More 180 chip pics...

[texhorns98]

OK, so I now had a chance to take a few more photos of the chip in the corner. Keep in mind these are really close up!

So the actual chip itself is less than a 1/4 inch.

alt="" />

However, the spread of the chip continues a bit further...

alt="" />

From the left side, looking across the front.

alt="" />

I'm filling up now to test it for leaks. Is there anything I can or should put on the chip to make it "safer"? Anyone know what a 72"X24" sheet of low iron would go for if it blows?

 

[lilrobb]

Pic1 looks like a crack - not like a chip...

 

[texhorns98]

Well it's as full as I can get it without plumbing. Amazing how amplified a slight lean on my level bubble translates to in the tank. Left side, the water is 3/8" below the frame. Right side, it's only 1/8".

 

[texhorns98]

LilRobb;779806 wrote: Pic1 looks like a crack - not like a chip...

It's actually a tiny shard from the chip.

 

[johniii]

They do make a clear resin for windshield chips. Check your local auto parts supplier. Don't know if it will increase the strength but it will be safer for you by not having a sharp edge. And easier on the eyes too.

 

[elfloyd]

I don't believe there is any thing you can do with the chip to make it safe from spreading. Exopy or any such substance would only fill the chip but not add any strength. The substance for windshield repair is only for slight seperations and will not work in this case. The only real fix (if you need one) is a mechanical fix... I.e. glueing pieces of glass on each plane to acover over the chip.

That being said... I don't think a chip would bother you... Unless it has a crack associated with it.

 

[texhorns98]

Thanks, El. Aesthetically, its fine for me. The only crack really, shoots up slightly from the chip on the front glass. I suppose I could just replace the front piece. Either way, it's full in the garage right now with no issue. I imagine this is the most pressure it would see because of the higher water volume in now.

 

[elfloyd]

I have a 50 cube with the same type of chip (in a different location). No problem after six months.

Actually I considered buying the same tank... But my wife put her foot down and said " no, ya gotta buy new" ( i love that girl!).

 

[texhorns98]

elFloyd;779850 wrote: I have a 50 cube with the same type of chip (in a different location). No problem after six months.

Actually I considered buying the same tank... But my wife put her foot down and said " no, ya gotta buy new" ( i love that girl!).

It IS new! i imagine it just got a chip moving. This thing still had all the tape, stickers, etc.

 

[elfloyd]

Fantastic buy!!!

 

[texhorns98]

So I had a bit of a scare this morning. I went to the garage and the tank was half empty! Looked around, but no water was to be found. Turns out, somehow, the garden hose I was using back siphoned. Weird...

As I filled the tank back up, the stand was creaking and popping. I hope that's normal!

 

[kirru]

Just settling. Mine did that for about three weeks on the old stand before I put the new one under the tank..

 

[texhorns98]

So now I have two options. I can get a new front piece or roll with this.

If I roll, how long should I let it sit full? Or is that even a good gauge?

If I decide to replace, are there any local sources for low iron glass?

 

[jef4y]

IMHO, letting it sit is not really a good gauge. Literally ANYTHING can exacerbate a micro-crack and cause a tank to rip apart. I.e, stand slightly unlevel or twisted, powerhead hitting the glass, tap of a rock, snap of the magnet on an algae scrubber.

Just because it's holding water today is no guarantee that it will tomorrow. However, it is some level of assurance that you won't likely have a catastrophic failure right off the bat.

 

[texhorns98]

I hear ya. I have a pump in there now sitting right on that corner. It's vibrating like a mother on the glass. I'm searching now for a local place to buy a replacement pane in case I go that route. Glasscages will sell me one for $180. I'd say that's worth it.