Re sealing a tank. DIY or professional?

[MonsterFishKeeper82]

I might be getting a 220g tank and it needs to be resealed. My mom wants me to get it done by a pro, but she says if I can do it shell let me. It is just one pane of glass that has to be done. If I reseal it would I have to re seal the whole tank or just the pane?

Thanks for the help guys. I need all the info/help I can get. Thanks again.

Also, if I were to get it done by a pro, how much would it run me about? Thanks.

 

[Khandurian]

Don't know how much it would cost to get it done pro. I've resealed several tanks and it really is quite easy. The best thing to do is remove ALL the seals using a razor blade. Do not go in between the glass. You don't need to separate all the pieces.

Just remove all the seals inside the tank. A box of razor blades are cheap. You need to make sure that you remove all traces of it. Once you have the seals off, you will now need to clean the "film" that is normally left behind after you remove silicone.

Acetone works good. Once you have all the seals removed, grab a roll of tape, and tap off the sections of glass. What this will do is allow you to make nice clean crisp lines.

Once all the tape is in place, grab the silicone and squirt away! Smooth the silicone. Remove the tape before the silicone dries. Let the tank sit 48 hours, test for leaks on the back porch.

Here is a link that shows everything that I am talking about. Reseal your tank!

I just read where that link says wait 8 hours before testing. I completely disagree. Wait 48 hours! A tank that large is gonna have WAY more silicone and needs more drying time.

Hope this helps you out!

 

[MonsterFishKeeper82]

Yea that did help a lot actually thank you very much! Viewing this info it really doesnt look that hard. Ill definatly show my mom the website. Thanks for the help I really appriciate it.

 

[Khandurian]

No problem. The least I can do with all the information this site has given me over the year.

One last thing, when choosing which silicone to use, you will hear just about everyone tell you to use GE Windows and Doors 1. Make sure that it does NOT have the bio-seal in it.

I use GE RTV108 to seal all my tanks.

Have fun! Good Luck!

 

[Dr Joe]

Article does say 48 hrs, he just didn't hyphenate it so it's easy to miss read it.

Good link Khandurian.

MonsterFishKeeper82, get a few scraps of glass and practice, it will pay off in a smoother finished look. And your DM will see you know what your doing.

Dr Joe

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[JEAE21]

don't let your mom drop your tank in the ocean

 

[Tongue33]

Y Viewing this info it really doesnt look that hard.

Oh the fun it would be to watch your first experience with smoothing silicone!!!

You should video tape it so we can see

Clearing the silicone out of a tank that size is also going to be fun But stick with it and you should do fine .

Keep a stack of blades with you. And when it starts to feel like its harder than you thought and you may not finish.... Switch blades

the first tank is always the most decieving. Oh but the payoff when you see it full of water and not leaking!!!! Priceless

 

[Zeppelin3k]

i redid my 180. its been up for 8-9 months now

 

[Khandurian]

Oh the fun it would be to watch your first experience with smoothing silicone!!!

You should video tape it so we can see

I was just thinking the same thing. I also agree about getting some smaller pieces of glass and practicing on that. I skipped that step and boy was that a learning curve!

HERE IS the link for my 55 that I had to tear completely apart and redo. As you can see, it was a HUGE learning curve. I left the tape on the first time DOH! and had to redo it. But overall, it came out real nice. I just realized, I did this over 9 months ago. Still no leaks!!

HERE IS another link. This was an absolutely beautiful tank. Too much aggressive cleaning of the glass close to the seals was it's downfall.