Hey everyone, I'm working on a build of a 75 gallon reef tank and I just finished drilling it at my local fish store. Because I do business there often he let me use his equipment to drill the tank. It went fine, brought it home and started getting plumbing ready. I wanted to paint the back glass black so I was cleaning the back panel and I noticed that the hole for my return had a crack coming from it. It's enough to where I can feel it only with my nail bit my nail doesn't catch. On the opposite side of the panel I cant feel a thing and it's clear that the crack does not go through the panel entirely. Is there anyone out there that has experienced a similar effect? What was your experience? Did it grow, stay the same, or did it completely fail. I feel that it's safe and am going to fill the tank and let it sit for a couple days before attempting to set the tank up. I'll attach a picture. I know there will be people that will say replace the tank or panel but I'm looking for anyone that has rode the line, took the chance/played devil's advocate, Russian roulette etc.
Cracked tank only one side of the panel
- Thread starter U.P.Guy
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LPStandard
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Not worth the risk in my opinion. That's a LOT of potential cost there for a relatively small change now before the system is wet.
jsker
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My Tank Thread
Time for a new tank, sorry. That panel could blow out any time. 
Well I want to keep you guys updated so, I had that tank filled with water in a safe location. The crack did begin to grow and spread in new directions so It has been emptied. The current plan (because I built a new stand and have spent money on this build is to try to replace the panel. Does anyone have advice for replacing a panel? I'll have the glass shop cut the appropriate sized glass and drill it for me but I could use advice for removing the black bracing and how to cut out the panel.
LPStandard
Active Member
Seems like a lot of work. Is it a standard 75g? They're fairly easy to come by I would think.
You think it's too much? I'm just looking at a cost perspective. I keep my ears open on the forms but it's hard to find something close enough to me. And hell, why not give something a try. If it saves money and I learn in the process, why not
where are you at? you might save some but by the time you buy the glass and silicon you are close to what a new tank costs
I'm in Michigan upper panisula, I could maybe find a used tank for a comparable cost but deffinetly not a new one for the same price. A new pain is like 60 bucks silicone is around 5 bucks so it's hard to beat 65 bucks to fix it. But, I do see where your coming from. A used 75 gal I could probably pick up for 100 bucks.
The reason I asked is I have a 90 but your too far away
Benga
Active Member
I wouldn't trust it but i'd personally keep the tank and if i have the extra time and money i'd purchase a slab of glass and see if i could disassemble and fix it myself. Why trash it when you could turn it into a learning experience.
Georgia
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