I have a 55 gallon that I bought used. Held water for three months and started leaking. I removed the silicone (looked like it had already been resealed before) and applied a new seal. Tested it and it started leaking again in the same spot. I then noticed it looked like the glass had bulged out ever so slightly on that side. The frame looks fine (no cracks) but would this likely be due to needing a new frame or the sealant not holding? Have resealed a half-dozen tanks and have never ran into this before.
Failed reseal question
- Thread starter dent20
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Generally speaking the frame doesn’t hold the tank together. It does however hold the tank up so as to eliminate pressure points on the bottom and for the top if there is a center brace helps to support the center of the tank from bowing out.
I would suspect that the silicone between the glass is at fault.
Can you get a picture of the problem area?
Other than that I would guess the tank needs a complete tear down and rebuild.
What type silicone did you use?
I would suspect that the silicone between the glass is at fault.
Can you get a picture of the problem area?
Other than that I would guess the tank needs a complete tear down and rebuild.
What type silicone did you use?
The tank may be a good candidate for use as a sump.
Old tanks that leak at full volume, may be fine at half or 1/3 (if cause is the push of heavy outward pressure).
I have sometimes used them as sumps, just take them outside, add water, and see how full you can get before they start to leak.
If not too scratched up, they may also be of use as a palludarium.
Old tanks that leak at full volume, may be fine at half or 1/3 (if cause is the push of heavy outward pressure).
I have sometimes used them as sumps, just take them outside, add water, and see how full you can get before they start to leak.
If not too scratched up, they may also be of use as a palludarium.