Crack on bottom of new 55g tank...next steps?

[Pumpkincrab]

Hi guys,
I recently bought a 55 gallon tank. Today, upon closer inspection, there is a 3 inch long crack on the bottom corner of it. Would aquarium sealant fix it? I'm worried the weight of the sand will break it further.

Thank you!

[CrabbyLover77]

Hey!

If it's brand new from a store, I'd return it for another one. I know that would be a pain, but I wouldn't want to pay decent money for a crack in the glass. Not sure about the aquarium sealant. That would probably work as long as you don't use the tank in the future to hold water.

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[JoeHermits]

I agree that you can probably return it, just check the store’s return policy.

Otherwise a bit of silicone will solve the problem. You aren’t holding standing water so it doesn’t have to be a perfect seal.


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[wodesorel]

If it's running from side to side it will probably be okay, but yes, it can shift or crack more with weight inside. If it hasn't hit the sides yet it will crack further, and unpredictably. Laminating it with plexiglass and sealant would be a sturdier choice. Could also use foam underneath the entire tank to offer even support - not something you would want to do on an intact tank as that can cause cracking in an unbroken pane. I agree that if you can return or exchange it would be a better choice on a tank this size. Half filled with sand would be around 300 pounds so it's a lot of stress.

[JTKermie]

That's really odd as any 55gal I've ever bought new came with tempered bottom glass. They usually shatter into a million tiny round-ish pieces as opposed to cracking.

[Pumpkincrab]

I'd love to return it, but there's no way for me to prove it was their fault- I had to drag it up my steep attic stairs to my "crab room."
I'm planning to do as recommended and attempt to seal it up.
I'm worried that even if I seal it, that when the tank is set up and the crabs are put in, that they're going to bury right on or next to that spot, and that the glass might crack further, or they might disturb it somehow- would putting a box/cube of egg crate around it help? I don't want the grass to crack further and have any of my crabs get hurt.

[Crab-Bee]

I'd suggest at least calling fist to figure out there return policy and just don't mention lugging it up the stairs chances are they'll replace it

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[JTKermie]

For a crab tank, I'd put a ~12"x 48" piece of plexy glass, coroplast, or plastic egg crate diffuser over the bottom, add your substrate and be done with it. Just make sure the tank is on a substantial flat and level surface where the tank is supported fully to all 4 corners.

Like I say, I'm still confused on this crack. Assuming this is a fish tank, 55's are tempered bottom glass. This generally wouldn't crack.

If I were using this as a fish tank. If I couldn't return it, I'd toss it. 55g's can be had for $55 on sale a few times a year at big pet places. They're not worth trying to pull apart and repair.

[Pumpkincrab]

Yeah, I'm definitely confused on how the crack got there...I'm planning on only using it for crabs, though.
I have been looking into plexiglass, thank you so much for your wonderful help!

[VickieG]

Just fyi, there's a product called Nano470 construction glass glue that might be helpful. It's not cheap, but you can usually get a 40% off coupon at Dulles Glass. The bonded glass can hold an extraordinary amount of weight. I've used it to repair cracks in my tank, although they were not in load-bearing areas. There are videos that show the capabilities and how to use it.

If you're going to put plexiglass on top of it though, regular silicone sealant would probably suffice, depending on the severity of the crack.




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[Pumpkincrab]

I took your guys' advice and did the following:
Purchased custom-cut plexiglass, then multiple recommended sealants. We sealed the plexiglass inside the tank, then for extra protection the bottom of the tank.
We used plywood for the tank to sit on, with a wooden rim and a tarp inside of the wooden frame, so if there are any leaks (highly unlikely) it won't ruin the floor.
Next step is the sand...which I will probably buying this week/next weekend. I am so pumped for this tank to be done! Thanks again for all of your help!

[Pumpkincrab]

Well it's been around/over 4 months now and the tank is still holding up, and my crabs love it!