Seam issue

[CRABDADDY]

Hey all,

I was looking at my tank today and noticed some bubbles in one of the seams. I plan to replace the tank in a few months. Probably around March/April. How worried should I be about leaks until then?

The tank is over 5 years old and I got it used this past summer.

There's a small gap in the outside seam shown in this picture.

 

[KrisReef]

HOw many gallons is this tank, and what is the water depth of the tank?

The pictures are kind of difficult to intemperate what your concern is.

 

[CRABDADDY]

The tank is 120g, 2 feet deep. My concern is the bubbles in the seam. I ordered the pictures incorrectly. The first picture shows what I'm worried about. I've attached a picture of the normal looking seams so you can see the difference.

 

[crabgrass]

What brand is it out of curiosity ?

 

[CRABDADDY]

What brand is it out of curiosity ?

Seapora, I believe.

 

[KrisReef]

The tank is 120g, 2 feet deep. My concern is the bubbles in the seam. I ordered the pictures incorrectly. The first picture shows what I'm worried about. I've attached a picture of the normal looking seams so you can see the difference.

Ok. The normal seam looks fine, the bubbles are something to keep an eye out. IF they are growing then you have a serious problem. A lot of poor seams get made that look like the one you posted with the bubbling. They often hold without issue. If the bubbles are increasing (take pictures daily, same location and compare) then the seam is separating and failure is near.

Some folks put bar clamps on failing seams, but again, bubbles in seams are common construction failures that may never fail in 20 years, keep an eye on it.

 

[CRABDADDY]

Ok. The normal seam looks fine, the bubbles are something to keep an eye out. IF they are growing then you have a serious problem. A lot of poor seams get made that look like the one you posted with the bubbling. They often hold without issue. If the bubbles are increasing (take pictures daily, same location and compare) then the seam is separating and failure is near.

Some folks put bar clamps on failing seams, but again, bubbles in seams are common construction failures that may never fail in 20 years, keep an eye on it.

Thanks, appreciate the response. It only has to last 4-5 months if all goes according to plan with buying a home, so I'll keep an eye on it. Planning to replace it with a 180g tank.

I believe the bubbles may have been there before, but I'll keep looking to make sure it's not getting worse.