How to reseal a tank?

[ernie9624]

Are there any good write ups on resealing a tank. I have a 125 that is all glass. It does not have any frame at all just glass. The seal on the side has split. This is the third time this has happend in the 16yrs I have had. I want to fix it, but would like to fix it so this does not happen again. Should a build a frame to help keep it together or could I buy the frames from a manufacturer? Any ideas would be great.

 

[Lady G]

Well, I can tell you first off you need to get all the old out, because the silicone will not stick to silicone. Use a razor blade or something like that, I scraped mine out as much as possible, then used rubbing alcohol to get the residue off, scraped some more, used the alcohol and continued until all little bits were off. Be sure to get all the scrapes out (I used a little hand broom and dust pan to sweep it into and out of the tank). You have to be sure to do the entire tank though at one time, I don't think there is anyway to just "fix" one spot. Use 100% silicone (nothing added to it) GE makes a good one. Be prepared for the smell OMG, it is rough!!! Then re-seal the entire tank, let it sit for at least 24 hours, fill with water (outside, in garage) anywhere you don't mind water spilling out to..just incase it does leak let it sit with the water in it for a few days just to be sure the seal is going to hold.

I'm sure others will have more advice on this..but that is what I did to mine.

~Good Luck!!!

 

[ernie9624]

I am going to have to take the pane of glass out of the side to fix the tank. Since it doesn't have a frame should I put a brace back in the center. This tank expands (bows) a half an inch in the center when filled.

 

[gomezladdams]

I would add a brace
The key to succesfully resealing a tank is getting the glass really clean.
When you think its perfectly clean,scrape it again.

 

[ernie9624]

I'm thinking of having three pieces of glass cut to fit inside the tank. I think I will put one in each corner and one in the center. Something like the top af an acrylic.

 

[solchitlins]

Heres some good links:

http://www.bestfish.com/tips/082798.html

and

http://aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_view_article.php?aid=107

I need to do my 90 gal too. I'm all ready to go but now wondering if it's too cold out side to cure properly. It's like 35 degrees here. Mines a really old thick glass tank and it's heavy and I have no one to help me move it to the basement.

 

[ernie9624]

Thanks for the links. I think your right. That is too cold to cure right.

 

[D-007]

I also have to redo my 125g that also has no bracing but instead of leaving it to cure for the usual 24 hours, I'll be letting mine cure for a whole week because of the low outdoor temperatures before water testing it.

I'll also leave something over it; like some cardboard to protect it from the morning frost.

Just my 0.0¼¢

 

[snaggle]

http://albertaaquatica.com/index.php?showtopic=11713

Check out this link for a article on relining a tank.

 

[ernie9624]

great pics thanks