HELP! Resealing a 135 gal.

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

flowerpower

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 10, 2007
2,508
13
0
NY
I got a 135 gallon for free off of a forum member last weekend. The tank has a significant leak along the bottom seam along the back. My question is; should I strip down the entire tank and reseal it or just focus on the site of the leak? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
reseal the whole thing you got it for free thats a cheap investment in security and new silicone is cheap compared to a leak. its not that big of a job I have done all but 1 of my tanks when I got them just on the bigger ones a second or third set of hands is really nice. get the camera out and share the whole process. good luck
 
I would remove ALL the interior silicone, without damaging the seal between the glass panes, and apply new silicone. It's time consuming to remove the old silicone but well worth the effort. Clean the glass surfaces with denatured alcohol & let dry before applying the silicone.
 
Absolutely strip the whole thing.I used a supersharp wood chisel to get most of the silicone out,then razor blades,then scotchbrite then alchohol then razors again.Clean glass and it will seal.just silicone on the inside.Use a caulking gun and 100% silicone either aquarium safe or ge type 1 window and door.Be sure it does not say bioseal or mildew resistant.Wear disposable gloves!Use a gloved finger to smooth the bead into the corners.Good luck!
 
gomezladdams;3650174; said:
Absolutely strip the whole thing.I used a supersharp wood chisel to get most of the silicone out,then razor blades,then scotchbrite then alchohol then razors again.Clean glass and it will seal.just silicone on the inside.Use a caulking gun and 100% silicone either aquarium safe or ge type 1 window and door.Be sure it does not say bioseal or mildew resistant.Wear disposable gloves!Use a gloved finger to smooth the bead into the corners.Good luck!
Click to expand...

That's what I was looking for. Thanks for your help.
 
I recently resealed my 265. You need to take out all of the old silicone since new silicone won't bind with old silicone. I got one of those razor baldes witha handle used to scrape paint. It's labor intensive, but so worth it. Thw cost of the silicone to reseal a tank doesn't even touch the cost of a new tank. Good luck!
 
I agree with everyone else...strip it down. I Also make sure to clean all surfaces with rubbing alcohol or I used 100% acetone when I did my 125. Stuff doesn't smell too great and makes you loopy in the head. The silicone isn't much better so vent the room.
 
Also be sure to do all of the new silicone at once, because wet silicone doesnt stick to dry silicone very well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom