Repairing 125 cracks!!

Yeah, I'm checking into getting new molding for it anyway. I don't like the color, and it just looks really old. I'd rather do it right and get new stuff, so it looks like it's brand new. I don't know what year it was made, but it looks like some 80's dark blackish brown, really tacky looking.

Thanks.
 
On another note. I am planning on making my own U/G filter for this particular set-up. I have a bunch of 40gal long U/G plates that I bought from someone a long time ago. I was planning on cutting and "glueing" pieces together to make bigger pieces. My thoughts were to use 2-part epoxy, but I don't think that will be good for the fish. But I don't know what adhesive would be able to hold up to the pressure, and not hurt the fish. Aquarium silicone?? Of course I will be supporting the places of contact.

Just a thought.
 
plain aquarium silicone works or superglue depending on how much weight you are talking both work real well.
 
My thoughts were to use 2-part epoxy, but I don't think that will be good for the fish. But I don't know what adhesive would be able to hold up to the pressure, and not hurt the fish.
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Two part eoxy will work very well, I've read that it's best to avoid the quick drying stuff, I've only used the good old fashioned slow drying stuff in the past so I can't really say either way on the quick cure epoxy's. Super glue also works, and if the plates are plastic, you might try finding out what adhesive they use on acrylic aquariums, and see if it will work for plastic. Silicone usually doesn't do as well on plastic as it does on glass, but you may also think about spanning the joints with plastic scraps and using stainless steel wood screws. it doesn't have to look good if it's under the gravel so function and integrity are all that matters.
If you haven't read RTR's artical on UGF's it's worth your time
http://www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/rtrrfug.shtml
Good Luck
 
Thanks. I've always used a UGF for any aquarium I've set up. My Cichlids can dig if they want to, I'll stick a piece of slate deep in the sand to make it so they don't go to deep.

You don't think that the epoxy will give off any toxins. I wouldn't use the fast drying stuff anyway, it always take some time to get everything all lined up, so I always go with the slow-drying stuff. I think epoxy would be choice, because it bonds to the material, making it just as strong as welding metal.

Thanks for your help.
 
Two part epoxy definately works, nice to find another ugf fan out there, great filter highly mis-understood, bad (undeserving) reputation. I just set up my first OERFUG from the article I gave you the link for. I really like that filter set-up, but haven't tested for long. I have a JD and a Firemouth so I'm sure I'll be glad for the plastic grid before long.
 
Yup, I definately like the UGF's. I've been looking around at the 3-D backgrounds. I am sooooo inspired. I will definately be doing something like that when I get this one reapaired.

On second thought, what do you think about doing a background like this with my cracked tank, do you think that it would hold up to the pressure of the tank if I made it totally solid on that side?? I've been pondering over this for days now.
 
Alright, it's been awhile, but I've started the repairs. My local LFS had a 125 that had a crack on one of the sides. It is brand new from the factory, and has a middle support, so it is choice. He sold it to me for really cheap, and I'm actually repairing the newer one. I broke out the cracked piece, and carefully removed the piece from the previous tank. I've cleaned the replacement glass, and removed all the silicone in the opening. I'm just about ready to silicone it into place.

There is one problem though. The piece that was in the older tank is just a little bit smaller (width-wise) than the opening in the newer one. I have spaced it out evenly, and there is about 1/8" gap on either side.

My question is....will the silicone hold very good with that much of a gap??

I'm concerned about the pressure when the water gets in there. I know that silicone is strong, but it still bothers me. It's on the end, and I plan on setting the glass all the way against the framing so that it won't move, and I'm planning on using a lot of silicone, making a good seal. But I'm scared that all the pressure will compromise the durability of the silicone.

Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
 
I wouldn't trust it on a tank that big, but you could have some glass cut and lap the corner for support. My 115 was built yhis way originally with 2 inch glass lapped at the bottom seams for added strength, I don't have a picture, let me know if you don't understand what I'm saying and I'll try to sketch it.
 
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