Resealing Tank with Silicone?

[sandy180]

Hello everyone,

I purchased a used 180 gal reef ready AGA tank. I am almost finished with cleaning up the tank. I used a steam cleaner; it works great!! The silicon on the front left and right sides that goes from the top to bottom is very nasty looking. I tried cleaning it and then took a single edge blade to the right side and removed the silicone very carefully, with the intent of replacing the removed silicone with aquarium grade silicone. I did not touch the silicone that held the two edges together. I just removed the silicone part at the right angle where the two parts meet. The area where someone took the silicone and placed it on their index finger and went up and down the corner of the glass.
Was this stupid of me? Should I due the same to the left side? What do you guys think?


P.S.

This is a great site, lots of info.......

 

[Anonymous]

I hope someone answers you. I'd like to know as well.

 

[ChrisRD]

I think you'll be fine after you reseal it with new silicone. I've resealed some old tanks that had basically nothing left in the corners and not had problems. Nothing as large as your tank however. I always test fill the tank with freshwater and let it stand for a few days (preferably outside or in the garage) just to make sure, but I've never had a problem.

When sealing the corners I prefer to use masking tape to frame the area where the fillet will be. I also like to clean the glass where the silicone will adhere with rubbing alcohol. Then I put a thick bead along the seam and run my finger up the joint (one time - don't keep messing with it). I then quickly remove the masking tape (don't let the silicone dry or get tacky or you'll make a mess). The end result is very neat.

HTH

 

[MartinE]

I bought a used 15 gal tank and cleaned it and added aquarium silicone over the stuff already on it as an added precaution for a used tank. No leaks yet, but its not a big tank either. I would say put it on extra wide and use your finger to smooth it into the corners, then let it cure. I would then test with a little water first, before the whole load of water is added. Best of luck.

 

[Nautilus1]

I resealed an old 50 gallon slate bottom tank once. Its my understanding that you must redo the whole tank with silicone cos new slicone does not stick to the old silicone well. It coud create a leak where the old silicone and he new silicone meet. I scraped it all off wit a razor , cleaned with rubbing alcohol and applied a fat bead to all the seams. It is best to wet your finger when smearing he bead , It will glide better over the bead. But dont mess with too much or it will look messy .

 

[RacinRabit]

How about resealing a glass tank that starts to leak WHEN IT IS FILLED with fish and liverock that are all doing well? When you read the package for the aquarium silicone, the first step is to empty the tank. What if that is not an option?? :?

 

[Nautilus1]

Dont be lazy , take everything out of the tank. It is your only option

 

[RacinRabit]

It is not a question of being lazy - it is one of logistics when the tank is fully established. You can't just transfer the water and tank occupants into another 100 gal tank while you tear down the leaking tank and reseal it. May be possible if it is a small tank but I don't know too many people with a spare 100 gal tank and stand.

 

[Anonymous]

I think you would have to empty the tank to reseal it.

But you don't have to have a spare 100 gallon tank, you can use another container to put you livestock and rock in.

I have used a rubbermaid Brute trash can to store live rock with a couple of powerheads and a heater, and also used a rubbermaid stock tank to keep fish and corals in when my 155 gallon tank had to be taken down.

It certainly is a big job, and not easy, but it can be done. Good luck.

 

[sandy180]

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to say tanks for all of your advice. Well, I cleaned the areas that I was going to apply the silicone to with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. That did a very nice job.
I then took the 3m blue painters tap and made a nice line from top to bottom, the same width as the original manufacture used. I applied the silicon and it came out very since. A few days later, I thought I did not make it thick enough so I added a second coat. I thought the second coast may have made it look messy, but it did not. I was very surprised with the out come. I think it looks pretty good. I will be filling up the tank with fresh water for a test drive by Aug 7, 2005. I plan on running the tank for a few days. I’ll keep you guys up to date and let you know if any leak happens.

AKA, I am still working out the plumping for the tank, I have many ideas about the pluming and plan on asking for more advice.