BTS-Busted Tank Syndrome

[koltsixx]

We've all seen the threads and we all know the fear, busted tank syndrome. When you're a hobbyist who takes your aquariums to the next level , you invariably worry; will my tank be one of those that busts? What are the causes? What brands are most susceptible? Are certain kinds of tanks more likely to bust? New or used how much does it matter?

As far as I know there's been no real attempt at a gathering of experiences with this issue. So for my own knowledge and hopefully many hobbyists well being let's try and figure out how to avoid BTS. Those who've suffered through a break please share your experiences. Let us know

1. New or used?
2. What brand?
3. How old was the tank when the break occurred?
4. What style of tank? Hex, corner, bow front?
5. Was the tank fairly tall in dimensions?
6. How thick was the glass?
7. Was the glass tempered or not?
8. When did it happen? During a water change?
9. Was the seal original or had it been resealed?
10. Type of stand? and was stand level?
    
11. What do you personally believe was the cause?

 

[RD.]

Good topic, I would add to your list, original seal, or has tank been re-sealed? Also, type of stand - and was stand level?

Over the years I have seen a lot of old sloppy reseal jobs leak, and/or torsion cracks on tanks from not being level from front to back corner/s.

 

[rodger]

I never had a tank bust that I didn't cause. The only tank that ever sprung a seal leak was my first large tank. A Metaframe 125 without a metal frame. Must have been ancient! Naturally i was about to catch a plane when it happened but that is a long story.

 

[koltsixx]

Good topic, I would add to your list, original seal, or has tank been re-sealed? Also, type of stand - and was stand level?

Over the years I have seen a lot of old sloppy reseal jobs leak, and/or torsion cracks on tanks from not being level from front to back corner/s.

Thanks RD. I edited my original post to include your suggestions. I've always been afraid of tank failure and heard somethings that are believed to increase it's possibility but never knew how reliable the source. Had they had a tank bust? Where they sure they knew the contributing factors, etc. For instance I've heard taller tanks are more likely to bust because it makes the weight of the water less evenly distributed. Focusing more of the weight and pressure on the bottom of the tank, much like how pressure increases the deeper you dive.

I never had a tank bust that I didn't cause. The only tank that ever sprung a seal leak was my first large tank. A Metaframe 125 without a metal frame. Must have been ancient! Naturally i was about to catch a plane when it happened but that is a long story.

Can you elaborate? What makes you believe you where the cause? And what do you believe you did to cause it?

 

[RD.]

Years back the 150 gallon Tall tanks sold at Petsmart had a rather bad rep for failing, with the general consensus being that the seam failures were due to tank height. I suspect that had they been built with thicker glass, which would equate to wider silicone seams, they may have quickly solved the issue. Of course thicker glass = less profit margin, so some failure is acceptable. Not sure about their tanks built today.

 

[Warborg]

190 gallons, 12 years old(don't remember the maker)

My 190 gallon disaster kind of was my fault.

I had 4 16inch golden sharks...one the them jumped inside the tank and knocked the center brace loose. I even noticed a bow on the front glass afterwards.

Being stupid, I decided to drive to the LFS and asked them if I should drain the tank.

When I got back home there was only about 5 inches of water in the tank.


My 75 also went through a center brace coming loose about 8 months ago. I had the tank drained within 5 minutes(so I learned my lesson).

 

[rodger]

Thanks RD. I edited my original post to include your suggestions. I've always been afraid of tank failure and heard somethings that are believed to increase it's possibility but never knew how reliable the source. Had they had a tank bust? Where they sure they knew the contributing factors, etc. For instance I've heard taller tanks are more likely to bust because it makes the weight of the water less evenly distributed. Focusing more of the weight and pressure on the bottom of the tank, much like how pressure increases the deeper you dive.


Can you elaborate? What makes you believe you where the cause? And what do you believe you did to cause it?

I guess I wasn't clear. The leaking Metafeame was very old. It just had a seal leak. I have broken a couple tanks from impact but have never had a tank break for no obvious reason.

 

[axs377]

just had an acrylic tank bust on me in the back corner seam. Fortunately it was behind the overflow which remained in tact. So instead of 320 gallons on my floor I had more like 30, honestly if that. It was still a big mess, but could have been way worse. The tank is about 6 months old, from a local builder. I'm really not sure what caused the seam to separate. The stand is fairly level, by that I mean over the 8' span its not off more than a hair on the level. It could have been defected from the builder, or perhaps in transport by myself. Either way, it super sucks... trying to repair it today

1. New tank
2. Local builder
3. 6 months or so
4. Rectangular 8' x 32"x 24"
5. not overly deep - 24"
6. to lazy to go measure, but at least 1/2" - though don't think this was a factor
7. N/A - acrylic
8. 11:15pm, just randomly
9. original seal
10. Homemade stand, out of 2x4s with a 3/4" plywood top for tank to sit on
11. My honest belief was this happened because a perfect seam was not made from the builder (perhaps in a small spot) and from transport, etc was worsened. After filled with water, it was a ticking time bomb....

