resealing

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rickyricardo

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 6, 2008
201
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new england
Just how difficult it is to reseal a tank? In my case we're talking a 55 gal. I just bought it used and even though it didnt look like it was leaking during my test fill outside the silicone just doesnt look good. There are a lot of bubbles under the silicone in a lot of spots. If it is not a major PITA I think I would like to be on the safe side and do it.

Any good step by step instruction threads around?

Thanks.............rick
 
And one more thing please.......is this still recommended here for sealing:
GE Silicone
10.1 Oz. 100% Silicone Window & Door Black Sealant
 
It's easy, just trim away the inside silicone, leaving the tank intact and re-silcone.

Multiple threads on about it that go into great detail too!

Don't mind edtriou he's a :newbie: and hasn't seen the threads here on MFK. :ROFL:

Dr Joe

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Dr Joe;2085891; said:
It's easy, just trim away the inside silicone, leaving the tank intact and re-silcone.

Multiple threads on about it that go into great detail too!

Don't mind edtriou he's a :newbie: and hasn't seen the threads here on MFK. :ROFL:

Dr Joe

.
Click to expand...

Thanks Dr Joe. I am familiar with the search function and google. Problem is there are a limited number of step by step threads in regards to resealing. And most of those are at least 4 years old. Just want to make sure nothing has changed or that I am missing out on some helpful tips. This is my first tank reseal, it all sounds very simple, which in my past experiences means that it will probably turn out to be very difficult. :cry:

But again thank you and thank you too ED.

rick
 
okay really doing my homework on this one. i have the tank empty and dry on my kitchen floor. I am going to use black silicone. Now I hear that for a tank my size (55) I should completely dismantle it and reseal everything. What do you think. I also read that if you dont do this and use black the clear inbetween the glass will not look good.

Would I be go over my head by trying to completly dismantle this tank? Anyone done it that cares to share some how to tips.

thanks........rick
 
rickyricardo;2094552; said:
anybody?????????????
Click to expand...

Well nobody answered that question.:( So I have decided not to dismantle it, why you ask, why not.

I do have another question though, maybe somebody might be able to help me on this one, I have completely removed all of the old silicone and have taken much care to make sure all of it has been removed. I have used rubbing alcohol to clean the glass of any residue. My problem is there are still white circular stains where the old silicone was. I guess it is the remmants of air bubbles under the old silicone. Well I can not for the life of me remove them. I have tried the alcohol and used a razor with no luck. I am using black to reseal and I really would like to get rid of these stains.

Any ideas?????????

And let me just say the reason I kept asking about resealing questions is because while there may be several threads on the web about resealing I have yet to find one thread on resealing after the tank has been completely dismantled. This is what I have been looking for.

Thanks...........rick
 
I did some research too and have stripped the old silicone from my tank - 45 gal.
From what I could find - just remove the old silicone and make sure you get it all.
Then apply the new bead and allow it to cure long enough.

The tank I have removed all of the silicone from is sitting on my patio table and is holding water every time it rains. No silicone left on the outside or inside. There is no way I would dismantle it.

I just have to remember to pick up the silicone so that I can get the job finished.
 
Don't dismantle the entire tank. What you need to do is make sure you get all the silicone off witha razor blade. When you think you've gotten it all off put a new blade on and scrape it again. If there is any silicone still on the glass it may not seal. Silicone does not seal to silicone. After you have all the silicone of the inside, you have to do the sides and bottom, all the silicone inside the tank has to come off. Take asitone ( I think that's spelled right) and put some on a rag and wipe all the corners real good. You can now put the silicone on, get a nice beed, you can spread it with a flat spoon handle or your finger. Just make sure you have it pushed into the corners. Let it dry for a few days and then you should be able to fill it. I just did a 125 gallon tank last month and I just started on my 220 gallon tonight. Take your time when doing it, make sure it's done right the first time because if you have to do it all over again it's not fun. Hope this helps good luck.

Thanks
Joe
 
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