im pretty sure you all will tell me to trash it and get a new one but is there any way i can fix a crack going along the bottem of the tank and how much will it cost??? ( College student )
Cracked 10g
- Thread starter sao870
- Start date
This is a method that utilizes cheap, readily-available materials, and will result in you having a tank that is just like brand-new.
1. Clean both the outside and inside surfaces of the crack with rubbing alcohol. It is important to use a lint-free cloth, as any lint particles left on the surface will hinder the process.
2. Using clear transparent tape, put a strip of tape along the line of the crack 1/4" away from it, but not touching it. Repeat on the other side of the crack so that it is surrounded by a strip of tape on either side, but do this on the OUTSIDE surface of the aquarium only.
3. On the INSIDE surface, run a strip of tape directly ON the crack.
4. Using a black permanent marker, draw directly on the glass, tracing the line of the crack on the outside surface. Try to keep your line as thin as possible. Allow to dry.
5. On the outside surface, place a bead of regular toothpaste all along the crack. It must cover the entire strip of glass that is between the two pieces of tape. It's important to use PASTE, the GEL type toothpaste won't work.
6. From here, the process becomes light-sensitive. So place the tank inside a black plastic trash bag, clear bags will not work. If the bag is thin enough to allow some light through, use two. Just loosely cover the tank with the bag, it does not need to be closed tightly at this point.
7. Clear a space in your refrigerator, and place the tank inside. You may want to darken the kitchen, and remove the light bulb from inside the fridge to reduce unnecessary light. Leave the tank in the fridge for two hours.
8. After two hours, remove the tank, and leave it at room temperature (60-80F) for two hours.
9. Repeat the process, alternating two hour periods of refrigeration, and room temperature, until you have done 5 cycles of cold, and 5 cycles of room temperature.
10. Remove as much air as possible from the bag. You can use a shop-vac, or you can just suck the air out with your mouth.
11. Tightly seal the bag by twisting the neck of the bag several times, then folding it over into a "J-seal", then secure it with rubber bands, or tie it with string, plastic zip ties, or metal twist ties.
12. Place the bag on the curb outside your house.
13. Buy a new tank.
Cost: $10
1. Clean both the outside and inside surfaces of the crack with rubbing alcohol. It is important to use a lint-free cloth, as any lint particles left on the surface will hinder the process.
2. Using clear transparent tape, put a strip of tape along the line of the crack 1/4" away from it, but not touching it. Repeat on the other side of the crack so that it is surrounded by a strip of tape on either side, but do this on the OUTSIDE surface of the aquarium only.
3. On the INSIDE surface, run a strip of tape directly ON the crack.
4. Using a black permanent marker, draw directly on the glass, tracing the line of the crack on the outside surface. Try to keep your line as thin as possible. Allow to dry.
5. On the outside surface, place a bead of regular toothpaste all along the crack. It must cover the entire strip of glass that is between the two pieces of tape. It's important to use PASTE, the GEL type toothpaste won't work.
6. From here, the process becomes light-sensitive. So place the tank inside a black plastic trash bag, clear bags will not work. If the bag is thin enough to allow some light through, use two. Just loosely cover the tank with the bag, it does not need to be closed tightly at this point.
7. Clear a space in your refrigerator, and place the tank inside. You may want to darken the kitchen, and remove the light bulb from inside the fridge to reduce unnecessary light. Leave the tank in the fridge for two hours.
8. After two hours, remove the tank, and leave it at room temperature (60-80F) for two hours.
9. Repeat the process, alternating two hour periods of refrigeration, and room temperature, until you have done 5 cycles of cold, and 5 cycles of room temperature.
10. Remove as much air as possible from the bag. You can use a shop-vac, or you can just suck the air out with your mouth.
11. Tightly seal the bag by twisting the neck of the bag several times, then folding it over into a "J-seal", then secure it with rubber bands, or tie it with string, plastic zip ties, or metal twist ties.
12. Place the bag on the curb outside your house.
13. Buy a new tank.
Cost: $10
I would empty it, clean it, put some silicone (will cost you about $6) on top of the crack. Depending on the severity this might work. It also might fail or crack more and cause damage to your dorm and cost you more in the end.
It's not worth the headache, 10 gallons are really cheap, just look on craigslist.. you could possibly find one for free.