 

[celebrist]

The only tank I have had fail on me was a 135 tall that I repaired. An earthquake caused a small and slow leak half way up one side. I performed a temporary external patch because I was moving soon then parted out the inhabitants and shut it down for more complete repairs after the move. Someone stole it and a 65 from my brother's cabin, I get some morbid pleasure thinking about them filling it and having it blow out on them.

 

[koltsixx]

Years back the 150 gallon Tall tanks sold at Petsmart had a rather bad rep for failing, with the general consensus being that the seam failures were due to tank height. I suspect that had they been built with thicker glass, which would equate to wider silicone seams, they may have quickly solved the issue. Of course thicker glass = less profit margin, so some failure is acceptable. Not sure about their tanks built today.

This is exactly what I was talking about. From my understanding taller tanks need thicker glass then a long tank of the same gallons and most manufacturers won't do it for the very reason you stated. Again thanks for the info RD.

190 gallons, 12 years old(don't remember the maker)
My 190 gallon disaster kind of was my fault.
I had 4 16inch golden sharks...one the them jumped inside the tank and knocked the center brace loose. I even noticed a bow on the front glass afterwards.
Being stupid, I decided to drive to the LFS and asked them if I should drain the tank.
When I got back home there was only about 5 inches of water in the tank.

My 75 also went through a center brace coming loose about 8 months ago. I had the tank drained within 5 minutes(so I learned my lesson).

Thanks for sharing your experience Warborg. Most tank failure threads focus on the devastation not the cause so much. So I appreciate you telling us exactly what happened and what you believe was the cause.

I guess I wasn't clear. The leaking Metafeame was very old. It just had a seal leak. I have broken a couple tanks from impact but have never had a tank break for no obvious reason.

I understood what happened with the Metal frame but didn't know what you meant by the other failures being your fault. Since you clarified with them braking from impact I understand now. Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

just had an acrylic tank bust on me in the back corner seam. Fortunately it was behind the overflow which remained in tact. So instead of 320 gallons on my floor I had more like 30, honestly if that. It was still a big mess, but could have been way worse. The tank is about 6 months old, from a local builder. I'm really not sure what caused the seam to separate. The stand is fairly level, by that I mean over the 8' span its not off more than a hair on the level. It could have been defected from the builder, or perhaps in transport by myself. Either way, it super sucks... trying to repair it today
1. New tank
2. Local builder
3. 6 months or so
4. Rectangular 8' x 32"x 24"
5. not overly deep - 24"
6. to lazy to go measure, but at least 1/2" - though don't think this was a factor
7. N/A - acrylic
8. 11:15pm, just randomly
9. original seal
10. Homemade stand, out of 2x4s with a 3/4" plywood top for tank to sit on
11. My honest belief was this happened because a perfect seam was not made from the builder (perhaps in a small spot) and from transport, etc was worsened. After filled with water, it was a ticking time bomb....

Thanks for sharing your experience axs. It was actually your thread that inspired me to write this one. I remembered all those tank failure threads and wanted to get a better idea of the causes and how to hopefully avoid them. Can I ask do you think you could have detected it yourself? How familiar are you with seams? I ask because I wonder if a untrained eye (like myself) would be able to see it and hopefully prevent such an incident.

The only tank I have had fail on me was a 135 tall that I repaired. An earthquake caused a small and slow leak half way up one side. I performed a temporary external patch because I was moving soon then parted out the inhabitants and shut it down for more complete repairs after the move. Someone stole it and a 65 from my brother's cabin, I get some morbid pleasure thinking about them filling it and having it blow out on them.

Lol, serve them right if it happened in the middle of a carpeted living room with wood floors. I can imagine them blaming you as if your somehow responsible cause people like that never take responsibility. Thanks for sharing your experience celebrist.

It's interesting to see that the majority of members responding to the thread have blamed themselves for the tank failure. When ever I usually read a tank failure thread even though it's not usually gone into depth, the impression I get is that it happened suddenly and without warning. Which made me question the manufacturers, the tank kind and how level the tanks where more then anything else. So far I'm finding the thread enlightening. Thanks again to those who've contributed.