Fixing tank seals

101DalmatianMollies · October 06, 2014, 05:22:45 PM

Hi there!

How easy to difficult is it to repair tank seals if there is a leak in the tank?

Thanks!

daworldisblack · October 06, 2014, 05:36:02 PM

It depends on the size of the tank. It can be a long process if you intend to re-seal all the seams. You'd have to remove all the silicone on there currently and it could take a little time and elbow grease there. Its worth it if its a big tank though!

Otherwise, its a matter of removing old silicone, taping to keep the silicone job clean, applying an even bead around the seams, smoothing it out and removing the tape before the silicone hardens and then letting the silicone cure, before a leak test. Removal of the old silicone is the most time-consuming and patience-testing step.

101DalmatianMollies · October 06, 2014, 06:36:33 PM

Quote from: daworldisblack on October 06, 2014, 05:36:02 PM
It depends on the size of the tank. It can be a long process if you intend to re-seal all the seams. You'd have to remove all the silicone on there currently and it could take a little time and elbow grease there. Its worth it if its a big tank though!

What if it's a 20gal tank?

Herstead · October 06, 2014, 10:02:26 PM

Then the number of hours spent fixing is not worth going and buying a new 20gal.

- Jonathan

lucius · October 06, 2014, 10:08:43 PM

I would do it. Just watch a few You Tube videos and make sure you buy the right silicone also.

http://albertaaquatica.com/?showtopic=36149

Mike L · October 06, 2014, 10:55:39 PM

Hey all
I'm as cheap as you can find but as I said on your other post, consider the etching, cleaning, buying, sealant and your time. It was mentioned that a new tank is $25.00. and the one thing you should not go cheap on is the tank.
Mike

101DalmatianMollies · October 07, 2014, 07:02:23 AM

Being new to the vast world this hobby can be I am very appreciative of everyone's input and standpoint.

I like to recycle, but I feel at the moment unless I go out and get a few more older tanks that might need some repair, than fixing this one may not be worth my time - granted that is up to me to determine

. Other thing too is if I ever want to fix a larger tank, that would be considered worth fixing, it might be a good idea to learn how on a smaller tank, that is less awkward, and if it breaks during the process, not as sad.

I do appreciate the cost aspect too, if the silicone to fix the seals is half the price of a new 20 gallon then for sure it isn't worth it. I didn't pay anything for the tank and everything I got, I'm a bit keen on fixing it up because I feel that would be a project I'd be proud of in the end. Plus I want to do more with this hobby, but finding quality used tanks is difficult, and brand new with all the fixins is a bit out of my budget.

Either way! Thank you so much for your advice! I appreciate every bit of it.

lucius · October 07, 2014, 08:21:45 AM

Quote from: 101DalmatianMollies on October 07, 2014, 07:02:23 AMI like to recycle, but I feel at the moment unless I go out and get a few more older tanks that might need some repair, than fixing this one may not be worth my time - granted that is up to me to determine . Other thing too is if I ever want to fix a larger tank, that would be considered worth fixing, it might be a good idea to learn how on a smaller tank, that is less awkward, and if it breaks during the process, not as sad.

This is why I resealed my 20 gallon tank which is now sitting empty on my lower shelf. I went through two tubes of caulking as I totally mucked up on the first try. However, my 20 gallon tank is from the 70s with the silver trim so I thought it was worth keeping.

If a tube of caulking costs about $8, you can always try to resell your current 20 gallon for $10 and make your money back.

Edit - Check out Angelfins.ca. They sell a 20 gallon high for $36 and a 20 gallon long for $45.
http://angelfins.ca/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=28215&sort=20a&page=2

101DalmatianMollies · October 07, 2014, 07:48:32 PM

Quote from: lucius on October 07, 2014, 08:21:45 AM
This is why I resealed my 20 gallon tank which is now sitting empty on my lower shelf. I went through two tubes of caulking as I totally mucked up on the first try. However, my 20 gallon tank is from the 70s with the silver trim so I thought it was worth keeping.

If a tube of caulking costs about $8, you can always try to resell your current 20 gallon for $10 and make your money back.

I mean worse case if I muck it up and it still leaks (granted Im still not 100% sure it's actually even leaking now tbh) I can use it to grow plants (non-aquatic)

lucius · October 07, 2014, 10:04:38 PM

Add pink food colouring or something, the leak will be more easier to see.

101DalmatianMollies · October 07, 2014, 10:09:25 PM

Quote from: lucius on October 07, 2014, 10:04:38 PM
Add pink food colouring or something, the leak will be more easier to see.

Ooh that's a thought! Will try!

lucius · October 09, 2014, 08:02:47 AM

BA's sells a 20 gallon high for $30 and a 20 gallon long for $37.

101DalmatianMollies · October 09, 2014, 09:52:54 PM

Yeah I've looked at both. The 20 gal I've been talking about does hold water. It's been full since Sunday and hasn't leaked at all. So I'm pretty comfortable with it since I was told I should see something in 24 - 48 hours.

lucius · October 09, 2014, 10:04:35 PM

I was at Wal-Mart today and they had these inserts, $4. Not sure if this is all you need, couldn't find any foam though.

http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/elite-carbon-cartridge-for-elite-hush-power-filter-20-2-pack/6000062373598

101DalmatianMollies · October 09, 2014, 10:07:34 PM

Those are them! Which Walmart? If push comes to shove I can either cut foam, or order off that online store I found with them.

lucius · October 09, 2014, 10:21:32 PM

Orleans. Do I get a finders fee?

101DalmatianMollies · October 09, 2014, 11:14:44 PM

LOL if only I didn't have to cross the city! I'm in Nepean lol

missavgp · October 10, 2014, 12:49:15 AM

Just order them online from Walmart. there is no shipping fee and they will be delivered to your door. It's how my mother buys things for the kids since she is in NB.

neon1423 · October 13, 2014, 01:42:22 PM

I've resealed a number of tanks, including my fathers 55 gallon. The work isn't hard, there just a lot of work involed. I do reccomend doing your reaserch ahead of time and know your steps rather then be searching for what to do now, while your silicon is drying. You are looking at a good days work replacing larger tanks. The 55 i did took a weekend.

Also most products will say 12-24 hours drying time. I usually let my tanks dry for 48 hours before testing with water. and when you do test with water, test outside or in a bath tub, just in case.

101DalmatianMollies · October 14, 2014, 10:53:28 AM

Quote from: neon1423 on October 13, 2014, 01:42:22 PM
I've resealed a number of tanks, including my fathers 55 gallon. The work isn't hard, there just a lot of work involed. I do reccomend doing your reaserch ahead of time and know your steps rather then be searching for what to do now, while your silicon is drying. You are looking at a good days work replacing larger tanks. The 55 i did took a weekend.

Also most products will say 12-24 hours drying time. I usually let my tanks dry for 48 hours before testing with water. and when you do test with water, test outside or in a bath tub, just in case.

This 20 gallon has black silicone for the seals. It held water for 7 days, then I emptied it. I'm trying to clean out some of the hard water scale before setting it up. However when I was running my fingers along the seals they do lift slightly and the edges. Is that something to be concerned about? Should I just go ahead and reseal it?