cracked tank

[mutilatorslash]

I've got a 10-gal glass tank (I used to keep hamsters in it) with a crack on one of the panes that basically goes from top to bottom. I'd like to put the tank to good use, and I've got a few questions:

How could I find a piece of glass to replace the broken pane, and how could I then rebuild the tank?

Is there a way I could just seal the crack? I'm assuming that would limit what I could put in the tank.

[vjvl51]

First the warning - I have always been told that you cannot use an aquarium for fish after is has had reptiles or mammals in it. They told me that the ammonia gets into crevices/holes in the silicone and will kill your fish. How true, I don't know but I do know that some animals will dig/chew the silicone making it very rough. At the cost of a new tank, I have never put this to test.

You can go to a glass place (where they replace window panes) and ask them to cut you a new side. If you take the tank with you, they should be able to match thickness, etc. Then cut out all the old silicone. To ensure that your seal is water tight, you have to ensure that ALL the old silicone is removed. Then carefully wipe down the area with alcohol to ensure that the area is perfectly clean (no oils from your hands or anything else). Remember that silicone will NOT stick to silicone or dirt. Using aquarium silicone (many normal silicones have chemicals to prevent mildew growth, etc in them which will leach into your water and kill your fish), carefully put a bead of silicone on the glass and put the pane in place. You may have to use masking tape to hold the pane in place until the silicone sets up. Before the silicone skins over, add a second bead of silicone on the inside of the tank and using a wet finger, smooth the joint.

I would not just seal the crack and expect it to hold water. I have heard of some people just siliconing a new piece of glass inside the broken side (which becomes the back). This may work as long as no water/dirt ever becomes trapped between the two pieces of glass. (I can see algae growing with no way of getting at it to clean it out.)

In Canada, I can frequently buy a new 10 gallon tank for $10 to $15. For $10 - 15, I wouldn't put the work into fixing the old tank and hoping that I got a water tight seal (especially when a tube of aquarium silicone costs about $10). For a 50 to 75 gallon tank, it might be worth it. IMO

Vickie