Cracked 20 gal tank

[dchild]

One of the long panels in my 20H sump cracked. I've converted to a rubbermaid tub but there is not room for my skimmer, so I'd like to come up with a new sump quick (and cheap. Buying a brand new tank is out!)

 

Is it easy to find the glass and rebuild my sump as is? Or should I try to find a new sump solution (like a bigger rubbermaid container or two of them plumbed together)?

 

TIA

 

Steven

[Grav]

In a "looks don't matter" situation like a sump it is quite possible to patch a crack. 1st extend the crack so that it reaches the end of the panel in each direction the crack is going. This is important becuase otherwise that crack will keep going on it's own. Then make a "patch" out of the same thickness glass that covers the entire area. Use lots of aquarium silicone and try to squeeeze out as much air as possible.

 

It will be ugly.

 

Then again, a 24g rubbermade tub is prolly cheaper than the cost of class and silicone and will never crack.

[davelin315]

Hey Steve, I can help you build an acrylic sump as well if you'd like. I just built some acrylic things and feel comfortable making water tight (although not all that attractive) contraptions. However, acrylic is fairly expensive, at least for 1/4" thick stuff. Let me know if you want some help with building one. Otherwise, I'd suggest simply using the rubbermaid for the time being.

 

How'd the crack happen, anyway? IME with glass tanks and adding baffles to them, they have a tendency to crack (don't know if that's what caused yours).

[Jarosh]

Steve, use the rubber maid for now. If you wait a week or two someone may be giving one away or you can find a cheap one in the local paper.

 

Otherwise I've repaired quite a few tanks in my day and it is rather easy, but care must be taken. I'm not sure of the glass prices in Va, but when I last repaired a 40 gal tank in Pa the bottom panel cost me ~10$ but that was 1/4"x18"x36".

[dchild]

Thanks for all your advice! I'm gonna go with the rubbermaid for now.

 

Dave, it broke on the drilled panel, I think it was either me banging it with a rock when I set up the sump or me messing too much with the plumbing (PVC can give you a lot of leverage, and 20 gallon tanks have thin glass). I might have to wait awhile on the acrylic sump, as I think there are a couple things I should spend money on first in my tank (and the rest of my life).

 

Phil - that's a great idea, only reasons I'm not pursuing are (a) I already have the rubbermaid and (B) the 20H wasn't a great sump anyway

 

Thanks again!

 

Steven