POLL: resealed tanks

[jpatz18]

Just wonder if anyone has resealed there tank and has it releaked and how many years did it last, Also did you remove the seam too?Also what silicone did you get i got GE silcone 1.

ALSO it is mutiply choice. just thought i throw that in there.

 

[rallysman]

I resealed a 135. It's a must to remove all of the old silicone because new wont stick to the old.

It's been running for a year with no problems now.

 

[jpatz18]

even the stuff between the glass that holds it together?

 

[rallysman]

if the seam has split completely I would, otherwise I dont think it's necessary. That's a glue rather than a silicone. (atleast it was in the tank that I resealed, but I didnt replace it.

 

[Demon_fish]

i resealed an old 20 gallon and it sprung a leak worse than the original leak. but i may have just done a bad first job. then i went to re touch it and the caulking gun broke!

 

[jpatz18]

thanks and i am using ge silicone 1 thats good?100% silicone.
But the GE silicone 2 had some mold stuff, but it was 100% silicone too. Just some short of additive?

 

[jpatz18]

so i have to reseal going up to not just the bottom correct.
So i just have to becareful not to get between the "glue"
so first i do the bottom then i reseal going up.
pics will expain what i mean, also anyone know what kinda spider that is?
sorry for all the question i just want to do it once, and do it right. thanks rallysman hope you can answer this one too..

 

[rallysman]

When I did it I stripped the entire tank and resealed it all at once.

If you try to get silicone to seal to old silicone it will probably leak again.

 

[cougar579]

Let me give you a step by step method I use.
1. Scrape all silicone off with a razor blade.
2. Clean out all the debris left behind in the tank.
3. Clean all seams with acetone and a rag.
4. Cut caulk tube for a 3/8in bead at a 45 degree angle.
5. Start at the bottom and make your way around all four sides.
6. Using your finger(I use latex gloves smooth the silicone into the seams in one smooth motion.
7. Finish all four corners starting from bottom up.
8. Repeat step six.
9. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before you water test it.

 

[jimk]

I would also use some painter's tape so you get a nice clean edge. Make sure you wash the adhesive off very well.