Busted fuge????

cobra397 · #1 08/26/2007, 03:09 PM

im setting up a 30 gallon fuge. I just cracked one side of the fuge where One of the bulkheads were at. Now my question is. do i just remove the bulkheads and get another tank OR can i just get a piece of acrylic cut it to the cracks size and silicone it over the entire section and glue the outside to? ive fixed cracked tanks before just wondering what the census is and how many others are running patched tanks? id really hate to just throw the 30 gallon away. i could always get a new one BUT i could always fix this one? any help greatly appreciated.

diverdick · #2 08/26/2007, 04:06 PM

Well, I have the same problem. Well, almost. My 8 month old fuge has a crack in it and it has a very slooooow leak. Let me tell you, that really sucks! My problem is i need to move the main display tank to get the darn thing out. My advise, get a new fuge and do it right once.....you may just regret it in the long run!

IMHO

BeanAnimal · #3 08/26/2007, 04:12 PM

You will want to replace the tank. You have a timebomb on your hands and will end up with a wet floor sooner or later.

coralnut99 · #4 08/26/2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BeanAnimal
You will want to replace the tank. You have a timebomb on your hands and will end up with a wet floor sooner or later.

You could also throw in that the fix will cost almost as much as a new tank in this case. "Fixing" smaller tanks is rarely worth the effort.

cobra397 · #5 08/26/2007, 11:15 PM

my next question is i can get a piece of glass for the side thats split? could i just replace it? i know i can get it for around 5 bucks. and glue it in? i mean whats the difference in cutting all glass then making your own aquarium or just replacing one? i really hate to chuck the whole thing. it doesnt have to be pretty just hold water lol.. anyone else?? or am i destined to trash it.

GrandeGixxer · #6 08/27/2007, 01:28 AM

If you can fix it cheap, I would do it. Make sure to use the same thickness glass, probably 3/8" and make sure that everything is dry, cleaned with Acetone, and that you let it cure for at least a couple of days before putting it back into action. Also, don't forget to leak check it.

coralnut99 · #7 08/27/2007, 06:57 AM

Replacing an entire panel in on a 30G is just not worth it, from a time investement, and $ savings perspective. Replacing a panel is a lot of work, and only worth it on custom or very large tanks. That's from my personal experience and imho. You don't have to pitch the broken tank entirely. You can dismantle it, remove the old silicone, and save the good panes. If you stay in this hobby long enough, you'll find plenty of uses for them.