How should I fix this crack?

x4FIR_1 · May 21, 2023

I picked up this aquarium off marketplace the other day and I didn't know it had this crack. I really do not want to replace the whole pannel as that would be very costly. Would I be able to epoxy or silicone it? The crack does not go to the other side of the glass and its only on the back panel. I'm welcome to any advice or help please and thanks.

Nate Chalk · May 21, 2023

Idk if I would personally use it... But if you wanted to try cheaply. You could euro brace that entire side. Run a 2 inch piece across touching all 3 panels.

Nate Chalk · May 21, 2023

Problem with glass cracking is its likely to splinter further overtime with vibration and pressure.

((FORDTECH)) · May 21, 2023

Unfortunately, you fix it by getting a new tanks

x4FIR_1 · May 21, 2023

Nate Chalk said:
Idk if I would personally use it... But if you wanted to try cheaply. You could euro brace that entire side. Run a 2 inch piece across touching all 3 panels.

I was kinda thinking of doing that anyway so i can have a tight fitting lid but yea that could help

x4FIR_1 · May 21, 2023

Nate Chalk said:
Problem with glass cracking is its likely to splinter further overtime with vibration and pressure.

luckily its at the top so not much pressure will be on it if i epoxy it or something

x4FIR_1 · May 21, 2023

((FORDTECH)) said:
Unfortunately, you fix it by getting a new tanks

If worst comes to the worst I will replace the back panel but I would rather avoid doing that

Nate Chalk · May 21, 2023

You can certainly try.

My dad cut a boat in half and welded it together again. People told him it wouldn't float again and would break under motor torque. It didn't.

I re welded my sump acrylic back together when I was told to get a new tank.

All you can do is try and see. Up to you ultimately.

x4FIR_1 · May 21, 2023

Nate Chalk said:
You can certainly try.

My dad cut a boat in half and welded it together again. People told him it wouldn't float again and would break under motor torque. It didn't.

I re welded my sump acrylic back together when I was told to get a new tank.

All you can do is try and see. Up to you ultimately.

I guess i'll try some epoxy and if it works I'll update the thread

thatmanMIKEson · May 21, 2023

its not worth the time investment for me, I'd get a new tank. say it works for a few years everything is growing nice in your tank then it starts to crack more, and now you have to tear it down or it breaks further, are those few years of growth and the time invested a waste when you need a new tank anyway. idk for me I'd cut the loss before you get deeper into it.. just my opinion, good luck friend!

Lowell Lemon · May 21, 2023

Light activated cyanoacrolate like used to repair windshield chips or granite chips.

Nate Chalk · May 21, 2023

Lowell Lemon said:
Light activated cyanoacrolate like used to repair windshield chips or granite chips.

Oo that's a really good idea!

x4FIR_1 · May 21, 2023

thatmanMIKEson said:
its not worth the time investment for me, I'd get a new tank. say it works for a few years everything is growing nice in your tank then it starts to crack more, and now you have to tear it down or it breaks further, are those few years of growth and the time invested a waste when you need a new tank anyway. idk for me I'd cut the loss before you get deeper into it.. just my opinion, good luck friend!

replacing the tank would cost more than getting a new sheet of glass. the Light activated cyanoacrolate is a good idea, i've used it before and stopped the crack on my windshield.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · May 21, 2023

Off topic, but... why?? Lol

Nate Chalk said:
My dad cut a boat in half and welded it together again.

thatmanMIKEson · May 21, 2023

x4FIR_1 said:
replacing the tank would cost more than getting a new sheet of glass. the Light activated cyanoacrolate is a good idea, i've used it before and stopped the crack on my windshield.

I'm no glass expert, but to just replace one side of glass you would need to remove all the silicon from every surface and redo every joint because new silicon doesn't bond to cured silicon so where the two meet you would have a weak spot, if you don't mind redoing the entire tank then yes this is doable.