HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I have a big crack in my tank.

It is a standard 120 gallon tank and is filled 10-12 inches with damp sand/EE mix. It has a bean farm ultratherm heater across the back with insulation.

The temperature/humidity is stable at around 80 degrees/80%.

I bought it used, and it was in great condition when I bought it. I have had it since this past December.

Any help would be appreciated. I really don’t want to buy another big tank for the crabs.

TIA!




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Oh my heavens, I would have been physically sick finding that.

My guess is the UTH got too hot and caused the glass to expand, cracking it. It shouldn't happen under normal conditions, but if the pad overheated or there was a defect in the glass this is the outcome.

Obviously, if you ever go to move the tank in the future it would be risky. That kind of crack is seriously destabilizing against twisting motions.

It may end up being okay where it is if you don't mess with it much. I would recommend watching the surface temperature of the glass and making sure it doesn't fluctuate too much too fast.

You can help to shore up the crack and prevent accidental cuts by covering it with aquarium silicone. It won't be pretty but it will be functional. The crabs cannot be exposed to the fumes though and it may take a couple of days to air out.

I have used packing tape on cracks on smaller tanks as a lamination technique to secure the glass. That one is instant gratification but I am not sure how well it would work on thick glass.

Another way cracks can happen is if cold water gets in contact with the glass.... it can crack - speaking from experience.

The crack shouldn't be as of a great concern like Wod said... and tips to fixing it.... She already got to...

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Thank you for all of the tips!

It’s a bummer—bc we will probably have to slide the tank around the house for house work.


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Wow - I'm sorry you are going through this! That would have devastated me to find my tank like that! I have used packaging tape on a glass top a long time ago and it worked wonders until I bought a new one. Good luck!