Repairing a 240

[SkySouza]

So I have access to a 240 Gal glass tank for 100 bucks only catch is that the bottom pane is cracked and leaking. How much do you think it would cost for an 8 x 2 piece of glass and would it be plausible for me to replace it. I have resealed tanks before but never taken them out of the plastic frame.

Also would I buy tempered or non tempered glass?

Do I have the edges sanded?

What is the process of replacing a bottom pane in a tank this size?

 

[kallmond]

I think it depends on the size/orientation of the crack. I'd probably just silicone another piece of glass directly on top of and covering the entire crack, using a whole even coat of silicone, and call it a day.

 

[Chaz88]

As long as the crack doesn't have any more room to travel I would go with the above fix. If it can still crack more I would cut out the old silicone and drop in a piece that covers the entire cracked piece and reseal it.

 

[SkySouza]

Ya I thought about the above fix but was just concerned about the pressure causing it to crack more. I do not know where the crack is other than the bottom pane is cracked. I am going to check it out next week. I already have a 240 acrylic frontosa tank and I want to set up a discus tank side by side. I also plan on storing it on a pallet rack. I'm just concerned about it blowing up lol. I've heard too many horror stories and the idea of a glass tank that size worries me.

Would my best bet be to buy a half inch 8 x 2 foot pane and just slide it in. I'd imagine I'd want to get it a fraction of an inch smaller so there aren't any issuses with it fitting. Would I put it directly over the cracked glass or should I remove the old glass?

 

[Chaz88]

Would my best bet be to buy a half inch 8 x 2 foot pane and just slide it in. I'd imagine I'd want to get it a fraction of an inch smaller so there aren't any issuses with it fitting. Would I put it directly over the cracked glass or should I remove the old glass?

I would leave the old glass in. Cut out the old silicone and silicone in a new piece that just fits in the bottom of the tank.

 

[duke33]

ditto

 

[Valous]

I would think that if you are going to get a 8x2x1/2 inch piece of glass, and the bottom piece is same size why not replace the bottom? i read that u can reseal the tank with out completely taking it apart. just remove the bottom and all silicone on the inside. then reseal the bottom and insides.

 

[duke33]

In my experiance, new does'nt stick to the old. Therefore he would have to redo the whole tank. If he lays the piece on top,adding strengh, the new silicone would attach to fresh glass. just my 2 pennies.

 

[Valous]

that is what I thought until I read another thread that said you dont have to as long as you clean the silicone up very well. I believe that nopete(sp?) is the one that did the resealing all of his tank and they are all still holding water. Unfortunately I didnt read this until I started to break down the 220 that I just go.