Waterbox 35.2 seam failure?

[ReefingRory]

Should I be worried about this seam?
I noticed this spot on the front corner seam of my Waterbox today, and I'm not sure if I'm looking at the start of a seam failure or if it's just cosmetic.
The silicone on the inside still feels solid and I don't see any leaks or water running through the seam, but this area has me a bit concerned.
Has anyone experienced something similar? Does this look like something I should keep an eye on, or is it a sign that the tank is in trouble?
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Saltyreef]

Bubbles are somewhat normal. I would reach out to waterbox though and get their blessing.

 

[ReefingRory]

Bubbles are somewhat normal. I would reach out to waterbox though and get their blessing.

Will do! I've had the tank for about 6 years now. It actually started as a very small spot a few months ago, and it seems to have grown a bit since then. That's why I'm starting to get a little concerned.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Will do! I've had the tank for about 6 years now. It actually started as a very small spot a few months ago, and it seems to have grown a bit since then. That's why I'm starting to get a little concerned.

Thats how my Redsea 525XL started, then turned into a six inch separation on the left side and salt creep getting through.

 

[ReefingRory]

Just checked the other front corner very closely, and unfortunately I'm seeing the same thing starting on the right side as well. It's much smaller at the moment, but it's definitely there.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I recommend picking up a bar clamp (see my photo below). I put one on mine until I got my new tank.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Just checked the other front corner very closely, and unfortunately I'm seeing the same thing starting on the right side as well. It's much smaller at the moment, but it's definitely there.

That is what mine was doing, salt creeping out. Maybe pick up two Bar Clamps, give it just a light snug squeeze, not too much pressure. Better safe than sorry.

 

[ReefingRory]

Will do! I've had the tank for about 6 years now. It actually started as a very small spot a few months ago, and it seems to have grown a bit since then. That's why I'm starting to get a little concerned.

Thats how my Redsea 525XL started, then turned into a six inch separation on the left side and salt creep getting through.

That's exactly what I'm afraid of.

 

[ReefingRory]

I recommend picking up a bar clamp (see my photo below). I put one on mine until I got my new tank.

dang, that's really sad to see... Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.

The timing couldn't be much worse either. I'm leaving for a one week holiday next Monday, so this has me a bit stressed now.

 

[UncommonSense]

Should I be worried about this seam?
I noticed this spot on the front corner seam of my Waterbox today, and I'm not sure if I'm looking at the start of a seam failure or if it's just cosmetic.
The silicone on the inside still feels solid and I don't see any leaks or water running through the seam, but this area has me a bit concerned.
Has anyone experienced something similar? Does this look like something I should keep an eye on, or is it a sign that the tank is in trouble?
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

I’d be most concerned about this larger bubble in the left-front!

If the tank was larger than 25 gallons, this would be much more alarming, but it isn’t a good sign nonetheless!

The tank is likely out of warranty 6 years in, so your best-bet here is going to be monitoring for any signs of bubble growth while you make plans for a replacement tank…

Do you recall if you spent some time getting the stand all leveled out during initial setup? — I’m always trying to find the cause of these issues, and know that my first tank, many years ago, tried to peel itself apart when I filled it up horribly out of level/plane!

The timing couldn't be much worse either. I'm leaving for a one week holiday next Monday, so this has me a bit stressed now.

The aforementioned bar clamp(s) are cheap insurance for your time on vacation! (Just put a piece of wood or similar between clamp jaws and tank glass to distribute the pressure!)

 

[ReefingRory]

Should I be worried about this seam?
I noticed this spot on the front corner seam of my Waterbox today, and I'm not sure if I'm looking at the start of a seam failure or if it's just cosmetic.
The silicone on the inside still feels solid and I don't see any leaks or water running through the seam, but this area has me a bit concerned.
Has anyone experienced something similar? Does this look like something I should keep an eye on, or is it a sign that the tank is in trouble?
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

I’d be most concerned about this larger bubble in the left-front!

If the tank was larger than 25 gallons, this would be much more alarming, but it isn’t a good sign nonetheless!

The tank is likely out of warranty 6 years in, so your best-bet here is going to be monitoring for any signs of bubble growth while you make plans for a replacement tank…

Do you recall if you spent some time getting the stand all leveled out during initial setup? — I’m always trying to find the cause of these issues, and know that my first tank, many years ago, tried to peel itself apart when I filled it up horribly out of level/plane!

The timing couldn't be much worse either. I'm leaving for a one week holiday next Monday, so this has me a bit stressed now.

The aforementioned bar clamp(s) are cheap insurance for your time on vacation! (Just put a piece of wood or similar between clamp jaws and tank glass to distribute the pressure!)

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!

The tank is level and it's sitting on a tiled floor with solid concrete underneath, so I don't think the floor is the issue. The only thing I can think of is that I did have to move the tank once after it was set up. It was completely drained beforehand, but I do wonder if that could have contributed somehow.

For now, I'll definitely keep a close eye on those bubbles and going to buy some bar clamps!

 

[MichaelReefer]

dang, that's really sad to see... Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.

The timing couldn't be much worse either. I'm leaving for a one week holiday next Monday, so this has me a bit stressed now.

I think a few bar clamps and i'd feel comfortable leaving. Yours is a very early stage. Again, just a light squeeze when you feel some resistance.

I replaced mine with a UNS tank, highly recommend. Aluminum frame, super heavy duty. Definitely a bit more expensive but if you can afford it, i LOVE mine.

Full Reef System - Ultum Nature Systems

Explore the Ultum Nature Systems Full Reef System, a reef-ready aquarium featuring rimless glass, integrated sump, and an aluminum stand.

ultumnaturesystems.com

 

[ReefingRory]

dang, that's really sad to see... Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.

The timing couldn't be much worse either. I'm leaving for a one week holiday next Monday, so this has me a bit stressed now.

I think a few bar clamps and i'd feel comfortable leaving. Yours is a very early stage. Again, just a light squeeze when you feel some resistance.

I replaced mine with a UNS tank, highly recommend. Aluminum frame, super heavy duty. Definitely a bit more expensive but if you can afford it, i LOVE mine.

Full Reef System - Ultum Nature Systems

Explore the Ultum Nature Systems Full Reef System, a reef-ready aquarium featuring rimless glass, integrated sump, and an aluminum stand.

ultumnaturesystems.com

Thanks, I really really appreciate the advice!

I absolutely love the UNS tanks, especially the R series. Unfortunately, they're not available here in Belgium at the moment, which is a real shame. They'd definitely be high on my list otherwise.

 

[exnisstech]

At least it's an upper corner. My reefer 170 separated in an upper corner and I ran it for quite a while trying to make up my mind what I wanted to do. I think with a clamp you'll be good to go on vacation.

 

[Indiana Reefin]

Is there anyway you could get another tank before you leave? I would even consider getting a standard tank until you get back.

 

[MichaelReefer]

At least it's an upper corner. My reefer 170 separated in an upper corner and I ran it for quite a while trying to make up my mind what I wanted to do. I think with a clamp you'll be good to go on vacation.

Yeah, top corners are best case scenario. I've seen the ones that fail in the bottom middle and I just cringe.

 

[ReefingRory]

The things that help me stay calm are that it's only a 35 gallon tank, and the bubbles are both in the front corners just above the waterline.

Getting a replacement before I leave is probably going to be difficult. My birthday is on July 27th though, so maybe I'll end up with a nice birthday present.

For now, I'm going to monitor it very closely and hope it doesn't progress any further while I'm away.

 

[Indiana Reefin]

Perfect time to upgrade :)