Need help on permanent fix on a indoor pond

[Innerarity Reefs]

I have a customer of mine that has a indoor fish pond in his restuarant that is leaking. It was built many years ago, and was made like a bathtub from what he can remember and from what I can tell. It was framed up (just a square box) lined with greenboard of some sort, then standard 4x4 backsplash tiles and standard grout and mastic or whatever you call it....lol...I would never think thats leak proof considering its submerged 24/7. Now its leaking from where we dont know but theres water under the tiles in the foyer to the restuarant. What kind of fix is there?! Is a freshwater pond holding about 250g of water. We need a fix!! Thanks

 

[aldiaz33]

As you describe it, that's pretty amazing that it's only just now starting to leak. Having demolished a few shower enclosures, the grout lines were a definite weak spot and there was mold and signs of water penetrating to the green board all over the place. And this was a shower enclosure, not submerged 24/7.

Outside of completly demolishing the pond and rebuilding it, I would just lay a pond liner in it. It won't look as clean as the tile, but it should take care of the leak if they are unwilling to pay for a complete overhaul.

 

[Innerarity Reefs]

Here's a pic of the pond. Im thinking we'll bust up the tile on the back ledge and front ledge, then lay the liner, then pin it down with a strip of plywood then lay more tile. BUT what about the vertical sides? Not as easy.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[Andyroo]

Can't you seal the grout lines with an epoxy?
There are even treatments that can be applied underwater- ask at the swimming pool shop.
A

 

[Innerarity Reefs]

Hmm. I'll check into it thanks! What about coating the entire inside with a resin?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using MonsterAquariaNetwork App