Hello all. Earlier I scored two acryllic aquariums (one 60 gal and the other 75) for a total of $20, previously owned by a skilled aquarist. Upon text filling the first [smaller] one the back end split in half, ruining the tank. I am now trying the other and it is almost full and I am wishing for the best.
Of course, now I'm a little paranoid. I read online that acrylic tanks need support along the top to keep from bowing and bending. What does this mean? Also, I did not see any cracks on the other that blew out on the back; it sort of cracked cleanly in an oval shape going along the back end of the bottom and into the mid-upper back.
Was I testing it the incorrect way (on ground filling with hose water)? Help would be great. Thanks.
Update: I filled the larger tank with water and let it sit for a couple of hours. No leaks or anything; everything looked OK. I cleaned all of the dried salt deposits and marks from it, removed the old sand and got it ready to go. Will start cycling water in it in the next week or so, but I am still weary after seeing the first tank blow like it did. Again, advice about how to prevent acrylic tanks from blowing up would be great.
Of course, now I'm a little paranoid. I read online that acrylic tanks need support along the top to keep from bowing and bending. What does this mean? Also, I did not see any cracks on the other that blew out on the back; it sort of cracked cleanly in an oval shape going along the back end of the bottom and into the mid-upper back.
Was I testing it the incorrect way (on ground filling with hose water)? Help would be great. Thanks.
Update: I filled the larger tank with water and let it sit for a couple of hours. No leaks or anything; everything looked OK. I cleaned all of the dried salt deposits and marks from it, removed the old sand and got it ready to go. Will start cycling water in it in the next week or so, but I am still weary after seeing the first tank blow like it did. Again, advice about how to prevent acrylic tanks from blowing up would be great.