Leak Test?

Triggerdood

Triggerdood

Active member
Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section. I need to leak test an aquarium. I was looking to do this in my garage. It is an attached garage, but it's not heated. With the cold temps, Is there a risk of doing this now? Or should I wait till spring? Wondering what everyone's thoughts were on this? Thanks.
 
Check to see how cold it is in your garage (to see if it get's down to freezing temp), or leave a cup of water in there to see if it freezes. You just don't want water to freez in your aquarium as the ice can expand and break it, especially when you are probably going ot leave water in there for about 2 days.
 
Well, I keep soda and bottled water in the garage. They haven't turned to ice, so I'm thinkin It should be ok. I could always drop a spare heater in the water. Wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not? Maybe keep the water in the tank around 50 degrees. It's a large tank, 135 gallons. I'm guessing it would have to be extremely cold in the garage for the water to freeze.
 
Why not just set up your leak test and drop a powerhead and a heater in it? I really doubt that we are going to experience cold enough weather in the next few days that would cause your tank to freeze solid. Also, I have an unheated garage that is well insulated... and it never freezes even in the coldest weather.
 
Sounds like a good idea DanSreef. Thanks. I just want to be safe than sorry. Wasn't sure if there was reason to be concerned. So as long as the water in the tank doesn't freeze I should be good?
 
Ok. I have one other concern. The tank has a chip on each corner. Is a chipped tank something major I should be concerned about? It is a custom made tank and is sturdy as can be. It is eurobraced on the top and bottom. The glass is 1/2 inch.
 
Depends.... I have owned glass tanks that have had "flake like" chips that basically sloughed off an edge of glass that were not big problems. Where something hit the edge and the chip came off cleanly. I have also seen more blunt impact chips that were small but had radiating cracks that extend into the glass.... Those would be a huge problem. Take a close look at the chip with a good light. If you see any cracks radiating from the point of impact... I would not trust it. They could grow... and be a cause of complete failure.
 
They are a bit more than a "flake like" chip. Wish I knew how to post pics. From what I can tell, the seals were not affected and there are no radiating cracks. The tank is 48 by 18 by 36 tall. I doubt the tank would even bow when filled. Would you trust it if there weren't radiating cracks?
 
ADOGG80 said:
They are a bit more than a "flake like" chip. Wish I knew how to post pics. From what I can tell, the seals were not affected and there are no radiating cracks. The tank is 48 by 18 by 36 tall. I doubt the tank would even bow when filled. Would you trust it if there weren't radiating cracks?
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Water pressure is a function of the tank height not necessarily its length. And you have a pretty tall tank there. If I were you, I would be concerned. Also, what are you going to use for lights? If you are planning on a reef tank, I am not sure if LEDs can light up such a deep tank. In fact, your only option maybe metal halides. If you are going to fowler, then I guess it is not a factor. Personally, I would get a different tank and start worry free. As time goes by, you will find that the tank is the cheapest part of the hobby. It's just not worth it in my opinion.
 
DanSreef said:
Why not just set up your leak test and drop a powerhead and a heater in it? I really doubt that we are going to experience cold enough weather in the next few days that would cause your tank to freeze solid. Also, I have an unheated garage that is well insulated... and it never freezes even in the coldest weather.
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I would run a heater with a small power head an make sure you have some lids.
 
Kevin Says said:
Personally, I would get a different tank and start worry free. As time goes by, you will find that the tank is the cheapest part of the hobby. It's just not worth it in my opinion.
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I think this is good advice. The tank is inexpensive compared to the cost of a failure...and potential damage in your house.
 
I hear what everyone is saying and I appreciate the advice. My gut feeling tells me this tank would be ok. It is really one of the most sturdy tanks I have seen. I wish I knew how to post pics so everyone could see the condition. I may be wrong, but I will fill it in my garage and see what happens.
 
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