Professional Aquarium re sealer.
- Thread starter mustang93svt
- Start date
ive resealed a 55 a 75 a 100 long and a 125 with the ge silicone 1 from home depot the last one was the 75 i resealed about a year and a half ago no issues although I will say make sure the glass is clean of everything before resealing oh yeah I also scored some glass pieces on craigslist which turned out to be a dismantled 125 put that together as well and I cleaned all edges with acetone before applying the silicone and dont forget the duct tape hth Mike
Here's why RTV is alot more than 2-3 times stronger than GE1...
http://www.momentive.com/momentiveInternetDoc/MPM/Static Files/Documents/Data Sheets/2047.html
Scroll down about 1/3 of the way and you'll find the strength properties. GE1 is not an adhesive.
So when it comes to resealing your tank, I'm assuming there are a few issues. If it's leaking, you need to make sure you're properly stripping all of the silicone from the corners. This is important so the rtv can get a nice clean seal to the glass. I typically use a scraper razorblade. It seems to work best for me. I also use a dumb tool that i got from Home Depot for perfect silicone beads. I've used a wet finger, a spoon, and the best item so far has been a ProCaulk. I think I paid $9 or $10, but man, all the lines are perfect and smooth. Found it back in the glass section at my HD.
Also, if it's leaking, I would assume there is a structural seam issue somewhere as well? Have you inspected the seams to see if you can see air bubbles between teh panes of glass?
http://www.momentive.com/momentiveInternetDoc/MPM/Static Files/Documents/Data Sheets/2047.html
Scroll down about 1/3 of the way and you'll find the strength properties. GE1 is not an adhesive.
So when it comes to resealing your tank, I'm assuming there are a few issues. If it's leaking, you need to make sure you're properly stripping all of the silicone from the corners. This is important so the rtv can get a nice clean seal to the glass. I typically use a scraper razorblade. It seems to work best for me. I also use a dumb tool that i got from Home Depot for perfect silicone beads. I've used a wet finger, a spoon, and the best item so far has been a ProCaulk. I think I paid $9 or $10, but man, all the lines are perfect and smooth. Found it back in the glass section at my HD.
Also, if it's leaking, I would assume there is a structural seam issue somewhere as well? Have you inspected the seams to see if you can see air bubbles between teh panes of glass?
Just a short update. The tank seals are fully stripped AGAIN!! I have three tubes of rtv 108 to lay down tomorrow. While inspecting where the weak link was in my re seal the silicone separated in a clean split with both upper an lower pieces firmly attached to the glass. I have a few new ideas for cutting the Styrofoam smaller to support the lower glass panel more firmly. Hopefully that and stronger silicone will do the trick. Will let dry all this upcoming week and try to refill next weekend. Thanks MFK!!
Good luck on your 3rd reseal! I prefer to reseal any tanks with an adhesive sealant as Clay suggested. It was worth the slight extra expense for me.
I don't think you really need the pink foam under your glass tank. The tank looks like a Perfecto or All Glass and really should be supported by the perimeter of the stand. Judging by the pictures, it appears the tank overhangs the stand on the sides. Any chance of a closeup?
I would definitely wait at least a week before filling the tank to let the silicone cure properly. Again, that is just my preference.
I don't think you really need the pink foam under your glass tank. The tank looks like a Perfecto or All Glass and really should be supported by the perimeter of the stand. Judging by the pictures, it appears the tank overhangs the stand on the sides. Any chance of a closeup?
I would definitely wait at least a week before filling the tank to let the silicone cure properly. Again, that is just my preference.
Good luck on this. Ive had success resealing tanks but had problems with the bottoms. probably because i used silicone. it worked, but it wasnt pretty. next time ill try this stuff youre trying. ive found that since the silicone is non adhesive it seems fine until there is enough pressure to flex the glass.
The top of the stand is a large piece of plywood the same size as the bottom of the tank with no over hang. As far as the styrofoam this time I gonna cut it back to support the bottom pane of glass instead of the trim how I had it the first time.
