New to me tank

[Dalfrey86]

Well I must have the eye to look at other's garbage and see gold. Scored a 55 gallon tank and stand for free. The only catch is that there is a slow leak somewhere.

Looks like food coloring and water is in store for me as well as some new sealing work.

Wish me luck.

 

[Magnus_Bane]

Well I must have the eye to look at other's garbage and see gold. Scored a 55 gallon tank and stand for free. The only catch is that there is a slow leak somewhere.

Looks like food coloring and water is in store for me as well as some new sealing work.

Wish me luck.

Personally I wouldn't even bother with the food coloring to pinpoint the leak. Generally it's best to just reseal the entire inside of the tank so that it doesn't leak for a few more years. It may cost a bit of time and effort but it's well worth it in the end. Just got to get a straight razor and scrape out all the old silicon from the inside of the tank, just be careful not to cut into the seams between the glass panels, and then take rubbing alcohol to remove the last bits ya can't see before resealing it with new silicon. I also recommend doing this in a garage or room that you don't go into often due to the fact that curing silicon smells terrible, but atleast once it's completely cured it won't smell anymore.

 

[Dalfrey86]

Personally I wouldn't even bother with the food coloring to pinpoint the leak. Generally it's best to just reseal the entire inside of the tank so that it doesn't leak for a few more years. It may cost a bit of time and effort but it's well worth it in the end. Just got to get a straight razor and scrape out all the old silicon from the inside of the tank, just be careful not to cut into the seams between the glass panels, and then take rubbing alcohol to remove the last bits ya can't see before resealing it with new silicon. I also recommend doing this in a garage or room that you don't go into often due to the fact that curing silicon smells terrible, but atleast once it's completely cured it won't smell anymore.

Yup, having used GE 1 for other applications the smell is unforgettable.

Also the reason for food coloring is for verification that the bind between the glass sheets is strong. Though I have a feeling the tank was unlevel causing undue stress on a joint or two.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Forget trying to find the leak. If its got a leak anywhere then the best thing is a full reseal. For a 55g shouldnt take more than an hour or two of work and a couple tubes of silicone.

Free tanks are always nice especially if the glass is in good shape. Good work.

 

[Chief Tom]

Luckily I've gotten a 29gallon, 40 gallon and I have 2 55s from letgo I have to clean out and inspect. I'm far from an expert on acrylic caulk but I know what my eyeballs say. Fill it and see. Don't go crazy with a razor knife.