New 170g

[KarenHorn]

I'm new to the hobby and I've been doing research for the last month via xbook, net and visiting folks set up. Well a couple nights ago I got a deal I couldn't pass up. The tank is 78x21x24. It will fit perfectly along the wall in our living room. It looks like it's older than the hills, but it is drilled from the bottom already eventhough I believe they've only had freshwater in it.

I plan on using it as a FOWLR tank for now and down the road maybe a mini reef as I can afford the lighting, etc. I plan on using the sump/refugium filter method.

After seeing a lot of other tanks the glass on this one seems much thinner and I was wondering if that was because back "then" they just made them thinner? The other question I had is that the glass has a couple of small chips on the outside in the back and I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to repair that? I believe it's just cosmetic, but I'd still like to fill them for looks if nothing else.

[GaryP]

Hello Karen,

Welcome to MAAST. it could be that your tank is tempered glass. Its usually thinner than regular glass.

Gary

[dan]

does it have an overflow built in?you said it was drilled

[JimD]

After being the victim of thin glass explosion syndrome, Id be extremely cautious with thin glass on a tank that size. Bring it to a glass shop and have it verified for tempered glass, maybe a few glass shops. About how thin is the glass? Thank that size should be around 7/16" to 5/8". Also, if its history indicates that it was a freshwater settup, theres a good chance the tank might have been treated with copper on occasion for Ich, not good. If the glass is as thin as you say, the chips could definately comprimise the integrety of the tanks ability to secure water. Id really do my homework on this
if I were you. Been there, done that.,., no fun seeing your tank explode right before your very eyes, or worse yet, when youre away.....

[Tim Marvin]

I wouldn't use it. The chips will ruin the joints and eventually it will leak. I have been there! 170 gallons of water weighs 1360 lbs!

[KarenHorn]

I don't have any calipers so I'm not sure how thick the glass is. It's drilled, but I'm going to have to make the overflow boxes. I'm planning on having it resealed regardless. It's time consuming, but not that difficult. The chips are in the middle of the glass on the outside in the back, almost like a little rock flew up and chipped it.

I "believe" it's asethetic, but I have no desire to see the tank explode either :cry:

[JimD]

You dont need calipers, a tape measure or a ruler will work. And the fact that its drilled tells me that at least the bottom is not tempered. Most likely, none of it is.

[KarenHorn]

The bottom is thicker than the sides and unfortunately the sides are covered in a decorative frame. I suppose I could rip the frame off to measure, but I'd hate to do that.

[JimD]

A decorative frame?
Youre planning a FOWLR tank right? Seems like youd want to see the fish from all angles, not just the front. We really need to know the exact thickness of the glass, Its very important before you proceed with your plans. If say the glass is 3/16" theres absolutly NO WAY I would suggest using it for a potential reef tank.... However, I cant imagine a 170g tank being made with 3/16" glass.

[GaryP]

Actually 170 gal. of water weighs 1450 lbs. at S.G. of 1.025. That doesn't count the LR and LS which obviously weighs more than water. Your total load could be as high as 1700 lbs. depending on how much rock and sand you add.

Just for future reference saltwater weighs 8.54 lb./gal at a S.G. of 1.025.

Gary

[oceancube]

hey gary, well you sure you got the right measurement, i thought it was 8.53 lb./gal at a S.G. of 1.025. instead of 8.54 lb./gal at a S.G. of 1.025.
, let me know pls!

[Instar]

There is no scientific evidence to prove silicone is a permanent bond yet absorbs and then leaches copper in any measurable amount. The surface exposure and half life in solution just don't support that theory, IMO. If there was a continuous ionic exchange with silicone, it would eventually become porous and fail. The tank I am using, I have been using since 1985 and the silicone does not look like cheese.

Chips in glass, in the middle, are the same things that cause car windshields to crack. Stone chips. I would definitely have the tank checked before using it and after that, supports under the bottom glass and if not replaced or repaired, then some kind of custom cabinet with support along the back where the chips are. I am not sure the older fresh water tanks were designed to withstand what we do to them in a salt tank with all the sand and rocks.