Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: dewey68 on April 14, 2014, 11:19:17 AM

Title: Cracked tank help
Post by: dewey68 on April 14, 2014, 11:19:17 AM
We'll, I'm back at it again.  I got rid of my last tank several months ago but have been missing it ever since.  I just picked up a 180 with a cracked end panel for free.  I was wondering if anyone has replaced one before.  If you have, can you share some tips on doing it?  Thanks
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: olliesshop on April 15, 2014, 02:42:03 PM
I replaced a brace in my 125, which worked fine, but an end panel is a whole different story.  Although, I assume the process would essentially be the same.  I've attached two videos I made on the repair that may give you some insight.  Hope it helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBU3hpMpRlU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBU3hpMpRlU)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut-rgeB-ge0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut-rgeB-ge0)
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: Regalblue on April 15, 2014, 07:03:35 PM
Cracked end panel meaning glass or the plastic?
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: dewey68 on April 16, 2014, 12:12:10 PM
Sorry, I should have clarified that.  It's the glass.
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: dewey68 on April 18, 2014, 10:50:52 AM
Well, after doing a bit of research, I'm going to attempt to replace glass.  My local glass supplier can get the piece for $65.  It looks like I'm going to have to remove the damaged piece as well as one of the long sections to do this right.
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: danielratti on April 18, 2014, 10:55:33 AM
Do a complete tear down on the tank all five panes and clean them well. Silicone does not like to stick to old silicone
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: Regalblue on April 18, 2014, 11:00:05 AM
Do a complete tear down on the tank all five panes and clean them well. Silicone does not like to stick to old silicone
x2
Otherwise you're gonna probably have to disassemble the tank in the future, might as well do it right the first time.
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: olliesshop on April 18, 2014, 12:25:24 PM
Well, after doing a bit of research, I'm going to attempt to replace glass.  My local glass supplier can get the piece for $65.  It looks like I'm going to have to remove the damaged piece as well as one of the long sections to do this right.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: olliesshop on April 18, 2014, 12:35:21 PM
Do a complete tear down on the tank all five panes and clean them well. Silicone does not like to stick to old silicone
x2
Otherwise you're gonna probably have to disassemble the tank in the future, might as well do it right the first time.

Well it looks like I have a bunch of work ahead of me.  I just found the leak and it's about 2-3" from the top (pic below).  Now I'm trying to figure out how to take care of my fish while the tank is being repaired.  I'm thinking about getting a 2nd tank, since I probably should have one anyways ... but it have to be big enough to hold all 15 fish.  So it would have to be at least 30 gallons, right? (since they're all about 2" long).

(http://olliesshop.smugmug.com/Aquariums/2014-04-18-Leaking-tank/i-6Qnj8MV/0/M/CAM00347-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: cranialdisturbance on April 18, 2014, 02:01:27 PM
A 20L or 29 gallon tank would probably suffice,. 
Title: Re: Cracked tank help
Post by: dewey68 on April 19, 2014, 08:20:26 AM
Thanks for the help.  As soon as it warms up a little more, I'm going to start pulling the tank apart.  Updates to follow.

dewey