Water leak [Archive] - MAAST Forums

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justahobby

Fri, 18th Dec 2009, 06:18 AM

As posted in another thread my skimmer's water outlet had turned into a fountain of micro bubbles after using super glue for fragging. I adjusted the water outlet to do a wet skim. Well, while I was sleeping the skimmer decided to work. The collection cup was modded with a drain tube to prevent the cup from overflowing. I never had an issue with it overflowing so I didn't have the tube going into a container. Dummy move, I know. I had 2-3 gallons leak out into my stand and onto the plywood that the stand sits on. I'm worried the water will seep through the plywood (0.5" thick I believe). Obviously tearing my tank down would be a nightmare in itself. Should I play it safe and spend this weekend on a tank tear down/ carpet cleaning mission? I know its my call, but hoping to hear from other who have been in this situation. I seem to rem. another MAASTard having a leak amd bstreep staying SW won't mildew. Bill, if you read this, am I remembering correctly?

cbianco

Fri, 18th Dec 2009, 06:26 AM

So nothing is actually leaking, right? It was the skimmer overflowing!? This situation is better than a leak, still sucks though.

Get fans, open stand doors, turn down skimmer (or off), soak up as much water as possible using towels, let the area dry out. If you have your heat on in the house that will help a bit extra. The heat removes humidity from the house.

Christopher

justahobby

Fri, 18th Dec 2009, 06:42 AM

No actual leak other than my brain cells. At this point I'm extremely thankful I was smart enough to put plywood down. But now I wish I had added a plastic sheet and something that would give me a 2" lip around the edges to help contain spills/ leaks.If it wasn't for hindsight I'd have no sight

alton

Fri, 18th Dec 2009, 07:08 AM

I second what Christopher said, been there before. (Off the subject but can we get the clock fixed here on MAAST)

allan

Fri, 18th Dec 2009, 09:12 AM

But now I wish I had added a plastic sheet and something that would give me a 2" lip around the edges to help contain spills/ leaks.If it wasn't for hindsight I'd have no sight

Dude, I picked up a five by six feet section of the shower seal sheet sold at home depot to lay down beneath my stand. Looks bad (although I've gotten used to it), but it has saved me three times already. Two of those saves were skimmer related. The stand itself pushes the liner down into the carpet which probably will have a long lasting negative effect. It's this little furrow or canal that indicates a leak or problem. If I don't catch it in time it spills onto the carpet, but at least I have a buffer of sorts.

I plan on moving the tank out, ripping up the carpet and laying tile and then replacing the tank. You're right, it's a monster job. But I had planned on having a BBQ at the house, invite a bunch of you fine folks... and then put you all to work while I cook some hot dogs. :shades: lol

Kristy

Fri, 18th Dec 2009, 10:08 AM

+1 on the fans Justin... don't stress too much.

If there are any funky smells, you can try some combination of sprinkling baking soda or talcum powder, then blotting. (If you are sprinkling it on the wood, then you would wipe/sweep it up after it's had a while to absorb any ugly smells and remaining moisture.) A few paper towels dampened with bleach water can be laid on wood that has gotten wet and mildewy and will help a lot. Also spraying Febreze followed by a vacuuming does wonders for lingering funky smells in carpet or fabric.

This is just a minor annoyance, significantly amplified because the flu has cooked your brain cells!

Bill S

Fri, 18th Dec 2009, 10:12 AM

No, saltwater WILL mildew.

Lots of fans. If you have any odors, spray with vinegar. Mold doesn't like the acetic environment - it's what we use on the boat in covered areas. The residue stays behind after it dries, allowing it to work longer.

justahobby

Fri, 18th Dec 2009, 12:20 PM

Woohoo, I am following everyone's advice. I couldn't be more thankful to have such intelligent, helpful people to call on.

PS: I thought I would share w/ you, it appears my apartment is unlevel as all the water puddled on one side. Which side? The one with power strips of course. Yikes!

cbianco

Sat, 19th Dec 2009, 03:46 PM