Scratch in glass... How dangerous?

[boardrandy]

Hello. First post on here... I'm in the process of setting up a new 180g (72x24x24) all-glass Aqueon aquarium and I just noticed a scratch a few inches long on exterior side of the front panel. It seems superficial. I mean, you can feel it with your fingernail, but it doesn't feel very deep. With it being on the tension side of the tank and not the compression side I'm worried about structural integrity. The glass is what, 3/8"-1/2" thick, or more? 5/8"? I'd have to believe these tanks are rated for ungodly pressures. I'm sure hoping I'm worried about nothing, but I don't want to have to buy a new tank (or more importantly a new living room!) I know there are scratch repair kits, and I'd even be willing to take it to a glass specialty place to let experts fix it before I fill it (or even just live with it)... Again, my main concern: will this have any impact on integrity?

Thanks guys


Here's the location on the glass where the scratch is.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ppinsozoqn199wp/Photo%20Feb%2010%2C%209%2026%2036%20PM.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ppinsozoqn199wp/Photo%20Feb%2010%2C%209%2026%2036%20PM.jpg

Scratch.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m4xv4c6idauqy18/Photo%20Feb%2010%2C%206%2040%2035%20PM.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m4xv4c6idauqy18/Photo%20Feb%2010%2C%206%2040%2035%20PM.jpg

For perspective.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o4fatjf8i7blrpi/Photo%20Feb%2010%2C%207%2006%2039%20PM.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o4fatjf8i7blrpi/Photo%20Feb%2010%2C%207%2006%2039%20PM.jpg

With a flashlight to show depth of scratch.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ujyk1pytx6erkr4/Photo%20Feb%2010%2C%207%2058%2046%20PM.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ujyk1pytx6erkr4/Photo%20Feb%2010%2C%207%2058%2046%20PM.jpg

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

[welcome]
In my honest opinion your going to be just fine, i don't see any worries from that hairline scratch.
Start filling 'er up pal. Happy Reefing and congrats!

[bnumair]

i have few over time with use of magnetic cleaners they dont hurt a thing. just sore eyes.

[Mikelush78]

Agree, Unless it spreads just stinks that it happend...

[robertcedgar]

That doesn't really look like a scratch to me....more like a transfer of plastic or rubber that bumped into the tank suddenly. Are you sure it's a scratch? try to rub it out with a soft cloth and if it's a rubber, paint, etc. transfer, maybe it will disappear.

[solitude]

It will look much less obvious with water in side.

[boardrandy]

Definitely not plastic/rubber (by feel). I'm sure with 6' x 2' of viewing space nobody will notice but me, but boy will I notice! Ha ha ha! Thanks everybody!
(Sorry, read replies last week, forgot to respond)

[Michigan Mike]

I scratched my fluval tank when moving my odd ouch out the front door, my dad let it slip & one of the feet on the bottom of the couch hit the tank. I later noticed it scratched the tank enough to feel it with your fingernail.
It bothers you if you always look @ it but if I'm sitting on the new couch I can't see it @ all.
Measure it and occasionally check to see if its getting worse, I doubt it will but to be safe.