How to seal a tank?

[Newfe]

So the thickness of the bead of silicone does not make the seal any stronger? This is the first tank that I am going to try to seal.

Is there anything else I should know?

Thanks alot, you folks have been very helpfull.

 

[smokymcjoe]

I agree with leaving the silicone that holds the panels together. I just resealed a tank about 2 weeks ago. Your going to need at least two tubes of silicone (I use a little over 1 tube for a 55g). Also do it outside if at all possible, the fumes can be quite strong. I use masking tape to make sure I have a straight lines then pull the tape off while the silicone is still wet. Do yourself a favor and cut a round corner into a spatula (spelling) so you can use it and not your hands. Makes for a much cleaner look. Heres some pics to help.

View attachment 508986

View attachment 508987

View attachment 508988

View attachment 508989

View attachment 508990

View attachment 508991

View attachment 508992

View attachment 508993

pics as well. any chance this could be made a sticky?

you can get acetone from most hardware stores in uk, presume US will be the same.

good luck.

 

[apisto]

you can get a small tool in most DIY shops. It's used to remove silicone in domestic applications and another little handheld job that makes evening the fresh silicone out a doddle

 

[Clay]

Small point of note: the silicone in the picture is not the best to use. RTV 108 or (103 depending on color pref) is a GE (Momentive) ADHESIVE silicone and is FDA approved to be safe. It will not leach any chemicals into your water. If you read the labels on most of the silicones, in the fine print it will say "not safe for aquarium use" to include the red tube pictured above. If you call the 800 number listed on the tube, the GE rep will tell you it is not safe for aquarium use. RTV 108 isn't going to be found at home depot, but if you order online and wait 3 days, it will show up at your door for about $10 a tube.

This is a much better option than GE 1 and NEVER use GE 2
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4UH12?Pid=search

The pictures depict a very clean and proper technique. They are great instructions, minus the silicone instead of a rubber spatula, I have used the back of a plastic soon, and ProCaulk that I bought from Home Depot for a few bucks. Very clean and precise edges.

GE2 not safe for aquarium
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f20/ge-silicone-i-diy-cave-101060.html
http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f6/aquarium-safe-silicone-142827.html
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-326824.html

etc, etc, etc. Google for more examples

 

[Whiteboi_J]

if u spending the bucks on silicone and praying ur DIY silicone job won't leave you with 100 gallons of water on ur floor, why not spend the extra couple of bucks on professional tools, instead of another homemade tool that u might botch up? plus, now that the wife knows u can caulk seams, she might make u re-do the caulking in the bathroom tubs. lol

 

[azazal]

Is rubbing alcohol better than acetone? Where can I get acetone?

paint store lowes home depot...i use MEK because it leaves no residue but alcohol or acetone work fine..and MEK is pretty nasty stuff but i get it free from work...

 

[Newfe]

Should I really try to seal this tank? What are the chances that it will work? I have never done this before, but I'll try anything once. A new 108 here cost $485 tax in. Other lfs want $620 tax in. Is that a deal or what??

 

[Clay]

There is no reason not to. It's a very easy process with just a couple of steps

Remove existing silicone.
Clean the area.
Prep the area (if you're using tape).
Apply silicone.
Smooth silicone.
Allow silicone to cure.
Enjoy your tank.

 

[naten]

Try it. It can't hurt. Here's the trick I learned. When you run your finger over the silicone, or any caulk for that matter. You aren't trying to remove any of the caulk, just smooth it out.

 

[JK47]

Should I really try to seal this tank? What are the chances that it will work? I have never done this before, but I'll try anything once. A new 108 here cost $485 tax in. Other lfs want $620 tax in. Is that a deal or what??

The first tank I resealed I was nervous too. Don't sweat it, it's very easy. I have probably resealed 20+ tanks or so in the last two years. I buy leakers on CL and flip them. I took the time to load the pics so it would ease your concerns. Trust me when I tell you it's easy and beats paying the money for a new tank ANY day of the week lol.. I have used those store bought tools too and don't like them. The spatula is not as rigid. To each his own though.