[Izshocker]

Hello Everyone,

I've decided it would be best to register and be known, as I start the journey into saltwater. I'm going to warn you guys, I'm going to be asking alot of questions.

I'm in no rush to get water in a tank. Right now I'm planning, planning and planning some more for this tank. Having a saltwater tank is something I've always wanted and I'm now at a point where I can afford to start one, but as I said I'm in no rush.

My first problem is the tank I have, it is a 45 gallon hex that well... it has a crack.




Right now, I'm at a loss as to where to start on fixing this. I can't figure out where the molding is attached to the glass. I've ran a razor under the molding and I'm not getting anywhere.
My second problem is, I can't tell if the glass is cut at an angle in the corner or if it's a straight 90 degrees. If it is cut at an angle can the local hardware store cut it or am I going to have to go to a custom window/mirror shop (which I know there a few around) to get this cut.

So, if I do repair this tank which is what my plan is, I'll have it sitting with water in it testing for leaks for months before I do anything else.


Thanks in advance for any and all help,
Israel

[glampka]

Welcome to RB! I'm not far from you. The moldings are siliconed to the glass so you'll have to run your blade through there a few times. Then you have to wiggle the molding away from the tank since there is silicone under the lip that is attached to the top of the glass. It takes some effort to get the molding off.
Not sure about how the glass is cut but I suspect it's just a regular 90 degree angle on the ends. You probably won't be able to get the glass at the local hardware store. Aquarium glass is usually thicker than window glass. Take a piece with you so you get the right thickness.

[Izshocker]

Thanks for the help Gary.
I noticed, that you are near me as I was glancing thru posts last night.

I'm wondering has anyone on the boards repaired a tank that been broken like this and then months/years later had probelms with the repair springing a leak.

Another forum I'm on the guys have been telling me to just go out and get a new tank, becasue I'll have nothing but problems with repairing it. Yet some of these guys have DIY sumps, I can't figure out their thinking.

I'm on a budget and I know it's cheaper to repair this tank, then go out and get a new tank.

[glampka]

I've replaced panes of glass in a tank before & there's no problem. Just be sure to remove all the old silicone from the adjoining pieces. Before you put it together wipe the glass down with solvent to be sure it is absolutely clean.

[CyberJester]

I wouldn't think the corners would NOT be cut at 90 degrees since it is a hex tank.

If it is a hex (6 sides) then most likely each is side of the glass is cut to a 30 degree angle to make the shape and produce tight seams.

[Izshocker]

Oh jezz, my brain was turned off last night when I posted, it's not hex (6 sided) it a pentagon (5 sides). So I believe it's a 45 degree angle.

Thanks for the help guys,
Israel

[CyberJester]

Is it a perfect pentagon (5 equal sides)?

If it is then the sides are probably cut to 36 degrees (180/5 = 36 degrees).

[Izshocker]

It not a equal sided pent., I believe the front 3 sided are equal. I'll have to measure them when I get home.
It looks like this.

[CyberJester]

With that tank, most you will have 3 seems cut to 45's and joined or overlapping 90's and the remaining two will probably be cut to 22 1/2 degrees.

(180 - (45 * 3))
-------------------- = 22.5 degrees
2

3 joints each cut at 45 degrees or overlapping 90 degrees
2 joints each cut at 22.5 degrees

It depends where the crack is in the tank as to what angles are going to be on the edges.