Cracked 6ft tank

[nikirushka]

I picked this tank up last week for free. Unfortunately, it cracked in the process, and I didn't see it til the tank was in situ. Replacing the pane is not an option (too heavy, only got me, had to borrow a random stranger just to get it home!). As this is already replacing a leaking smaller tank, I'd rather not have to get rid and try again because I can't afford to buy a tank and I'll not find another 6ft free for a long time!

But. As you can see, the crack very helpfully is only a few inches long, and entirely contained under the very well installed base bracers! Plus, the whole thing sits on a 3/4" ply base.

So, is there an option to bolster the whole thing using a ply frame from the outside, and perhaps adding some more glass inside? I wouldn't be able to remove that bracer but I could add some more, perhaps running from that bracer to the rear one and siliconed to both and the base, to add some support. The inner seams will all be re-siliconed too, some are a little worn.

With the frame, I'm thinking I could screw it to that ply base and wrap around the whole tank, and maybe run top to bottom as well. You can see in the last photo that the tank has a sturdy hood made from the same ply which fits snugly over it so I could use that too. Make a fully enclosed ply frame.

Is this at all a feasible plan?

 

[Midwater]

Is the crack in the bottom bracing (as it looks on the picture), or i it actually in the base plate?

If it is the bracing, I would not worry about it. If it is the bottom plate, I would worry.

 

[nikirushka]

It is in the base plate. If it was the bracing I wouldn't worry either. It stops at the edge of the bracing though, so the whole crack is already covered by it.

 

[Midwater]

I would not fill it. The dogs do not seem concerned. But I do.

 

[nikirushka]

I won't, as is! But with the ideas above, maybe? Basically building a plywood tank to enclose it in. Not that different from building one from scratch, no? I could silicone the wood onto the glass too, for extra strength.

 

[nikirushka]

Or, what if I poured resin to about an inch across the whole base inside?

Edit: nah, that's daft. Never mind.

 

[Bret Signorelli]

King of diy has a YouTube video where he patches cracked glass, basically put a piece of glass big enough to cover the crack and then silicone it down

 

[nikirushka]

That's already in place with the bracing - the crack doesn't go past the edge of it. I've done that on smaller tanks and it's worked just fine, but I don't think that by itself, that's enough on such a big tank hence looking at extra options!

 

[Midwater]

In my experience, cracks travel, even if very slowly.

I do not think the brace on the top is enough. The baseplate itself is ultimately taking the entire weight, and transmitting it to the stand.

You could get a second piece of glass cut to the exact size of the baseplate and silicone that on the underside. Although, that would not be an easy job.

 

[nikirushka]

Unfortunately that isn't possible at all - I can't move the tank and I've no help now. Can't afford the glass either.

I've listed it on Facebook for free as a reptile tank, I'll just have to hope another one turns up soon. Absolutely gutted!