How to re-seal tank??

[Docsoldlady]

Mods if I posted in the wrong spot please move...I was really unsure where this should go. Thx!

My husband wants to remove the sealant from a tank we got. He says he doesn't trust the fact that it looks like it has black mold or fungus behind the original sealant. He wants me to purchase some marine caulking. I don't think marine caulking would be fish safe so I am here to ask the experts what I should do. I know there are plenty of you folks who have made your own tanks and I'd like to know what you used. I know the pet store sells small tubes of sealant for like small repairs such as a leak but this is a whole re-seal project on a rather large tank, 75 gallons. I am up for a challenge but I want to make sure I do it correctly the first time so there are no casualties. I seriously don't want to poison my fish. I have plenty of time so this doesn't have to be a rush job. My husband said he had to do this once for a 300 gal tank he had FL gars in but that was nearly 15 years ago and he doesn't remember what he used, he said it was a marine caulking....



Please if anyone could tell me or point me in the right direction on what type of sealant to use, where to get it etc. Also if anyone has done such a project could you offer me some advice on things to look out for, not to do, to do, etc. Any advice, suggestions, and/or information is much appreciated. Thank you!

Oh and if this has been posted before I am sorry I am not trying to duplicate or irritate just a n00b trying to learn.

 

[Ricko]

When i made my tank (with the help of a friend) i used a 999-A sealant, apparently the best stuff over here. I will see if you can get it there plus more details to what this one is.

 

[jsanzone11]

Use GE silicone 1, any 100 percent silicone will work but thats what I use. Make sure you not only clean out all of the silicone from the corners but be carefull not to remove the silicone between the glass. After you remove the old slicone clean the glass with either acetone or rubbing alchohol. The new silicone will not adhear to the old silicone left on the glass. Let it dry for 3 days and you should be ok.. Its usually easier to reseal the whole thing instead of just 1 or 2 seams.

 

[JeNiT]

I use, GE 100% Silicone. You can get it at a Hardware Store. I'm not positive if its Silicone 1 or Silicone 2. Just look on the back of the tube, if Ammonia is listed on it, don't use it. It comes in a few colors, I use clear. You can also get "All Glass Aquarium, Silicone" at your LFS.

Simply Razor all the old silicone off the tank. Make sure you get it all off, the silicone will only bond to glass, not old silicone.

You can use painters tape to make a straight line at all the seams. Or you can test your artistic abilities and spread it with your finger.

Let Silicone cure for 24 hours before adding water. Always water test by putting newspaper under the tank, fill the tank, and make sure you have no leaks.

Easy!

 

[Ricko]

Sorry for the change of subject, but the silicone i have will also adhere to old silicone, what reason the silicone you guys/girls mention doesn't??

 

[NilePufferFanatic]

I used the 100% silicone to seal my 210 a few weeks ago and it is working out still. It did say on the tube "not for underwater use", but it is still holding.

 

[Ricko]

I used the 100% silicone to seal my 210 a few weeks ago and it is working out still. It did say on the tube "not for underwater use", but it is still holding.

Mine says not for underwater use also, but i think they mean actually using it under water!

 

[gomezladdams]

Maximum bond strength is to clean glass,bond strength to old silicone or plastics is l half that.A little care in getting the glass clean ensures the least chance of a leaky tank.
I use the ge type I window and door as well.Just be sure it doesnt say bioseal or mildew resistant on the tube.

 

[Docsoldlady]

From the sounds of it then this type of thing must be routine? I never knew you could re-caulk/re-seal a tank. I sure didn't know you could get the supplies at the hardware store, I thought it was going to be crazy expensive special buy from the pet shop or something. Phew!

So 100% silicone GE 1 is good make sure no bioseal and no mold/mildew resistance. Must remove all old silicone because the new won't stick to the old. Is there anything else I need to know?

Thanks everyone!!

 

[FishPower]

http://aquarticles.com/articles/management/Spinelli_Resealing_Aquarium.html
^here is an article that should help with the whole process of re-sealing a tank.

Some more tips that i found useful when i re-sealed my 75 gallon:
-use a new razor whenever you feel the blade getting dull (i used a new razor every 5mins)
-make sure you get all the old silicone off the joints
-clean the tank with rubbing alcohol before you apply new silicone
-use the back of the spoon to smooth out the new silicone.
-let the silicone dry for a few days just to be sure
-test the tank outside for a few days and check for leaks



here is the silicone that a lot of people use, including me:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=35166-72643-GE012X4&lpage=none