Leaky Tank

[JenJ]

So if, say, someone was stupid enough to move a tank still full of water, and it sprung a leak near the top of one corner, which was successfully sorted with sealant, then a month or so later started leaking again from the same corner, would you give up on it?

I'm guessing I could put it on freecycle or something as a possible terrarium?

In which case do I try and find another tank (which I cant really afford at the moment) or try and rehome the fish?

 

[Lunar Jetman]

I guess you could try sealing it again but as you've tried that once already it might be time to accept the inevitable. If it were me and I'd tried once to fix it and it leaked again from the same spot, I'd probably get a new one.

How far up the top is it? Could you run the tank for a while with the water below the leak?

 

[JenJ]

That's what I'm doing for now - it's just over half full. I'm lightly stocked for a full tank but it still doesn't look very good and I'm concerned about the tank eventually exploding if there's already a fault.

I'll look at prices for a replacement tank but I may end up closing it down. A shame as half of the fish I've only had for a few weeks!

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Maybe you could just find another tank on ebay and have a back-up plastic tub waiting in case the worst happens before you find a good deal on ebay. At least, that is the route I would go (got both my 10g and 20g on ebay as a full setup, 10g for £40 and 20g for £20).

 

[CezzaXV]

There are some fantastic bargains to be had on second hand tanks on eBay.

 

[JenJ]

eBay terrifies me, lol!

I'll have a look though, and see what the lfs can offer for just the tank only. Thanks all

 

[Mikey1]

So if, say, someone was stupid enough to move a tank still full of water, and it sprung a leak near the top of one corner, which was successfully sorted with sealant, then a month or so later started leaking again from the same corner, would you give up on it?

I'm guessing I could put it on freecycle or something as a possible terrarium?

In which case do I try and find another tank (which I cant really afford at the moment) or try and rehome the fish?

 
 
would i give up on it?.....no
 
i would fix the leak properly, which means removing the panel, removing all the old silicone, and re-installing the panel with new silicone to form a new, strong, and proper seal,
 
i would not use the tank anymore unless it is fixed properly, it is currently a ticking time bomb ready to explode, that whole seam has become a weak point and you are only steps away from a complete blowout and a very wet floor,
 
this is the reason why tanks need to be supported all the way around the edges, failure to do so causes stress on the seams, and in most cases you get the result that you currently have.....or worse
 
putting silicone over the existing silicone is like putting a band aid over a gaping wound.....it might help temporarily, but it will not solve the problem long term

 

[Shaddex]

+1 for the repair.  Not such a big deal..

 

[bodge99]

Hello,
 
Mikey1 is spot on... If you can, reduce the level of water in the tank as a matter of urgency. I've seen tanks fail catastrophically.. not a pretty sight!
 
As to dumping the tank... don't! Just repair it. It's actually very easy to do.
 
I would recommend fully disassembling the tank, removing **every** trace of the old silicone and rebuilding (literally) from the bottom up. It will cost about £6 per tube of silicone (you may need a couple).
 
I've rebuilt quite a few tanks, so if you want any pointers then just ask here.
 
Bodge99.

 

[Mikey1]

I've seen tanks fail catastrophically.. not a pretty sight!

 

 
oh so have i....
 
i have seen a 180 gallon tank literally explode in front of my eyes.....one of the panes cracked because it was not supported properly on the stand.....it sounded like a bomb went off and scared the crap outta me

 

[JenJ]

The water is reduced to a level where it's not leaking, but I'm very aware that it's only temporary. I don't want to repair it myself as I wouldn't trust the end result, and I would never feel confident in having water in it again, which would kinda defeat the purpose.
 
Once I've sorted a new one/rehomed the fish, if anyone here wants to collect the tank and repair it for their own use/resale, just let me know. 

 

[Mikey1]

The water is reduced to a level where it's not leaking

 
 
even though its not leaking, there is still alot of stress and pressure on a very weak seam,
 
a "blowout" so to speak is still very possible,
 
if you were close to me i would fix it for you for free,

 

[JenJ]

Yes, I'm definitely not comfortable leaving it as it is.
 
If I emptied it, would the fish be ok in my other tanks - stocking in sig - I'd put the fairies in with the lampeyes and pandas, and the diamonds and gourami in the main tank. Only until the weekend when hopefully I can either take them to my lfs or preferably get a replacement tank sorted. 
 
Is the risk of upsetting the other tanks worth it for a couple of days? Would it be better to just take out all water except a few inches deep? Gah...!


...and thank you

 

[locheelad]

try getting some CT1 it seals under water and you can bond any thing with it stone glass wood plastic cups

 

[raptorrex]

try getting some CT1 it seals under water and you can bond any thing with it stone glass wood plastic cups

some years ago i got quite exited about CT1.
So i asked the maker/distributor to confirm it was totally safe for fish.
though, at the time, they said they were testing it to confirm. in at least three years, they have not done so!
 
even if it is, safe, i would still tend towards making a proper repair. using CT1 to act as a "stop gap" till you can home the fish, temporarily, whilst you make the repair.
 
So another +1 for Mikey1's first post