repairing 20gal tank?

[quick061]

after having a 20gal for about 10 years one of the corner's has had quite a few chips in it. now after a recent 4 hour car move when i set it up and it leaked if figured the silicon may have just dried out and needed to be resealed.

however, upon inspection of the chipped seam it looks like the the front pane of glass is stress-cracked most of the way thru. so, is it worth it to try and replace the pane of glass for such an old tank? does anyone have any ideas on how much it would cost to get something like this repaired or what i would need to do it myself?

thanks for any help.

[clayt101]

These days a 20 gallon is pretty cheap. I've seen them for about $25. It sounds like yours needs a lot of work. I would probably just get a new one (or you can always go larger:D )

[quick061]

i already went larger (80gal) but was going to reset-up the 20gal with something smaller or keep it as a stocking tank.

[Stias']

I have seen 10 gallon tanks for as little as $7 unless you really need the extra water. If you're kinda handy you could replace the bad front panel and reseal the rest of the tank but I would guess that you would pay over $7 and then figure in your time. Post this question over at the DIY room and Slip should be able to help. He could probally even give you a better idea on the price too.

HTH
Stias'

[Glenstorm]

I recently repaired a 20L and the pane of glass cost me about $12-$15. I had the silcone already. It wasn't really that hard. Yeah the cost of a new tank was close, but I have a hard time throwing things away, if they can be fixed. Our landfills are pretty full already. Anyhow, I'd go for it!

[Gumby7]

Originally posted by Glenstorm
I recently repaired a 20L and the pane of glass cost me about $12-$15. I had the silcone already. It wasn't really that hard. Yeah the cost of a new tank was close, but I have a hard time throwing things away, if they can be fixed. Our landfills are pretty full already. Anyhow, I'd go for it!

Buy a new tank. Use your time and energy for more creative endevours...

Disassembly the old tank. Take the individual pieces of glass to your friendly glass shop and have them cut it up into cover glass for your 80(?)g and the new tank. While you're at it cut some pieces for terracing, then silicone gravel to them to disguise them. Whatever glass is left your glass shop will scrap and recycle.

Gumby7