Leaking Tanks

[lionchaser]

Hi I'm hoping someone on here can help me! I'm relatively new to fishkeeping and got my first tank (a Juwel Rekord 70) in March 2006. All was well until December when it developed a capillary leak on the left hand side after cleaning. I contacted my supplier who replaced the tank and water damaged stand, only for the same thing to happen again in February. This time the supplier wasn't happy to replace the tank (I think they thought I'd damaged them) and refunded instead and I got the same tank from another supplier. All was well until today when I cleaned the gravel down the left side for the first time (have been a bit nervous about doing so but convinced myself not to be - more fool me!) and the third tank now seems to be leaking.

I clean the gravel with a syphon, but since the first tank had a problem I do it very gently, pushing the tube down into the gravel then rotating it as as I lift it out. Our floor is VERY SLIGHTLY uneven, but a spirit level shows the bubble well within the marked area. None of the tanks have been banged or jolted in any way, or moved full or anything of that sort. What is going wrong?? Is it my fault?? This is making me feel like giving up on fishkeeping which would be a shame as I love it! HELP!

 

[ArauraDiscus]

I'd stop getting the same exact tank...

 

[Don Trinko]

I would consider a different tank manufacturer. I have had many tanks over the years and only one leaked after 15 years. Don T.

 

[lionchaser]

Thanks - as you would imagine I did consider getting a different tank after the second one leaked, but I'm worried my seasoned filter sponges etc won't fit in another make and I risk all my fish dying! Is there a way around this?

What makes would people recommend? I got Juwel as I'd heard they had a good rep. I can't afford to get one much more expensive...

 

[TylerFerretLord]

Thanks - as you would imagine I did consider getting a different tank after the second one leaked, but I'm worried my seasoned filter sponges etc won't fit in another make and I risk all my fish dying! Is there a way around this?

What makes would people recommend? I got Juwel as I'd heard they had a good rep. I can't afford to get one much more expensive...

Couldn't you just put the sponge in a new filter, or a part of it?

 

[thegnu]

i'm afraid it does sound as though you are harming your tanks as you clean them. be very careful when cleaning in the corners as you could scrap some of the silicone off

 

[sam72]

I feel exactly the same about my Juwel Rekord 96. Bought it brand new in December 2006 complete with the Juwel cabinet - and it leaked in the bottom left hand front corner in February. It was replaced immediately by the supplier, but since then I have been paranoid about leaks!!! The only thing I can suggest is that the first leaking tank I had was very very slightly unlevel - maybe only a millimeter or two. Im now fairly convinced that this was the reason why the seal failed. It will be interesting to see if the new one I aquired in February this year ends up leaking soon, as this tank is completely level. Im constantly checking it to make sure there is not even a hint of water along the bottom rim!!!

Good luck!

 

[lionchaser]

I feel exactly the same about my Juwel Rekord 96. Bought it brand new in December 2006 complete with the Juwel cabinet - and it leaked in the bottom left hand front corner in February. It was replaced immediately by the supplier, but since then I have been paranoid about leaks!!! The only thing I can suggest is that the first leaking tank I had was very very slightly unlevel - maybe only a millimeter or two. Im now fairly convinced that this was the reason why the seal failed. It will be interesting to see if the new one I aquired in February this year ends up leaking soon, as this tank is completely level. Im constantly checking it to make sure there is not even a hint of water along the bottom rim!!!

Good luck!

Thanks for that Sam72 - good to know I'm not the only one to have problems with them! Will have to double and triple check the floor is level and try to even it out if not - I think as you said it might be out literally like 1mm! Interesting yours leaked front left which is exactly what all of mine have done! Good luck to you too!