mountaineer Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 I bought a used 27 gallon Marineland cube a couple weeks back and am all set to get it up and running, even bought a more powerful LED set up. I had planned to fill the tank next weekend. A few days ago, I filled it completely with water, left it for 3 days, and experienced no leaks. Now it's empty. But now, under the powerful light, I see what looks like a 2" scratch/crack in the back corner. I can feel it with my finger, but it's not enough to fit a fingernail in, so it's hard to tell how deep it is. I can't feel anything at all on the underside. What should I do? Do you think I should junk the tank out of safety? Or is there some way to fix it? The tank held the water, no problem, but now I'm going to add nearly 40 pounds of rock, etc. Dang...I really didn't have a new tank in the budget (which I already broke on a Reefbreeders LED, lol). I'm flipping out a little bit. Link to comment
Pancetta Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 You need to figure out weather it is a scratch or a crack. Take a bright flashlight and shine it on the crack/ scratch from several angles and see if goes all the through the glass. Link to comment
hey Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 is it high or low in the back corner also, higher up is less scary than lower? Also how close to the silicone? Link to comment
FreshStartMarine Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 I'd replace it. I had a 75 gallon break all over my living room, so I'm paranoid and don't take chances. Pancetta has a good thought, and you could put an inch of water in with a sheet of paper against the crack to see if it wicks any moisture. Also, have a look at the condition of the silicone. The crack/scratch may be a red herring. Any idea as to how long the previous owner stored the tank, or where they stored it? Link to comment
Liamgray90 Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 I tell you what you could do from the mechanical prospective Fill the tank with normal water and a leak fluid uv Leave it for a week and check with the leak glasses and uv lamp see if anything has leaked if not it will be alright Link to comment
mountaineer Posted September 21, 2014 Author Share Posted September 21, 2014 is it high or low in the back corner also, higher up is less scary than lower? Also how close to the silicone? Unfortunately, it's the bottom glass. Runs right into the silicone. I think I'm screwed. I'll take a flashlight to it this evening. I believe the previous owner stored it dry in his garage. The tank was built in spring 2011 -- the tag's still on it -- not sure how long it was out of condition. Silicone seems to be in good shape. No leaks anywhere when it was totally filled. Link to comment
farkwar Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 Dont risk it. Ever have a windshield chip. Then out of the blue, you have a crack from it. And thats tempered safety glass. Without 300 pounds of water sitting on it. The marineland tank is just regular float glass. Link to comment
mountaineer Posted September 21, 2014 Author Share Posted September 21, 2014 My stand is kind of a weird-set up in our tiny condo, and only cube-type tanks can fit...which limits my options. It can't be more than 20" deep, or 26" wide. Really, 18" deep is better. The 27 gallon cube was perfect, and I just got a Reefbreeder SuperLux which was just right for it. Well, back to the drawing board. On the hunt for cubes. The scratch/crack/whatever just has the look of something that can only get worse. But I'll go drink a beer, let the paranoia drop a bit, and get out the flashlight. Time to save some shekels. If nothing else, I guess I've got my junk quarantine tank now... Link to comment
FreshStartMarine Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 Always a shame to hear about things like this. I would definitely replace it if the crack is located near a corner and goes into the silicone joint. Let us know how the flashlight test works out, and good luck hunting for a new cube. Link to comment
Pancetta Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Uuuuugggghhhhh................it's on the bottom?! Sorry, but I think you will need a new tank. Save your shekels and see if you can pick up another cube on sale. Maybe a Black Friday sale? Biocube 14g and 29g have been on sale a lot lately. Probably could buy one online or in Boston. David Link to comment
Pancetta Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 This is probably a mistake but I would check it out anyway. Biocube 14g for $81.00 http://t.petco.com/product/117958/Coralife-BioCube-PCLED-Fish-Tank.aspx Link to comment
kimberbee Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 This is probably a mistake but I would check it out anyway. Biocube 14g for $81.00 http://t.petco.com/product/117958/Coralife-BioCube-PCLED-Fish-Tank.aspx Daaaaaang, that's cheap!! Link to comment
Pancetta Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 I know!! Do you think this like a airline ticket mistake? Does Petco have to sell at that price even if it is a mistake. Mountaineer, check it out! Link to comment
mountaineer Posted September 22, 2014 Author Share Posted September 22, 2014 I know!! Do you think this like a airline ticket mistake? Does Petco have to sell at that price even if it is a mistake. Mountaineer, check it out! Great find! Thanks for the tip. I made a couple calls, think I found a local replacement -- for free! Long story, lol, sometimes living in a small town has its perks. But if doesn't pan out tomorrow a.m., I'll check this out... Link to comment
Pancetta Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 FYI folks, The Petco price is genuine. I just read a post on another reef website that a guy bought one for $80. Link to comment
Pancetta Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Cool. I am glad someone on Nano Reef snagged one. Link to comment
mountaineer Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Happy ending. I found an exact replacement for the tank -- one of my wife's coworkers had it sitting empty in storage. All right. Upward & onward. Link to comment
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