Seam Failure or Just Cosmetic?

[TheNewClownFish]

Hey guys,

I bought a Red Sea Nano (18.5G) of the marketplace yesterday. Tanked looked good in person and it’s in decent shape. I really tried my best to inspect it a lot in person.

But when I filled it with water (hence the bubbles). I noticed this on one of the seams. I’m currently doing a freshwater leak test (12+hrs now).

Sorry for posting twice. Been a bit stressed out because of this.

 

[The Ugly Phase]

what do you thinks wrong with it i can't see anything wrong?

 

[TheNewClownFish]

what do you thinks wrong with it i can't see anything wrong?

Hey!

This part

 

[The Ugly Phase]

the few bubbles? is that not just the plastic gaurd?

 

[TheNewClownFish]

the few bubbles? is that not just the plastic gaurd?

The bubbles around it are because of the water I just filled up. But it’s more so the circle area im worried about (silicone spot). I have no clue on structural integrity for tanks which is why I’m being cautious

 

[The Ugly Phase]

im sorry i cannot see anything wrong with what you have circled can you explain what is bothering you with it?

 

[TheNewClownFish]

im sorry i cannot see anything wrong with what you have circled can you explain what is bothering you with it?

im sorry i cannot see anything wrong with what you have circled can you explain what is bothering you with it?

No worries - it’s that line in silicone in the circle. I am just worried about that

 

[The Ugly Phase]

oh the white line i thought that was a scratch on the glass is that inside the silicone?

 

[The Ugly Phase]

yea that does look abit nasty if its inside the silicone

 

[TheNewClownFish]

oh the white line i thought that was a scratch on the glass is that inside the silicone?

Yep that’s what I’m referring to. It’s inside. I have water tested for 12+ hrs. No leaks but wanted to see if I can get opinions here

 

[W31Olds]

I would use if it passes your leak test as it's in the seam guard.

 

[TheNewClownFish]

I would use if it passes your leak test as it's in the seam guard.

I would use if it passes your leak test as it's in the seam guard.

Thank! I did a 50% leak test for 12 hrs and it was good. Added more water to 90% volume to observe more for another day before emptying.


Sorry for my lack of knowledge but when you say seam guard, does that mean the tank is fine in terms of structural integrity?

 

[jsmkmavity]

Even if its not leaking now it it very likely to be in the future. The silicone they use doesnt last. Not sure why people still risk it. They should all be converted to terrariums or cages for animals without water on the seams!

 

[TheNewClownFish]

Even if its not leaking now it it very likely to be in the future. The silicone they use doesnt last. Not sure why people still risk it. They should all be converted to terrariums or cages for animals without water on the seams!

I bought this used on the Marketplace unfortunately. Is it bad?

I know sometimes silicone can be cosmetic but is this affecting structural integrity?

 

[The Ugly Phase]

I bought this used on the Marketplace unfortunately. Is it bad?

I know sometimes silicone can be cosmetic but is this affecting structural integrity?

without sounding rude how much did you buy it for might be worth just cutting ur losses

 

[jsmkmavity]

It doesnt look like it now but the r.s. tanks have abysmal seam failure rates for MANY YEARS now thru 3 generations of tank designs. The tank will hold water until it fails! Then what? Animals die, floors warp and mold and then you get to quit or spend money on a good tank anyway.

 

[TheNewClownFish]

It doesnt look like it now but the r.s. tanks have abysmal seam failure rates for MANY YEARS now thru 3 generations of tank designs. The tank will hold water until it fails! Then what? Animals die, floors warp and mold and then you get to quit or spend money on a good tank anyway.

Thanks for getting back. Yeah I’m a bit upset the seller didn’t tell me (or didn’t know / care about that).

Do you know what caused that? Like it is a cosmetic bead issue, etc?

 

[DCR]

It is highly unlikely an 18.5 gallon nano is ever going to experience a catastrophic failure, even a Red Sea. The stresses are just not that great. All of the Red Sea issues have been with larger tanks. I would keep an eye on it, but I would have no issue using that tank in its present condition.

 

[rtparty]

I don’t think we’ve seen any of the RS nano tanks fail and if so, it’s extremely rare

 

[TheNewClownFish]

It is highly unlikely an 18.5 gallon nano is ever going to experience a catastrophic failure, even a Red Sea. The stresses are just not that great. All of the Red Sea issues have been with larger tanks. I would keep an eye on it, but I would have no issue using that tank in its present condition.

Thanks so much!