REsealing Tank Silicone questions

[fishguy306]

Are you talking about the stuff in the corner rather than the silicon between the two sheets of glass? Then sure, I'll agree with that, it should be fine there. That said you've got bigger issues it its leaking. The silicon in the corners is just there to protect the silicon between the glass, it does nothing for support or leak protection. Sure, it'll hold back some water, but that's not what its there for. You've got a bad seam between the glass if the tank is leaking. While its in your house, I personally would not risk it.

 

[Mastiffman]

Are you talking about the stuff in the corner rather than the silicon between the two sheets of glass? Then sure, I'll agree with that, it should be fine there. That said you've got bigger issues it its leaking. The silicon in the corners is just there to protect the silicon between the glass, it does nothing for support or leak protection. Sure, it'll hold back some water, but that's not what its there for. You've got a bad seam between the glass if the tank is leaking. While its in your house, I personally would not risk it.

Ah, yeah!? I was just thinking this... I"m thinking of purchasing a 300gallon that has been moved a few times and resealed just on the inside between moves to supposedly ensure the integrity of the seal. Is what I'm being told by the seller.. Would it be best to reseal the whole tank though because of this even if it's not leaking or can I just use the RTV108 for the inside?

@ OP,

I would definitely at least consider removing the outside pane of glass that the leak is coming from... That way you know that you started with a good conrer in the first place...

 

[BIG-G]

you could remove a single pane as long as you remove all the silicone between the joints and all the silicone on the inside seam. If you do not remove the inside seam and reseal the entire inside the old silicone will not bond with the new and it will eventually leak.

 

[BIG-G]

Are you talking about the stuff in the corner rather than the silicon between the two sheets of glass? Then sure, I'll agree with that, it should be fine there. That said you've got bigger issues it its leaking. The silicon in the corners is just there to protect the silicon between the glass, it does nothing for support or leak protection. Sure, it'll hold back some water, but that's not what its there for. You've got a bad seam between the glass if the tank is leaking. While its in your house, I personally would not risk it.

yes I am speaking of the inside. The silicone between the glass is what bonds the tank together. If the bond between panes is strong other than a minor leak you do not have to break the tank completely apart to reseal it. You can remove the inside seam and replace it this will repair leaks. There are plenty of aquariums out there that have been repaired this way with out any problems.

It is not recommended to do this to a tank that has had the bond between panes compromised. If you are unsure of the strength of the bond then you need to completely break the tank apart and re-silicone the entire aquarium.

I would also say with very large tanks It is better safe than sorry.

I purchased a used 220 that I had no background on other than It did leak. I tore this tank apart and completely rebuilt it.
I also had a 150 that I bought new after a few years time it developed a small leak. I could not find were it was leaking but I new the silicone in the joints was okay. I removed all the silicone on the inside seam and replaced it and this tank has been holding without any further leaks for a couple years now.

Both ways have there place it depends on the tank and your preference.