Should I Re-seal?

[mislisa]

I just picked up a used 20g and was wondering if you'd recommend redoing the seals. This is my first time buying a used tank and am a bit nervous of sudden leaks. The tank was filled and running before i bought it, so i know it doesn't leak yet. I have no idea as of the age of the tank, but it looks a bit old. any opinions? this tank will be used to house shellies at my office once it's deemed clean and safe.

 

[thereverendturtle]

If it was filled and running when you got it, the silicone should be fine.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I bought one that was said to have been filled and no leaks but I still felt better giving it an extra layer of sealant to be sure.

 

[mislisa]

I thought that you had to strip down all of the old stuff first? I read that the new sealant won't stick to the old.

 

[thereverendturtle]

It will stick, but not perfectly. You do need to strip it for a perfect seal.

 

[raptorrex]

I thought that you had to strip down all of the old stuff first? I read that the new sealant won't stick to the old.

very good point.
old silicone does not stink to new.
to "FIX", as opposed to just "PATCH", the problem.
you will need to remove the glass, clean all old silicone off and re-bed the panel.

you have to remember that the silicon not only keeps the water in, it holds the whole tank together too.
so, whilst you may be able to "patch" the leak, the split is still there.
as water creates an outward pressure, under the "patch", is still unconnected.
causing a stress point, which can only get worse.

 

[lolobunnz]

It should be evenly, delicately and thinly spread in straight lines. If there are chunks missing here and there even if they dont get near where the two glass panes meet or if it was discolored i would.or even if there were chipped glass on corners i eould as well.

But if it looks like none has gotten loose i would take easy street on that one.

If you do redo it you should take all the old silicone off. Just for a sharper cleaner tank appearance imo.

 

[raptorrex]

It should be evenly, delicately and thinly spread in straight lines. If there are chunks missing here and there even if they dont get near where the two glass panes meet or if it was discolored i would.or even if there were chipped glass on corners i eould as well.

But if it looks like none has gotten loose i would take easy street on that one.

If you do redo it you should take all the old silicone off. Just for a sharper cleaner tank appearance imo.

white vinegar good at this, or plain acetic acid. much quicker and cleaner than just scrapping.
honest it will save you ages.

 

[dougie]

You can buy silicone remover. You just apply it as you would the silicone itself, give it an hour & it just wipes away, silicone included.

 

[thereverendturtle]

If you do replace it, use one of those chaulking shapers, couple of bucks at a hardware store, to smooth it out and it pushes it into the gaps. You can also use a piece of potato cut to shape.

 

[mislisa]

well, i'll definitley be re-sealing... i just did a thourough check while cleaning algae off the glass... there are a few chips on the corners i didn't notice before, as well as a few loose spots of silicone. it doesn't leak, but it's only a matter of time. better safe than sorry!!

Thanks for all the tips... any others would be greatly appreciated! this is my first time doing this.

just wondering... how would i apply the vinegar? dilute in water, or apply directly? how much would i use? I'm going to look into silicone remover as well, but vinegar would probably be cheaper.

 

[thereverendturtle]

I've personally never tried either of those methods, and would be leery of the silicon remove. That's just me tho. I've always just used a straight edge razor blade to cut out the old silicon.