Tank re-seal advice.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
T

thrillbillie12

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jan 11, 2008
607
0
16
37
Conneaut Lake PA
www.myspace.com
So my corner bow front tank sprang a leak. I'm only loosing about two to three gallons a week and decided to fix it over this holiday weekend. I'm fairly confident about doing it but I have a few questions.

The first one is on how. Is it best to do it in sections. Do I only re do where it's leaking or should I just go ahead and re do the entire tank? What's the best silicon to use?

My other question is about my plants. Currently I have a sand substrate with live plants. I figured while it's empty I can set it up right by putting a soil substrate first then cover it with sand. I've seen on some YouTube videos and some websites that potting soil will work. Is this true, and what could I use?


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Any advice?

Sent from my HTC One X using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
You can't do it in sections as the new silicone won't adhere to the old silicone.I did a thread like this a few weeks ago and was given a good bit of advice including a really good step by step YouTube video.Its in General Aquaria Discussion,check it out.
 
I've seen people on here use potting soil, never personally though so hopefully someone chimes in.

When I resealed my 70 (it was catching a drip in my friends basement for like... 3 years) I just went right over the old silicone because of how worn away it was. Bout a year in no issues

Since this probably isn't the case with yours (unless its really old) I'd strip the outer silicone but leave the stuff that connects the panes of glass, I took some the excess of mine off with a razor which worked well. You can use the sealent they sell in your local LFS but I know some other members here know of tank-safe brands from hard wear stores they think are better. Just so you know its going to be a week to dry to get it to full hardness

Sent from my DROID4 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
I resealed a 125 gallon alone u must remove all silicone and do a full reseal in one shot

Sent from my SGH-T989 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
bryan.u159 said:
u must remove all silicone and do a full reseal in one shot

Sent from my SGH-T989 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Click to expand...

Agreed. Use GE1 silicone because it doesn't have any fungicide. I got mine from Home Depot. Make sure you grab the clear and not the almond....unless that's the look you're going after. You will need to mask all the areas first. I found out this stuff starts curing rather quickly so you have to keep moving at a good pace before the silicone starts to skin over. So, once you start you'll need to keep going until fully completed. I wore latex gloves and used my finger to smooth out the silicone once it had been applied.
 
X,what size tank did you redo?
 
Use GE window and door in black, white or clear. Contrary to popular belief, it can be 1 or 2, I have used both (resealed a 180 and a 210 in the past 6 months). Just let them fully cure. I prefer the silicone 2 because I've had a white-ish slime excrete from the silicone 1 on a few occasions.
As members have suggested, strip the silicone with a fresh razor, clean with acetone, mask, and seal. I use a rounded piece of cardboard to go over the silicone. Don't worry if it goes over to the tape to the rest of the tank, scrape it off once cured, don't smear it all over. Once you do all the seams, peel off the tape while still wet.
 
I should of waited on buying silicon. I bought ge shower and bath silicon II. What's the difference between shower and window silicon.

And thanks for the advice everyone. I just got down watching several videos on YouTube.

The tank was sold as a 72 gallon corner bow front. Would two days be long enough to cure or should it sit longer? I'm still looking into the potted soil, any one have experience with it?


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
FishOnCampus said:
Use GE window and door in black, white or clear. Contrary to popular belief, it can be 1 or 2, I have used both (resealed a 180 and a 210 in the past 6 months). Just let them fully cure. I prefer the silicone 2 because I've had a white-ish slime excrete from the silicone 1 on a few occasions.
As members have suggested, strip the silicone with a fresh razor, clean with acetone, mask, and seal. I use a rounded piece of cardboard to go over the silicone. Don't worry if it goes over to the tape to the rest of the tank, scrape it off once cured, don't smear it all over. Once you do all the seams, peel off the tape while still wet.
Click to expand...

GE 2 has anti mildew and other chemicals in it that are harmful to fish. I've had the white slime too just vacuum it off when you do water changes after a while it will go away


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom