So yesterday I set up 125 gallon from marketplace. The seller swore it was leak tested and I believe him, Super nice hobbyist, already refunded my money.
What in the world would cause a crack like the one in the photos? The stand was set up on a hard basement floor, and the tank was perfectly leveled from all angles. Why would this happen? Age? There was so much water on the floor, It makes me nervous to buy another one.
Posted by FlounderAgitated9058
17 Comments
It may not have been stored properly before and the glass was stressed. There could have been a tiny chip somewhere that compromised the load distribution. That type of crack typically results from uneven pressure of some sort. Or thermal shock. Was it in for example an ice cold garage and then brought into the house and filled immediately without having time to adjust? Either way, that really sucks and I’m sorry it happened to you but thankfully no fish or people were harmed when it failed.
Previous stressors in the glass from some nice ol tap it got while the other owner had it? I’ve heard that this is how glass tables can just suddenly shatter without touch?
Thanks! It was outside in 60 degrees before being filled. The guy had it in a screened in porch when I picked it up. What steps do I take in setting up a new one to prevent that from happening again if I can?
based on that third pic I bet something with that corner, maybe there was a chip or small crack that wasn’t obvious. Was probably correct on no leaks and thought it was good but the stress of the move, or a chip from moving it.. then add the stress of water and that’s all it takes. It sucks for sure
The surface was level, but was it flat? You need to place the tank and before filling, make sure it doesn’t rock corner to diagonal corner. Maybe you did this, but that’s my two cents.
I’m not sure what you mean but that tank was so heavy when it was empty I don’t think I could rock it unless I really leaned into it.
Likely damage in that corner before tank cracked. This is how you cut glass, you score/damage it first then break it.
The most likely cause is thermal shock combined with transport stress. Even on a perfectly leveled basement floor filling a cold tank with water (or letting room temperature shift overnight) makes the glass expand/contract unevenly.
Older tanks or ones moved from Marketplace often have invisible micro cracks from handling that water pressure then exploits. The diagonal burst crack pattern is classic for this. Age weakens the glass and silicone over time too.
Glad the seller refunded you fast that’s a win. For your next tank acclimate slowly, match water/room temps exactly and let it sit empty 24 hrs before filling.
Water heavy
It looks like there was a crack in the corner of the tank that’s why it cracked
I agree with the comments that say it’s likely caused by an uneven surface.
Just a small uneveness will lead to a crack like this, especially in a tank this size, once filled with water.
I would suggest getting the next tank up on a proper tank stand designed for it.
Small chip on the corner and the crack ran from there. Had it happen to me after “someone” chipped the corner in mine.
Can’t tell from pictures, but how thick is the glass? It might have been a reptile tank with thinner glass, seller fills it up and immediately drains it and says it’s been leak tested
You buy it, and it blows up after a few hours due to pressure
My worst nightmare…
Sorry for the mess it made but did it make you flounder agitatedly or is your Flounder agitated because it has to wait for a new tank upgrade?
Lmao, Duck tape it
Jk but you’re lucky tank didn’t explode
You probably checked flat but not level and also probablt didnt put foam down