Sealing a tank

[the_watcher]

This is a question that I had for the longest.

Is there anyway to seal a leak in a tank without stripping all of the sealant and then resealing the tank ?

Is there some form of non toxic glue that could be used over the area
once the leaking area has been identified ?

[twisted fisher]

well the only silicone that i know of that is fish safe is GE I

but i don't know if the seal would hold without stripping it completely

[nick a]

In short--No.

The problem is that new silicone will not form a good bond with the old silicone. So you end up with a weak link in the water-proofing chain. It may last a while or it could start leaking again immediately.

[Tony]

A big part of it is how large the tank is. Some will say you can get away with only removing the silicone from the inside (all 8 seams) on smaller tanks. On larger tanks (55 or better), you really are supposed to tank the tank apart and make sure the seals are good in between the panes of glass.

Lonny posted up a good thread over on CCA a few months back. The 3rd of 4th post has a step-by-step tutorial. Lot of good info. It's a lot of work to do it right.

http://www.capitalcichlids.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4414&highlight=caulk

[the_watcher]

I understand about the regular aquarium & GE1 sealant
can't be used over the regular sealant , because they won't bond... I was wondering if there was some other glue that could be used in a small section where the leak was.... ???

I have re-sealed tanks of 30 gallons or less .... and that was too much work...

[Tony]

I don't think anything sticks to cured silicone... at least well enough to hold water.

Great Stuff?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21mO7V1qQiL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I know it's good at sticking to your fingers... and clothes... and shoes.... and well; everything else, lol.

DISCLAIMER: Not sure if it is tank safe or will even hold water; just the stickiest substance I've ever encountered.

[Zippo]

There's one way to seal a tank and have it safe, period.It's NOT that hard and it works. Cut out the old silicone inside the tank(not the seams that hold the glass). Clean it well with acetone or some other safe cleaner and add a new bead of AQUARIUM SAFE SILICONE and spread it with your finger ect. Let it set for 48 hours and add water. Wallah! Now see how easy that was?:runnningaround:

[Tony]

There's one way to seal a tank and have it safe, period.It's NOT that hard and it works. Cut out the old silicone inside the tank(not the seams that hold the glass). Clean it well with acetone or some other safe cleaner and add a new bead of AQUARIUM SAFE SILICONE and spread it with your finger ect. Let it set for 48 hours and add water. Wallah! Now see how easy that was?:runnningaround:

^^^ That's what I've done in the past.

(Was sort of kidding with the Greatstuff comment)

[Zippo]

Kinda figured you were. Least i hoped so. :becky: Mainly what i was saying is that it's not an "easy" job for some, but i've done it so much to me it's a snap. Been building all glass tanks as well as plywood tanks since the late 60's. Been checking prices on marine ply lately and MAN!! That stuff went price stupid! :coz:

[the_watcher]

Anyone ever try this to seal tanks.
Mr. Sticky's Underwater Glue
Great adhesive for aquariums
* Easy-to-use two part adhesive cures and sticks underwater
* General purpose adhesive bonds strongly to PVC and more

[the_watcher]

bump

[scolist]

I don't think anything sticks to cured silicone... at least well enough to hold water.

Great Stuff?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21mO7V1qQiL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I know it's good at sticking to your fingers... and clothes... and shoes.... and well; everything else, lol.

DISCLAIMER: Not sure if it is tank safe or will even hold water; just the stickiest substance I've ever encountered.


That stuff is better than the booger stuck on your finger! And we all know how hard they are to get rid of (unless your shaking hands and then the problem has been passed on). :runnningaround::runnningaround: