I got a used aquarium and it is missing the silicone on the inside edges from top to bottom, (looks like it has been scrubbed off from cleaning perhaps?) silicone is still between the glass it just doesnt have it on the inside glass and the bottom still has a silicone bead around it. So can I just reseal the inside edges or does this tank need to be torn down completly and redone? its a 30 gallon tank
Aquarium help please
- Thread starter redsaw
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- Dec 23, 2008
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You can reseal is for keeping critters but I wouldn't trust it to hold water...if that's you plan.
I was wanting it for fish. I have heard of people tearing them down and re-sealing them but I havent done it ( thats why I wanted to know if I could just re-do the inside silicone bead) and I just cant have 30 gallons of water on the floor. I may just make it a snake tank if I dont re-seal it for fish. it seams sturdy but with only the silicone between the glass I cant risk it.
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I always heard that if you needed to reseal a tank intended to hold water you have to get all the old silicone off the surfaces to make a good seal with the new stuff.
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- Nov 24, 2008
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i would try it before I tore it down silicone is cheap you could always test it first before you tear it apart-imo
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If it were me, this is what I would do. I would scrape away as much old silicone as possible from the surface of the glass. I'd then go over it with a clean rag to be sure I removed all the old residue. Then I would use aquarium grade silicone to reseal the corners, being careful to push as much of it into the corners as possible. Don't buy silicone from hardware stores, etc. as it's my understanding that it gives off something that's toxic to fish. Most pet stores will sell what you need. After it has dried, I would set it outside and fill the aquarium with water. I'd then keep an eye on it for a couple days to make sure there are no leaks. If all is OK, I'd empty it, bring it inside and set it up. As 'jasen&crystal' said, silicone is cheap. You're not out much if it doesn't work.
Thanks every one. I'm still undecided about what to do. Silicone is cheap I can get 4 tubes of GE1 silicone for $11 or $12. (I did see where GE1 silicone is aquarium safe).I did find this about re-sealing
http://aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_view_article.php?aid=107
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Spinelli_Resealing_Aquarium.html
http://aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_view_article.php?aid=107
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Spinelli_Resealing_Aquarium.html
Do this, no need to completely take the tank apart. Buying leaky tanks and fixing them is a great way to save some money when looking for big sized tanks. Its how I got my 44 for free stand and all. Just get one of these or something similarhttp://www.donmar.com/Tools/ScraperR.jpg. Be sure all of the silicone is off the glass that needs resealed. You can use a plastic spoon to force down the fresh bead of silicone into the corners too.
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Silicone from a hardware store is fine but just stay away from any of the kitchen and bathroom sealants. They have an additive that acts as a fungicide which is what is toxic to fish. Make sure whatever you get is 100% silicone with no added fungicides and you'll be fine. I get mine from Home Depot.
I'm a risk taker. I would use quality silicone to cover and repair the inside and set the beast up with water. You could easily have an accident but I never have in my years of half assed repairs. In theory the new silicon should bond with the old.
I pictured someone using hot glue and window caulking when I read that lol I needed a laugh. cant take any risks, we rent. arent supposed to have pets. but we do have 6 T's (had a couple die, slings didnt make it through molts) 4 birds, corn snake, scorpion & 2 bettas. lol might as well add some more fish.