How to seal a tank?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
N

Newfe

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 12, 2010
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Canada
I just picked up a used 108. The silicone looks like it may be lifted off the glass in spots. When I press my finger on the silicone it moves toward the glass. The tank had water in it when I bought it. The guy filled it 1 day and I looked at it the next day and bought it. It didn't leak then.

If I was to re-seal it, do I have to take all the glass apart and caulk between the panes where they butt together or just caulk all the inside seams?

Any help would be great.
 
I agree with leaving the silicone that holds the panels together. I just resealed a tank about 2 weeks ago. Your going to need at least two tubes of silicone (I use a little over 1 tube for a 55g). Also do it outside if at all possible, the fumes can be quite strong. I use masking tape to make sure I have a straight lines then pull the tape off while the silicone is still wet. Do yourself a favor and cut a round corner into a spatula (spelling) so you can use it and not your hands. Makes for a much cleaner look. Heres some pics to help.

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Thanks JK47,
You make it look very easy.
I read scrape with a razor blade. Then use some kind of alcohol to get the residue. The silicone in the picture is the best one to use. I don't care how much the silicone cost, as long as it keeps water off my floor.

Thanks
 
Great job on the step by step photos!:thumbsup:
the key is getting the glass clean.Scrape till you are sure its clean,rub it down with alcohol then scrape it again.
I use latex gloves when putting the silicone on or I always end up with some on my hand.
The spatula works great or if you are wearing glove you can just use your finger.
 
Newfe;4279269; said:
Thanks JK47,
You make it look very easy.
I read scrape with a razor blade. Then use some kind of alcohol to get the residue. The silicone in the picture is the best one to use. I don't care how much the silicone cost, as long as it keeps water off my floor.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Your very welcome! :thumbsup: Using the above I can do a tank in about 20 minutes... I never waste time with a razor blade. I use a scraper like the one below in the pic. I can literally cut off the silicone in one shot without breaking it into pieces like it does with a razor blade and saves time on prep work after. Make sure to use some rubbing alcohol as suggested, I use acetone myself but that is just my preference. Either makes the surface area cleaner and gives the silicone a better seal to the glass.. ;)

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Just wet your finger to smooth it out. The key is to not put too much on. Stacking a half inch of silicone doesn't make it any stronger.
 
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