I cant believe what i have just done :(

[Giles]

How did it crack exactly? All the tank I've ever had had a space between the glass and the base and I have NEVER had a crack in years in my 55 gallon that had huge river rocks, gravel, and full to the top with water.

My current 45 gallon has the same space-the huge river rocks, sand, almost full and no problems-the axies are in this tank
And that tank used to be for saltwater with about 70 pounds of live rock, sand and water.

It could'nt have just been what you had in there as far as weight.

I had just washed the sand in a bucket so it was really heavy, you cant see on the photo but on the top of the tank there is some think glass pieces that go across, making it difficult to put anything too big in, i was trying to lower the bucket sideways down on of the sides and the wet heavy sand suddenly came got, *smash*. I think there was too much other stressful stuff going on at the moment (just started University for one) and i wasnt thinking straight, no more Axolotls for now, but im sure i can find something else.

 

[HappySkittles]

Ahh it was the sudden drop of all that sand at once. That makes sense

 

[coral2reef]

Yeah just to add both my fluval tanks have that gap underneath and a sticker saying NOT to use a base of any kind or it will invalidate the warranty. Gutted for you as that is a nice tank-least you plan on still using it for something else (I couldn't have frogs etc in my room lol not my thing)

 

[totallyrad]

for future reference, I always have my tank at least 1/3 full of water before adding sand and i just scoop it in by the handful. the water cushions the sand and also I've noticed no air gets stuck under the sand by letting it free fall in water first.

 

[Giles]

Spoke to the local glazer earlier and the cost of a new piece of 10mm+ think glass would be £50 so i'm going to give it a go. Certainly not more expensive then buying a new tank lol.

 

[Adamw]

Thats some bad luck you had. Not sure if I would risk a repair job, it looks a pretty nasty crack.

 

[Giles]

Thats some bad luck you had. Not sure if I would risk a repair job, it looks a pretty nasty crack.

I went ahead with it in the end, damned if i was going to have to get rid of one of my Axy's lol. The original piece was 8mm thick, so i had a 10mm piece made for about £45, took the old piece off, put the new piece on (my firat time siliconing a piece on, looks awful but hold brilliantly, no leaks xD ) and now i still have both axys and was a brilliant excuse to get two more!

 

[kiathepooch]

I'm glad you went for fixing it glad you managed to set it up break free and get your axy in!heres to more axies

 

[MereB]

I'm so glad you got it fixed up. Hopefully it's good and strong.

For the record since there seems to be a bit of debate going on in here about the subject, having foam under there would not have spared your tank it's fate. Wet sand is about as soft as a lump of concrete or a good sized rock when it's dropped from a height. The tank never had a chance A lesson well learned for everyone though I guess.

Having water in the tank before pouring in wet sand will help to reduce the risks of this sort of thing happening as the water will disperse the sand and soften the blow. Other options include adding it a little but at a time using your hand or a smaller container. Takes longer but will save your tank a similar fate.

 

[brillB07]

on the bright side..at least it broke before you had your axies and the water in there
no harm on that half!

 

[hacelepues]

Hmmm yes I'm not sure about this styrofoam under the tank business. I've never done this for my 29 gal axie tank, and I recently got a 60 gal hexagonal tank from a friend that sits on a stand that ONLY supports the outer frame! He's had it forever and I've had it filled up and moving things around with no issue, so I think it all depends on the tank.

I'm glad you got yours fixed!

 

[elninca]

Get in contact with a glass manufacturing company. there is aquariam friendly sealant akin to mod-podge which is very good for this situation.

Before you put water into it, wipe the entire surface beneath it down with a wet sponge and put an old towel underneath the tank - this will ensure that it is even. Don't worry - this can happen to anyone!

At least it happened when no axies were in the tank? xxx cheer up muffin - WHAT WOULD RUFUS DO??