Please help! Tiny bubbles in silicone seal normal?

SobaNoodle

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 30, 2018
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These bubbles at the join (inside the seal, not around) were not there before I filled the tank for a leak test. Is this normal? I don’t have experience with tanks with black silicone seals. This is an aqueon 54 corner, purchased to replace my cracked acrylic 55. Thanks in advance! (sorry picture is rotated, and yes I am draining the tank)

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SobaNoodle

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 30, 2018
14
13
8
37
I just realized that panel is not quite flush either—it’s about an 8th to a 16th of an inch tilted out at the top and in at the bottom

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skjl47

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
May 16, 2011
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Tennessee
Hello; This is something I cannot give a clear answer about. Yes the glass panels being out of alignment looks bad. At the very least that is a sign of poor construction practice if purchased new or poor reassembly if purchased used.
If you can return the tank, then that is my strongest suggestion.
If you are somehow stuck with the tank there are two or three options. If you have a safe place to set the tank so a spill or bad leak does no damage, then put it there and fill it up and wait. Wait how long? As long as you can stand. For me probably at least a week, likely much more. Much will depend on the final resting place. Can you ever really trust it?
Another option is to rebuild the tank. Not too much fun but very doable.
Good luck
 
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SobaNoodle

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 30, 2018
14
13
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Thanks. This is literally the third tank in a row I tried to bring home to replace my cracked 55 and all three had serious flaws (misaligned panels, flawed stand, inadequate seal). I think it’s time to just throw in the towel and rehome the fish at this point.

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