55 tank glass question

[extremepb319]

Quick question, not sure where this one should go. But I just got a 55 gallon from a friend. The one corner has a piece of glass missing that got chipped off. But the tank has 3/8 inch glass so from looking inside the tank you cannot even see the piece missing because there is such a big overlap. When i fill er up with water to test about how long should i let water sit in it to make sure there are no leaks? And wether there are or are not any leaks im still going to silicone the crap out of that spot and reseal the whole tank because i think its old. thanks

 

[jandree22]

Save the hassle of trying to fix it and just buy a new tank. If you use this damaged 55gal you’re tempting fate with a disaster when some day while you’re away from home, it finally decides to give way killing all of your critters and flooding your place with saltwater. If for nothing else, do it for your own peace of mind. $100 or so is peanuts in the big picture. While you’re at it, save an extra few bucks for a 75gal... many 55gal owners here in hindsight wish they had, simply because the 12” front to back really limits your ability to aquascape. I know it’s tempting to use it because it was either free or cheap from your friend, but that’s just my personal opinion on the matter.

If you’re still planning to repair the tank you’ve got, it is probably doable, but somebody else would have to chime in with advice on how to do it. Best wishes w/this

 

[Mthompson]

Depending on where the crack is, you could also use it for a sump. My 29gal sump has a cracked pane in the top corner (about 2" from the top in the corner and cracked at angle away from the corner to the top). I got it for $10 at a LFS and just siliconed the crack on both sides and let water sit in it for a week to test it. Remember this though, the crack in mine is well above the water line in the sump, and when the power goes out, it barely reaches the cracked part.

 

[extremepb319]

hmmm.... yea i would prefer a 75. and the crack is on the bottom back corner. I dont think it should effect holding water tho because of the thickness of the glass. however i think i might just go buy a 75 gallon anyways. i dont want the possible trouble. thanks for the input. I may use it as a terrarium because i like those also and used to have a few. so thanks again for making me realize it is probably a bad idea to put water in it :wink:

 

[jandree22]

the crack is on the bottom back corner. I dont think it should effect holding water tho because of the thickness of the glass.

Well they didn't go out of their way to make thick glass just to add weight to the thing... it needs to be thick so it doesn't fail. Remember you're only as strong as your weakest link. :wink:

That being said, I know you won't regret buying a new one. Buying a used tank is fine, but this particular one just had bad news written all over it. And I'm obviously biased towards the 75 cause I own one myself... I do think it's a great size of tank, but honestly make sure to get your personal preference, even if it's another 55g. Good luck!