Resealing large tank?

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Rachel.Cody

Rachel.Cody

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 2, 2014
1,215
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Ohio
Well due to money situations right now it looks like my plan to get the full 220 setup isnt going to happen. I was looking on craigslist for a big cheapish tank and stumbled across a 265 with stand for $400. The only thing is is that it needs resealed. Im going to try and talk the guy down a bit on it since it does need a reseal though. My question is, am i in over my head? Ive never resealed a tank before but i have watched a lot of videos about it and am very familiar with sealing with silicone and what not from construction work. Should i try this out? I feel like its the only way i will be able to afford a larger tank right now. I will water test and what not in the garage. Before I bring it in the house (unless i decide to keep it in the garage). Thanks ahead of time
 
Check each panel for movement. If u get any movement at the seams then the main seal is to far gone and the tank will need to be completely rebuilt.

Just my opinion. If it's a pinhole leak through the main seal I would just give it a reseal. But like I said if any seams are remotely letting go then it needs to be fully torn down.

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LukeOscar said:
Check each panel for movement. If u get any movement at the seams then the main seal is to far gone and the tank will need to be completely rebuilt.

Just my opinion. If it's a pinhole leak through the main seal I would just give it a reseal. But like I said if any seams are remotely letting go then it needs to be fully torn down.

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Click to expand...

I know a reseal is pretty straight forward, strip, clean and seal. How much worse is it to do a full rebuild?

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Rachel.Cody said:
I know a reseal is pretty straight forward, strip, clean and seal. How much worse is it to do a full rebuild?

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Click to expand...

Hardest part by far for me was separating the panels. I ended up having to heat them up pretty damn hot (I was scared) so the silicone would soften enough to give me the space I needed.

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As already said, it's easy to reseal, but to dismantle the tank and start from scratch is a nightmare! If you want to make a professional finis of the seams, use masking tape to give you a perfect finish. Once the new silicone has been pplid, remove the masking tape immediately.
 
If a tank is leaking anywhere the best thing to do is completely disassemble the tank and rebuild it. A leak means the silicone between the glass is compromised and isn't doing it's job properly. The silicone in the corners is simply there to protect the structural bead, it is not intended to hold water in. While it will be much more work, the proper way to fix the leak is a complete rebuild. In the long run you will have less chance of leaks or a seam failure.

That said, a 265 is a really large tank for your first build, not really something I would recommend trying. Not saying it can't be done, but just be sure to do plenty of research and really have a good idea of what you are doing.

Also, $400 is way too much. For a used glass tank that holds water $1/gal is around what you should be looking to pay, plus any accessories, in this case the stand. A leaking tank should be priced a good deal lower since so few people can fix one properly. I'd maybe do $300, but that still seems a bit high.
 
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