Tank leakage – emergency help needed!!!

[nzhang1001]

Hi, just found a leak on my newly setup tank (used). Water slowly come out btw the rim and glass, at the front bottom right corner. Here is a pic to illustrate it.
http://www.pbase.com/nz1/image/79735985
I think I can use either epoxy or sealant for aquarium/pool, but no experience. Instructions please!!!
Thanks much.

 

[rallysman]

you're going to have to drain it to do it right.

Do you have anything to put your fish in for a few days? Rubbermade or anything?

 

[SteveO]

need to drain, dry then seal, wait 24 hours

 

[Dr Joe]

For an emergency patch you can use 2 part underwater epoxy (for potable water (fish safe)) (home depot pool store etc.) but better to do like rallysman said, by the time you got the epoxy you could buy a 50g tub and always have it as a spare.

Dr Joe

.

 

[johnptc]

what is the tank made of ???

if its glass per your post, why not reseal the entire tank with silicone ??? clean the glass really well on all the inside corners, seal and you should be good to go..........imo

 

[nzhang1001]

Appreciate the input guys

For an emergency patch you can use 2 part underwater epoxy (for potable water (fish safe)) (home depot pool store etc.) but better to do like rallysman said, by the time you got the epoxy you could buy a 50g tub and always have it as a spare.
Dr Joe
.

I already have them all. The epoxy needs to be mixed 50/50, instructions say good for aqaurium. I used it to fix my shower drain a year ago, and my XP3 filter intake sections a month ago. Thx Dr

what is the tank made of ???
if its glass per your post, why not reseal the entire tank with silicone ??? clean the glass really well on all the inside corners, seal and you should be good to go..........imo

This is a 2 year-old Oceanic 72 bowfront tank never had water in it before, got from Craigslist. Since it seems to be the inner bottom corner I plan to epoxy the area plenty which will be covered by gravel. Also, these BFs have a different sealing style than regulars. Thank you.



OK, Here is my plan:
1. take fishes to Rubbermaid with matching water
2. drain the damn tank
3. shovel the gravel away from the corner
4. clean the area and blow it dry
5. frame out the area using masking tape
6. use plenty epoxy to cover the leaking area.
7. lift the masking tape, dryer-blow again then wait 24hr.
Appreciate any additional ideas.
Thx.

 

[johnptc]

i would sand the glass with wet and dry sand paper probably 220 grit. the will lightly frost the glass and provide better bonding with your choice of sealer. only in the area to be glued as it will frost the glass !!!!

 

[ani-mal-lvr]

I would opt to drain and re-seal the entire tank.
If it never had water in it, prolly a herpe tank.
The rest of the seals could be dried/damaged also.
Draining and re-sealing the whole tank would be the best option imo. Rather than risking another area giving out soon after this patch.

 

[fish head )'>]

I would opt to drain and re-seal the entire tank.
If it never had water in it, prolly a herpe tank.
The rest of the seals could be dried/damaged also.
Draining and re-sealing the whole tank would be the best option imo. Rather than risking another area giving out soon after this patch.

probably the best bet. otherwise your can RE-do the whole joyful experience next week from the seal in the back left corner.

 

[ani-mal-lvr]

Here is wut I do with all of my used tanks.

http://www.plecofanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23959&highlight=resealing

It is not that difficult. Just tryin to help here.