Small seams for such a large tank.

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bageezus

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 7, 2014
29
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Wheatfield
While cleaning my 220 I just bought, I was looking at the seams. They are so small for such a big tank. The tank is half inch glass. How do the seams look? I really don't want to have 2 reseal them. They look pretty good. Nice and straight still. Just seems like such a small amount of silicone for a tank this size. Let me know what u guys think. Thanks.

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Wow the largest photos ever. I guess that works and give you a good view of the seams!
 
Seems about right, the seams for my 240 going vertical are a bit weeny but the bottom is thick like yours.
 
How about a picture from the outside of the tank? The silicone you took a picture of does nothing to hold the tank together, it is only there to protect the silicone between the glass.

A tank with 1/2" glass should have a bead of silicone 1/2" wide and about 1/8" thick. It really does not take much for a proper tank build.
 
Looks no thicker/thinner than my 1/2" glass 8' 240. What you want to be worried about is the sides of that bead and water under-cutting it and getting into the silicon between the actual glass. As previous poster mentioned, the inner silicon seal is only there to protect the actual silicon holding your tank together (stuff in between the glass).

Basically, as long as that bead is water-tight and not peeling on the sides where water could contact the true seals holding the glass together, you are fine. I also agree that thicker near the bottom is going to be more important than being uniform.

Are the inner seals original from tank build, or a re-done at some point?

I would be more worried if it was re-done at some point and the person doing it used GE silicon I or some other cheap non-aquarium stuff.

If you re-do it, go with Momentive 103/108 (Black / Clear). Can order it online from granger.... More expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Its not too much work and with some cheap caulk stripping tools, acetone, and some painting tape to mask it, you will know the seal is new and will hold for a long time. Just make sure to pull the tape as soon as you smooth the bead with your finger (use a latex glove).

But at first glance, your seals look fine...
 
It has never been redone. the silicone between the glass looks great. A few spots have a little peeling here and there, very minor.
 
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