vanilla__gorilla__;852576; said:
You can replace the broken panel for way less than the cost of a new tank. The tank most likely had been drilled dry at some point. If the glass is not constantly cooled, it will quickly heat up to what is known as the stress temperature (510 C degrees). At that point, stresses are permanantly introduced into the glass causing it to greatly weaken. (The only way to remove the stresses is to anneal the panel in a furnace.) When the internal stresses plus the external stresses (weight of the water, impulses of the fish, plumbing hanging from the bulkhead, etc.) equal the strength or elastic limit of the glass, it will break.
At least you got a new shop vac out of the deal.
