The Puffer Forum

Hey so my tank sprung a real bad leak. I dont want to buy new glass so im fixing what I have. I think I know what to do so im just going to post what im going through as I go through it this weekend. Any suggestions are welcome, if you have done this before or know things i should do please advise. Its obvious the glass shifted, as to why i can only attribute it to drastic weather changes. There are no cracks or chips on the glass just a uneven seam where the water spewed. It was a sight to behold, my little brother sent me a picture and I rushed home. I can safely say i lost about 30 gallons before I hooked up the vac to the sink and drained it faster.

My plans include, emptying the tank completely of gravel and decor, scraping the old silicone off with multiple blades, re applying silicone and replacing the glass, wait for it to stick and dry before adding silicone along the inside seam, wait for it to dry any fill. lol it sounds too simple....

I've repaired many tanks, from a 125 to a 10g hex. It is simple!

thanks for the added confidence. If you were in my situation what would you more likely use for your silicone, DAP aquarium silicone or Aqueon Silicone Aquarium Sealant?

I just buy silicone form the hardware store. Not sure why it says not for aquarium use--all the same stuff.

Loctite also make some. Just check to see if whichever brand you find has an experation date or birth date...Dig through the rack for the newer tube.

Also if you have some acetone or denatured alcohol, it will help with any needed cleanup. If you are unsure of your "caulking" skills, you can lay down some painter's tape along both sides of your inside corners to peel away excess silicone. I'm a remodeller by trade and I have done this for odd scenerios.

This is from the guy who owns my local forum, he has a ton of DIY videos, this is the resealing one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKactsdPpO8

There are others for rebuilding aquariums, you can just search on his chanel

off to the hardware store i go then... i would feel much better using a large caulking gun and silicone then the "aquarium safe" bottles that are so small. imma give this a go but it is intimidating because its such a large tank, i just realized i need to remove the bottom frame as well which almost made me say screw it but my motorcycle is immobile and my fish tank is broke, i can barely live with one i cannot go on without both. grrr

Some silicone preps have toxic-to-fish-and-inverts anti-fungal agents in them. The mass market materials frequently add disclaimers so they don't have to restrict their liability to no-additive manufacturers.If it does not specify non-toxic, I would not buy it.

Just make sure it doesn't have any mold inhibitors.