Is my tank going to burst?

[TPIRman]

A little over a month ago, I noticed a troubling set of tiny "cracks" in the lower-left front of my 10-gallon tank. Upon a closer look, they appeared to be tiny gaps in the sealant. They don't penetrate to the front of the glass, nor are they visible from the side. They only appear in this one corner of the tank, and only on the bottom two inches.

I got out my trusty level and found that my desk was canted ever so slightly to that corner. I drained much of the water from the tank and carefully made things level again -- I guess the desk settled out after I leveled it initally. I've checked things every week since then, and the desk remains level. The cracks look exactly the same as they did when I first noticed them -- they haven't grown, spread, etc.

But there's still that sense of dread -- is this thing going to burst someday? What do you think? I'm moving soon, and the fish in the 10G will be moving into a 30G. I'd still like to use the 10G, though. Do you think I can use it safely as it is, or should I junk it/repair it somehow?

Here's a picture so you get an idea of what I'm talking about. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

-John

 

[QCppg]

To me this looks like a rupture in the sealant. However since this is only a 10 gallon it'd probaly be just as cheap to replace it as to attempt to repair it, as well as a lot lore likely to work.

If the tank has plastic or metal framework it is not likely to burst explosively, however a failure could mean the tank would empty itself in a matter of hours.

 

[beviking]

I agree with QC. As long as there is a frame (metal or plastic) the silicone is acting more as a sealer than adhesive. I doubt you would have any troubles with it unless it gets worse which will probably be a couple years.
Maybe someone can lend you a tank and you could repair it?

 

[JSchmidt]

Around here, a 10 gallon tank costs about $9. It would be worth it to my peace of mind to replace the tank... How much damage would 5 or 10 gallons of water do to your room?

Jim

 

[TPIRman]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds exactly right -- especially since I'm moving a couple weeks, I might as well just pick up a new tank. I guess I just felt a little guilty about tossing a tank that looks 99% perfect. Thanks again for your help, it's a load off my mind!

 

[daveedka]

While I fully agree it makes much more sense to just replace it with a new one, don't junk it. it could be repaired easily. Also (and more my style) it could be sold for 5 bucks at a yard sale or donated to VOA or the salvation army. There was a time in my life when I would have gladly fixed it because 10 dollars was a lot of money, and I had time to do things myself. Today I would simply replace it, because my time is worth more than it used to be. Without repair it could make a good reptile tank, or terrarium.

 

[TPIRman]

How would I repair it? Donating it is a good idea.

 

[QCppg]

The best way to repair it would to be to take a razor blade and remove ALL the old silicone (and I do mean ALL of it) and apply new aquarium sealant in a continous, even bead along all the seams. Smooth these seams out with your finger and allow it to cure for a minimum of 48 hours before filling it. Then do a test-fill (no fish, and somewhere where a leak won't cause damage) for a week before using it.

 

[daveedka]

The best way to repair it would to be to take a razor blade and remove ALL the old silicone (and I do mean ALL of it) and apply new aquarium sealant in a continous, even bead along all the seams.

Correct, I would add to this, with a 10 g if you remove all of the sealant inside (razorblade carefully and clean with alchohol ether, or acetone.) you should be able to run a new continuos bead on the entire inside and have no trouble. In other words, you may not need to dis-assemble the entire tank. also I am sure 48 hours is enough on a 10 g but heavy silicone beads take as much a 3 wweks to fully cure. the outside cures quickly, but the bead doesn't fully cure clear through right away Just something to consider if you aren't in a hurry. to check the repair job set it on newspaper and fill it. the newspaper will show you leaks if there are any

Aquarium sealant is clear silicone, no additives preservatives, or anti fungi mildew treatment etc. Home depot sells small tubes marked as aquarium sealant. larger quantities are available but be careful of additives.

 

[slipknottin]

Even in tanks with frames the silicone is holding the tank together.

Ive pulled the frames off 10 gallon tanks and ran them like that for years.

AGA tanks usually use thicker glass than most other manufacturers, so I wouldnt recommend that for all brands.

And about repairing it, I wouldnt bother. Its incredibly difficult to get the glass panes apart. You have new respect for silicone bonding strength once you try it.