Oh no! My tank has a chip! Have you experienced a chip or crack in your aquarium?

[Peace River]

Oh no! My tank has a chip! Have you experienced a chip or crack in your aquarium?

While the saying “a chip of the old block” may be a good thing, a chip off the old tank is rarely a good sign. For many reef keepers a crack or a split seam are things that nightmares are made of, but sometimes it is a chip. Other than the obvious frustration of knowing that the blemish is there and any aesthetic effect, the chip may or not be an issue to the functioning of the tank and the safety of the inhabitants and anything in the surrounding area. Some clam-shaped chips may not create a structural issue; however, all chips and cracks should be taken seriously. Have you experienced a chip or a crack in your aquarium? Tell us about your experience and how you handled it. Please share any tips that you may have to decide whether a small chip is a problem.

Photo by @Dr. Jim


This QOTD is sponsored by: www.topshelfaquatics.com

“Top Shelf Aquatics helps you feel confident in the quality, reliability, and consistency of getting everything you need for a perfect saltwater aquarium. From corals and fish to inverts and aquarium supplies, you can count on us to provide you with a seamless reefing experience.”

 

[shakacuz]

i have been blessed to not have had to deal with that, yet (as anything could happen down the road).

i do have some scratches on the inside of the glass due to sand and even "dwarf" cerith snails getting behind the magnet.

 

[Anemone_Fanatic]

Thankfully not, hoping I never do!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I too have not have either but have had a leak and with leak repair experience was able to successfully repair it easily. I dont favor tanks with chip that extend halfway into the glass and while I see many take the risk, glass is the structural part of tank and Not worth risk.
There are chips that can be pressure repaired with the same process used to repair auto glass.
the question is are we hear to enjoy out tank creations or take risks and worry for months?

 

[MikeCRK]

Being energetic when laughing aloud with the hammer in the hand is not a good idea

luckily only a chip at the top in the corner, glued that back and no sign

So kids: STAY AWAY FROM THE TANK WHEN YOU HAVE A HAMMER IN YOUR HAND

 

[BrokenReefer]

This is amusing to me, I just listened to/watched a YT podcast from Reef Therapy by Reef Builders and they were discussing this very topic.

I have not experienced this, though, I feel it’s only a matter of time before any one of us does.

 

[Reefer Matt]

My 135 gallon fowlr has a couple chips in it. But the glass is about ½" thick. It has been running for 4 ½ years. Now I won't be able to sleep at night. Thanks. jk.

 

[Jilly92]

Oh no! My tank has a chip! Have you experienced a chip or crack in your aquarium?

While the saying “a chip of the old block” may be a good thing, a chip off the old tank is rarely a good sign. For many reef keepers a crack or a split seam are things that nightmares are made of, but sometimes it is a chip. Other than the obvious frustration of knowing that the blemish is there and any aesthetic effect, the chip may or not be an issue to the functioning of the tank and the safety of the inhabitants and anything in the surrounding area. Some clam-shaped chips may not create a structural issue; however, all chips and cracks should be taken seriously. Have you experienced a chip or a crack in your aquarium? Tell us about your experience and how you handled it. Please share any tips that you may have to decide whether a small chip is a problem.

Photo by @Dr. Jim


This QOTD is sponsored by: www.topshelfaquatics.com

“Top Shelf Aquatics helps you feel confident in the quality, reliability, and consistency of getting everything you need for a perfect saltwater aquarium. From corals and fish to inverts and aquarium supplies, you can count on us to provide you with a seamless reefing experience.”

I have had mine for a year probably. When I picked up aquarium off stand the salt creep on a lower corner took a chip out when I slid it. Thankfully it doesn't leak.

 

[Cheezle]

The Red Sea max nano peninsula I got from my LFS had a chip in the back left corner, took it out of the box brand new and thought huh. That doesn't look right. Red Sea was quick to send me a new tank but I still have this chipped boy on hand incase a friend or whoever wants to take a chance with it. Google says some epoxy resin would fix it right up but idk, 26 gallons is a lot of water to potentially have on the floor lol

 

[elryry]

We need an additional option for "No, and no thanks"

 

[PhishMonger84]

i have a 4x2 rimless 105 gallon- i believe made by oceanic that is the heaviest tank i own. but it has a chip on top of the sidepanels- not the side itself but the top. i haven't used it since but i was debating using a grinder to smooth it out. its a great tank

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Thank goodness I have not experienced one just yet.

 

[afrokobe]

I bought some used gear from a local guy when I first started. A 20 gallon long and rodi gear. I was cleaning the 20 gallon long in the shower and my hands were wet when trying to empty it. Dropped the whole thing and it shattered completely. I was devastated, not the best way to start in the hobby.

 

[Troylee]

Ive ran tanks with chips and they don’t bother me… cracks no way as they will spread unless a hole is drilled… 90% of the time a tank is chipped in a outside corner that doesn’t go past the silicone joint so from a structural stand point it doesn’t bother me… the stress is on the silicone joint and not the glass at that point as there is zero deflection in the glass in the last 1” or so near the edges.

 

[DCR]

I think everyone of my large tanks with 3/8" glass or larger have chips on the outside edges that happened while moving them. They have been running for years and they do not concern as was mentioned above there is almost no stress on the glass at that point. People stress out over these far too much on this forum. Cracks are another matter. I would not run with a crack in the glass.

 

[Spicy Reef]

I have many chips in my 150g tank. Previous owner used dolly to move it around. The chips are on the corners. I’ve had it up and running for 3 years now…

 

[DaprDon]

Chipped the Top corner of my JBJ 20g rmls, with the glass lid. Very small, more noticeable to me than anyone else.

 

[zoomonster]

Never until I recently got a used 32g. Very heavy awkward little tank and got a little rear bottom corner chip when I went to lift it off tile floor. No structural or joint damage and just smoothed it over with silicone.

 

[ErikVR]

I've had a cracked fresh water tank once. Dumped some 200L on the living room floor.
My lessons learned were... never buy a second hand tank. Never use a tank that has been moved.
I'm sure there are tons of people with used tanks. I just don't want to take any chances anymore!

 

[Zoa.Mania]

Lucky enough to say I never had to deal with it
Hope I never will