Scratches in bottom panel of aquarium

[BF McUmber]

I bought a new glass 40 breeder tank at the petco a little bit ago.  The inside of the bottom glass panel of the tank has some scratches in it (kind of like a smaller tank was shipped inside it).  The scratches are in about a 4 inch square and you can catch your finger nail in the scratches that are in it.  I am leak testing it right now and it is holding water. 

I would probably be more worried if it was on the outside of the tank,  but before I fill it with decor... is a scratch on the inside really anything to be worried about? 

 

Edit: took your guys advice and the Petco took it back even though I painted its back. 

Edited July 20, 2021 by bwar

[Fish Folk]

If it were me, I'd call the store, take it back and exchange it.

Is there a tiny tag visible when you look down in from the top along the rim on the bottom somewhere indicating whether or not the glass is tempered? Many aquariums have a tempered glass bottom. It's bad for drilling, but maybe a bit more sturdy.

One thing we've done is use light diffuser plastic squares to disperse weight if you have any heavy hardscape you're worried about. It can be cut down to fit inside any tank size using a sharp pair of wire cutters, or heavy-duty utility scissors.

 

 

[BF McUmber]

The bottom of it has a sticker on it that says not to drill it. I think it was tempered but I am not home.  

Edited July 19, 2021 by bwar

[KBOzzie59]

Scratches in tempered glass = A disaster waiting to happen!

Do not drill is Aqueon's way of saying "tempered glass"

I'd take it back.

 

Edit:  I'll try and dig up a piece and do a demo video.

Edited July 19, 2021 by KBOzzie59

[BF McUmber]

Attached are the pictures of the scratches.  

[StevesFishTanks]

Its hard to tell from the pictures but sometimes silicone mess can look a lot like a crack/scratch. Have you tried to scrape it with a flat razor to see if it will come off. Its fooled me a few times.  Either way I dont think petco would have a problem exchanging it.

[BF McUmber]

@s1_ It is definitely scratched there are other places where there is just silicon strings like you say. Taking dimensions on it out matches the size of a 10 gallon aquarium. Like there was some grit on its bottom and it was shipped inside the tank.  

I already painted the back of the tank.  Hopefully they will still take it. 

EDIT: They took the tank back so that's good I guess. But no one has them in stock so ill be waiting a bit. 

Edited July 20, 2021 by bwar

[BF McUmber]

After taking the tank back now I'm stalled now I need a tank because everything else is ready to go. oh wait I need a power strip still. 

I'm told patience is a virtue.