So the day after filling up the new tank, we noticed 2 cracks in the top brace near the front/center
Here's a top view drawing.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/6...63da8c3d_b.jpg
cracked by theicecreamdan
How worried do I need to be?
Printable View
So the day after filling up the new tank, we noticed 2 cracks in the top brace near the front/center
Here's a top view drawing.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/6...63da8c3d_b.jpg
cracked by theicecreamdan
How worried do I need to be?
Who built the tank? Is it new or used?
Its new. Larrym built it last may, but we just got around to setting it up two days ago or so.
uhhhhm.... I'm no expert, and not a glass advocate... but, I'd be concerned.
ASSUMING the glass was fine before fill... and now, once full... has cracked due to the force/weight on the glass.
If it were me, I'd break it back down and have it repaired (easier now, then later)... with either a wider strip of glass or thicker material. Simply because if you think that crack formed due to the shear weight of water on the front panel.... then, what happens to the front panel once the top glass cracks all the way through (which is just a matter of time)??
I am by no means an expert on tank bracing either, but from your description there, I'd be pretty concerned. A good solution might be to add another piece of identically sized glass directly beneath the cracked piece, though I'm not sure how this would look aesthetically. Otherwise, you may be able to remove the cracked piece and replace it. How big is the tank? What is the thickness of the glass? Depending on these, there could be a lot of pressure on that brace.
Where would I go to get a piece of aquarium glass cut for me?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6...c96617340b.jpg
repair
Would it have to fit inside the top edge of the tank? Or would it be fine if it sits on top of the tank and comes out to the outer edge?
Is it even worth it to try and fix it? The aquarium is 3/8" thick. Is this too thin to begin with? I don't want to waste more money to try and fix it if its trash anyway...
60l x 24w x 20t
To me that seems really big for 3/8" glass, but again I'm no expert. It would probably pay off to talk to someone who builds glass tanks.
Weight may not be the issue. How much heat hits the glass from your lights? If it got real hot and then got wet, that can crack it as well. I would put a woodworking clamp on it for now if you aren't going to empty it out right away.