My Tank Is Leaking

[RinaLane]

My 10G tank is leaking from somewhere on the bottom. What should I do to fix it? And how to find exact place of leak?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

It isn't worth trying to fix. It would take a reseal. 10 gal. tanks are cheap, replace it. You can keep everything else for use on/in the new tank. In a pinch, a Rubbermaid container can be used to park the fish in and the filters equipment too.
 
Count you blessings. I recently had 75 gal built into a wall tank develop a slow leak. 16 hours later and it was down to gravel and minimal water and the entire contents were in an empty 150 I had to clean to make usable.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hmm, might be an idea to get another tank or container and transfer your stocking into that with the filter.
 
THEN investigate the leak from your 10 gal tank, as any movements of the tank may make matters worse, meaning making the silicon weaker etc.
 
Drying off the outside glass of tank completely and then seeing where fresh water is leaking from, not a quick process, more sort of detective work in looking to see where the leak is from.
 
But not to panic. One step at a time.

 

[RinaLane]

Thanks I'll buy a new one then. Just curious what do people use to seal leaks - silicone gun?

 

[Ch4rlie]

Folks tend to use aquarium safe sealant / silicon to reseal tanks.
 
 
Like this for example -
Aquarium Sealant
 
Its a bit of a hassle to reseal tanks if honest, need right tools and clamps as well as removing old sealants with razor blade.
 
More time consuming, but good for those who enjoy diy projects.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

New silicone does not stick to old silicone, so you do a reseal after removing the old silicone. Not sure how accurate this is, but-
http/www.fishchannel.com/fish-health/healthy-aquariums/fixing-a-leaking-aquarium.aspx

 

[Vethian]

once you rule out a crack in the glass and located the leak, clean the area with vinegar and rinse well.  then use a razor blade to scrape back the old silicone.  wipe it clean and dry.  then use caulking gun and clear silicone for kitchen and bath to reseal.  wait 48 hours and test the seal.

 

[dave840f1]

Do not use silicone that is for Kitchen / bathroom as this has mould inhibitors in them and can kill fish etc. may be in the U.S. they don't add this but most other places do.

 

[Vethian]

well, I have learned that if it is 100% silicone it doesnt really matter.  the white caulk has biochemicals in it for anti-mold.  So, i guess just read the label.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

A larger tank might be worth fixing, but I'm with TTA on this one.  A 10 Gallon tank, especially in the US, are about as cheap as cheap can be in this industry.  If you're fortunate, Petco will be holding their Dollar per Gallon sale, and you can get it for $10.  Or...
 
 
 
 
You can use this as an opportunity to upgrade that 10 gallon to a 30 gallon!     ( MTS... join us! )

 

[dave840f1]

Well Vethian, where I live even the clear Silicon has additive. They make a Silicon just for Aquarium use that I purchase to make my tanks that's marked as for Aquarium use.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Have to agree with dave, here in UK, most silicon is not really aquarium safe due to the additive and anti-mould.
 
To be entirely safe, use aquarium safe silicon, more expensive but peace of mind.