issue by moving the the in .25 inch when you reseal.

I've resealed smaller tanks, 55 being the largest. If there's a rim, you want to pull that off first. I'd run a razor down all the seams pealing the bead off the inside. Then cut all the way through the silicone bonding the two panes. Peal all the silicone of the glass. You'll want many razor blades for this. Then clean with rubbing alcohol. Tape off the glass so you will have clean lines when finished. Put a head on the bottom and all sides being bound. Id put one side fist then both ends, then the other long side. Make sure there are no gaps without silicone. Then runt he internal bead and smooth it out. Painters tape will help hold things together while it cures.

Serpa design has some helpful videos on the yous tubes.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

The chip wouldn't bother me, but you could also about the whole issue by moving the the in .25 inch when you reseal

What do you mean?

I am pretty confident in my ability to reseal. It's just redoing the seams that would scare me.

 

[Tamberav]

Thank you for trying to keep it out of the landfill, the chip does not look concerning.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Thank you for trying to keep it out of the landfill, the chip does not look concerning.

Yup, I would hate to throw it out. It's a lot of glass with nothing really wrong with it. Good to know the chip isn't concerning. Thank you.

 

[alanr3]

this looks like the exact same tank I bought from a guy in Tustin, CA in 2017. Is the chip in the back left corner in the mid area?

 

[felda001]

I think you can save it. It’s going to be a lot of work. My understanding of the process is you remove all the old silicone, clean all the glass really well, reassemble and resilicone. Then you allow it to cure and hope. Final step is to water test.