Caligo'sKeeper

Hi,

I got a used aquarium, it had salt on the bottom and since I'm doing fresh water I scrubbed it out but I noticed the bottom is all scratched now will this be a problem? could it make the glass weaker and the tank break? I'm worried.

Ps. the stand is wrought iron so there is no direct support under the bottom. It's a 30 gallon, I'm plannnig for about 5lbs of rock on the bottom plus the water...

Thanks!

treve

when was the tank last used?once they are no cracks you should be ok to use it.how about the trim around the tank is that in good shape?

dee31

hi there if it was me i would prob want some support under the bottom of the tank just to be safe

Caligo'sKeeper

It was last used about 2 years ago... I filled it up before cleaning off the salt (which is when I probably scratched it) and it held water. the scratches, although deep don't seem to go all the way through the glass, but I wasn't sure if they would turn into cracks if I fill it up.

Butterfly

I don't think the scratches will be a problem. We usually put a piece of plywood the exact size of the tank between the tank and metal stand for support.
Also gives a solid color under the tank should your fish dig down to the glass
Carol

Caligo'sKeeper

any suggestions what I could put under it... should I just buy a piece of wood or something?

thanks! I think I'll do that then!

harpua2002

I have several tanks that I've moved quite a few times. It's almost unavoidable to avoid scratching the heck out of the bottom even if you're careful. I've had these tanks for years with the bottoms scratched, and never had so much as a leak. You should be fine. Just leak test for a few days before you bring it inside and fill it up. Don't worry too much about the stand. Most tanks are designed to have only the perimeter supported, and even many wooden stands only support the perimeter. Again, I've never had a problem with that.

dee31

just what butterfly said there ,a piece of plywood measured to size should do the job ...

headlessblade

no it shouldnt, usually the bottom of the glass is tampered glass which is very strong

aquarist48

Agreed. The bottom glass is usually tempered glass and I don't think the scratches will cause any problems. Have fun and hope you can send some pictures our way soon

10gallonmadness

Hmm. Do you have any old small low bristled rugs? You could cut the bristles off and you'd be left with the pad you could put under your tank for support. Just make sure it's firm and strong, with no rips. You don't want your tank sliding off the stand.