reseal?

[cichfrk]

Hi guys,

I need your expert advice on these. I found some algae beneath the silicon seal of my 125 gallon tank which means the seal is not sticking well on the glass anymore. I also found some deterioration in some parts, looks like some fish decided to nibble on it. The tank is fine now but I am worried that the seal might give up anytime soon, kind of ticking bomb you'll never know when would it happen. I hope it wouldn't happen when we are on a long vacation. Man! I can't imagine the damage it would create.

My question is when to reseal? I bought this old tank off Craigslist 2 years ago and it is AGA made. Buying a new one is not an option...lol

Thanks,
Ray

[BlondeFishGal]

Um...how about some 'non-expert' advice? ;)

I don't know when is the 'right time' to reseal, but my gut says if you are worried about it, "now" seems good. Meaning.... even if it would last another year, if it puts your mind at ease to do it now, that seems good enough to me.

I know if I have to travel and I am worried about the condition of a fish, I am always VERY uneasy on the trip. I can't even image how I'd be stressing about a tank leak! ACK! ACK!

[Zippo]

Good rule of thumb, IF unsure , reseal. :) It's not that hard of a job and at least your mind will be at ease.:runnningaround:

[twisted fisher]

whats the price of piece of mind?.......priceless

[cichfrk]

thanks for all the reply. my friend came in to see the tank. he said that it can hold and wait for warmer weather which is a good time to put the fish in temporary tanks while the new seal is curing. i guess my next question would be, how to reseal, where to start? :coz:

[Zippo]

Easy to do, cut all the old silicone away from the glass, clean it well. Be sure NOT to cut any that is between the glass. Add a new bead and spread it with your finger. I find that straight edge blades to the best job either just the blade or one with a holder. Do this is a well ventilated area since silicone can make you a tad light headed(or worse) if not. Let it sit for 48 hrs, refill and add fish. If you need more help just hollah. Re sealed my 1st tank in the 60's and that was fun too. lol

[joe_jaskot]

After you scrape off the old silicone, clean the glass with acetone or alcohol before applying the silicone. If you are going to reseal an aquarium, you should scrape off all the silicone and do the whole tank. Silicone does not stick very well to old silicone. It does stick very well to clean glass.