Tank leaking

[mill]

I have a nice tank but it has started leaking I have moved all the fish to another smaller tank but would like to repair this one does anyone know what is needed and how do to it.



Thanks mill

jdarthmill@aol.com

 

[wotfish?]

hi mill,
what size tank is it and where abouts is it leaking from?

sue

 

[mill]

3 foot tank and is leaking from left hand corner it looks that side is coming away.

 

[wotfish?]

when ive had a tank leak, ive used a razor blade to scrape the silicone away a couple of inches either side of the leak and then re-siliconed with aquarium sealant. leave to cure for at least 48 hrs, then fill, preferably outside and check it no longer leaks.
hope this helps.

sue

 

[Davy Reynolds]

Hi Mill, welcome to the forum.
I'd do the same as Sue. Scrap off the old sealent and reseal it with Aquarium Sealant, any old silicon won't do, it must be aquarium safe, available a most good lfs (Local fish shops)

Just be careful when removing the old silicon, I've cracked plenty tanks by putting presure on the glass.

If it's a newish tank I'd also take it back for a new one, the siclicon shouldn't leak for years if it's a good job

 

[pete]

Did you buy this tank secondhand?

If so it is probabaly the fact that the silicone has dried out and moving it has caused the leak........i had a 3 foot tank "unpeel" down one side because of this not too long ago leaving my Cobra Snakehead in just 1" of water with an exploded heater :0 (could of been a shocking experience) :laugh:

My advice to anyone who has bought a secondhand tank is to strip the silicone from the upright joints and reseal them with proper aquatic silicone, a little tip here some D.I.Y stores stock this alot cheaper than your lfs (it took some searching but i saved a fortune and got a full size mastic gun tube into the bargain) you will also need some pure alcahol (scoze the spelling) to clean the glass with prior to applying the silicone

Hope this helps and welcome to the forum :laugh:

 

[wotfish?]

ooooooooooooooooh! did i not go into enough detail then huh

could of wrote a manual , but, what the heck

sue

 

[Macquatic]

Hey mill, welcome to the forum. Also check that the base is sitting properly and not twisting slightly as this can also cause a leak. The simplest way is a piece of polystyrene the size of the base of the tank. Place the tank on it and it will absorb any imperfections. Mac.

 

[mill]

Thank you all I`ve now repaired the tank and it has been up and running for two days (with no leaks) . I`ve done more than what u all siad on looking at the tank I decied to repair all the joints an dit work .


Again thanks Mill

 

[adeyc]

Congrats m8. Always glad to hear when thinks workout fine.

 

[pete]

Yeah well done buddy

We'll have you making your own tanks in no time lol