QUICK AQUARIUM CRACK QUESTION

[israelm]

i was thinking of buying an aquarium from this guy on craigslist. Its super cheap BUT it has a crack on the glass. What are chances of it leaking after i fix it, and how would i fix it.

i asked him for pics i will post them as soon as i get them. iam not sure how big the crack is.

thanks

 

[Citrinellus]

Most likely you will have to replace the pane of glass. It isn't too difficult. Here are the basic steps.
-Use a razor blade to get out the silicone holding the glass.
-remove cracked glass side.
-take measurements and see if your local hardware store can cut the new glass exactly for you. Make sure its the same thickness.
-Put new glass in.
-Reseal with silicone.
-Then when the silicone is done, you can spray it with water. If any air bubbles appear you'll have to reseal or it'll leak.

 

[israelm]

that sounds kinda of expensive, this is a noobish question but, can i just put silicon on the crack itself.

 

[swede]

how big is the tank, how much is the tank, and where is the crack located? these questions will help determine whether it is worth your time to attempt fixing it and risk leak. i personally would move on to other listings if i saw it had a crack

 

[israelm]

its a 75g with stand for 50.00 bucks and i can prob bring it down another 10-15

 

[Citrinellus]

You could find better deals, depending on your area.

 

[israelm]

You could find better deals, depending on your area.

i live in Miami, and people try selling ten gallon tanks for 50 bucks. its crazy.

 

[BPags52]

What kind of stand? If its a nice one I'd say get it just for the good price on a stand and find a tank elsewhere. I personally wouldn't buy a tank with cracked glass...or take a free one for that matter

 

[israelm]

thats true. once i get the pics ill see if the stand of worth it. thanks

 

[Toby_H]

can i just put silicon on the crack itself.

Absolutely not...

where is the crack located?

This is a critical piece of information you didn't provide...

If the crack is on the bottom pane then I would not attempt to repair the crack, although replacing the pane is still an option (following the advice listed above)...

If the crack is only a few inches long and is at the top of the front or side panel, then you may be able to sandwhich two pieces of glass on either side of the crack to provide a solid seal. When doing so keep in mind that new silicone does not adhere to cured silicone very well and most likely will not form a long term water tight seal.

its a 75g with stand for 50.00 bucks and i can prob bring it down another 10-15

Personally I would buy it just for the stand and the "spare glass", but I'm a DIY kind of guy and glass holds value...

If it is repairable, I think you will have a very hard time finding a better deal...