JasonD Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 Hi All, I picked up an Aquarium Illusions tank on the weekend out of usededmonton.com and need some opinions on the best way to proceed repairing it. Basically there is a crack in the bottom of the tank by the holes in the bottom of the overflow. I have basically come up with two ideas to repair it: Option A - First off I have to cut the silicone holding in the overflow and then remove all the silicone on say 30" of the bottom of the tank. I was thinking I could then overlay a 30" piece of heavy plate glass and silicone it directly over top of the damaged area. It would have to be re drilled and the overflow cut down by 1/2" to accomidate the new layer of glass. Option B - Is to do the same as above, but just lay a whole new piece of glass accross the bottom of the tank and re seal it. I would just put the new glass right over top of the existing (siliconed together). This option would add a lot more weight to the tank, but it is stinking heavy already so what's an extra 65lbs!! Now cost isn't the issue here, my dad owns a glass shop and the replacement piece will be really cheap. Obviously option A is easier, but do you think it would stand up? Your opinions would be great!! Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qattarra Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 (edited) I would go with option B , The crack could logically continue to the edge under the strain of being filled with water. Edge to edge cover would negate the disaster if that should happen. Edited June 15, 2007 by Qattarra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailor Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 What about option C If cost of glass is not an issue, replace the whole bottom piece of glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leon71 Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 I'm with Sailor and option "C". Leon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonD Posted June 15, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 With option C I have to disassemble the entire tank and rebuild. Huge job. I just thought with option B it should have the structural integrity of the original tank without having to compromise every silicone joint on the tank. Maybe I'm wrong... Jay I'm with Sailor and option "C". Leon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 Seeing as Aquarium Illusions built this tank, why not touch base with them & see what they think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snaggle Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 Is the tank a frameless tank? If so Option A would work but you will need to have a Styrofoam base under the tank. Option B and C are still the best. Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted June 15, 2007 Report Share Posted June 15, 2007 I would stay away from option A for sure. Option B could work out just fine. Even if the crack spreads all they way to the edge, your worst scenario would be a minor leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Chicklets Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 personaly I would go with option c, flip the tank over and just remove/replace the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
syb65 Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 or how about option d, why didn't you just cut the glass and let someone else put it together for you :0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishBrain Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 (edited) With option C I have to disassemble the entire tank and rebuild. Huge job. I just thought with option B it should have the structural integrity of the original tank without having to compromise every silicone joint on the tank. Maybe I'm wrong...Jay I'm with Sailor and option "C". Leon Your only Question should be, "what is the cost of Peace of mind?" do you repair it and come home a little while later because there is water all over and a hell of a lot work ahead of you? Or do you just replace the entire tank? Have you priced out the glass to repair against the new tank price? When you do that remember to add in time and work. Also how much experience do you have in repairs. I have a 100G corner bow that has a broken bottom. My choices are... 1 piece of glass on top of the bottom (fit entire tank) and pray. Or get two pieces and "sandwich" them together on the bottom. (again full size of tank pieces) and then pray. I found that the price of the glass + time + work does not equal peace of mind. At the end of the day I want to come home and feed and look at the fish, not clean up because I thought I would save a few bucks! My .02¢ EDIT: sorry if I come off strong that is just the type of person I am...this is a big tank we are talking about Edited June 16, 2007 by FishBrain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonD Posted June 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 (edited) I totally agree with you fishbrain - I've spent a lot of years working with glass and want to make sure it is a one-time fix. The tank has 1" fir plywood bottom, than the cracked glass. with fuly laminating a new layer of plate overtop of the damaged bottom piece of plate, there should be no reason to worry. The structural integrity of 1"plywood - 3/8" damaged plate - 3/8" new plate (With the two pieces of plate laminated together) would far exceed the integrity of just replacing the damaged piece alone. My theory for doing it this way is I will not be disturbing all the other silicone joints in the tank and should maintain more structural integrity. My theory at least! Edited June 16, 2007 by JasonD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishBrain Posted June 17, 2007 Report Share Posted June 17, 2007 A crack tho has thrown most of the structural integrity out the window. With the Plywood it does sound a little stronger but man...hope it goes into your basement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonD Posted June 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2007 Garage is the first place that it will be filled and tested. Better a wet car than a wet basement!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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