FOWLR leaking :) not anymore!

[Mike]

So we got home from the frag swap to find a fairly significant steady leak from the right lower corner of the tank. :angry:

Luckily Justin was heading over to pick up that light, so he brought the 30g tank from the equipment library and helped set up a couple of tanks to hold the fish and drain the tank, put the liverock in tubs, and handle everything. What a great community we belong to- Many thanks Justin.

So we are needing to figure out how to reseal the tank... any suggestions, advice, or tips would be appreciated. We have zero experience with this...

[Bill S]

I think it's time to trade that FO tank up to 215...

[Kristy]

Nice try, Bill... :) but I was hard to convince that we needed a FOWLR in the first place, so I'm really not going for that!

[Europhyllia]

No advice. Just wanted to say sorry this happened. Must a major pain! Yikes.

[Mr Cob]

Man, that stinks. Sorry to hear that....but so glad you got to make use of that 30g and that Justin was on the way over....perfect timing.

I have an iron stand with the same footprint if you need to borrow that as well....just PM me if so.

Not much experience here with resealing.....definitely need to scrape off the old sealant and clean in preparation for the new. I think curing is 7 days if you use aquarium sealant???

I'm sure the pros will chime in soon.

[SKNR]

When my tank had a leak I took it to Forever pets, they are on basse rd. They resealed it for I think 80.00. I would call for an extact price it was about two years ago that I had it done. They tore the entire tank apart and put it back together. Its been two years and nothing yet, they said it was prob my stand that was not level.

[justahobby]

I'm glad to help anytime. Ya'll are great people to know, and I agree it is nice to have this community and equipment bank in these terrible situations. Another mentionable question is how many clamps should be used on a 4 ft. tank? The leak is coming from the bottom, back panel. Are there clamps that will fit front to back?

[hobogato]

oh no. big job, to do it right you really need to disassemble the tank and rebuild it. dont know if i would do that on that tank as those front seams will be very challenging with the angled edges.

[Bill S]

Yes, to do it RIGHT it needs to be disassembled. HOWEVER, I'd remove just the part you can get to with a razor blade, and then reseal. This should work...

[RayAllen]

Man Mike that blows. Being a fish guy myself, I cant wait to get my FOWLR going. With it being the lower corner you have no choice but to break it down and reseal. If it were me Id just buy a new tank. 75g tanks are always for sale and even new the cost isnt bad depending on where you shop.

[Europhyllia]

Yeah me too. 75g ... cheap enough to buy another one and worth it not having to worry about it. Resell this one as a terrarium...

[hobogato]

the issue with him buying a different tank is he would have to buy a new stand and canopy as well since this one is not the standard shape.

[RayAllen]

the issue with him buying a different tank is he would have to buy a new stand and canopy as well since this one is not the standard shape.

I see.

[Mike]

Thanks for all the advice....Still intimadating and scary- do not want more water on the floor. I know if you stay in this hobby long enough it happens to everyone... terrible feeling though.

[jroescher]

If your get it repaired, are you going to be forever worried about it holding? If so, then it may be worth it for the peace of mind alone to start with a new tank. Even if you have to do stand and all.

We'll distract Kristy for awhile if you need us to so you can get what you need.

[Kristy]

Hey John... I'm watching you! :ph34r: Don't think that just because I'm going to be in Hawaii for the next two months (leaving Wednesday) that I won't know what you're up to!

[jroescher]

We used to have a Hawaii connection to MAAST. samiam_orami The Zen Reefer. Was a member here, then in Hawaii and was a sponsor for awhile. The website is dead now, so I guess he's gone. He would post some fascinating stuff that he was able to collect by wading off the beach, and would ship stuff back to us.

http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=26201

Soooo... if you collect some neat stuff, what will you put it in when you get back?

[Kristy]

How about in our TWO OTHER REEF TANKS.... a 210g and a 20g hex? Chances are that whatever cool thing I came across would not work in the dumb old boring FOWLR anyhow!

[Europhyllia]

That little trigger is so cute though!

Congrats on an awesome 2 month Hawaii trip! Good for you. Pet a sea turtle for me. :)

[Pennies2Cents]

If your get it repaired, are you going to be forever worried about it holding? If so, then it may be worth it for the peace of mind alone to start with a new tank. Even if you have to do stand and all.

We'll distract Kristy for awhile if you need us to so you can get what you need.

We went through this same process when our old 240 took the plunge. :bareteeth: And the new tank is exactly what we went with. :) Discouraging yes, but well worth it in the end.. :wink_smile:

[allan]

Hey John... I'm watching you! :ph34r: Don't think that just because I'm going to be in Hawaii for the next two months (leaving Wednesday) that I won't know what you're up to!


MIKE!!! Psst! Don't let on to Kristy that you're wise to her hint listed above, but this is a woman's way of saying "Oh what the heck, I won't be here and by the time I come back it will be far too late to do anything about it, go ahead dear".

I will stand ready to assist in moving the tank for you from Bill's house, Bill can foot the bill for a twelve pack of Samual Adams.

Oh, and by the way, while she's in HI, can she send me some samples via over night?

[RayAllen]

sorta like a car, once it breaks down you may repair it but you never feel the same afterwards. The memory is stuck in your head for duration of owning the item.

Now I would feel diffrently if it was taken to a aquarium builder to be completely disassembled and put together by the pros. Would be like getting a new tank.

[Kristy]

All right guys... cool it! I really did not even want this third tank in the first place and now I really don't want to commit lots more money to buying a whole new upgraded tank, stand, canopy... !

It would be a WHOLE OTHER STORY if we were talking about our main reef tank here. But we are not... just a little FOWLR in Mike's man cave study.

What if we do (get it done) the repair as professionally as possible, then water test it for about a month? Who has a recommendation for where we could take it for someone to replace a (drilled) panel of glass and reseal? Where could we get that kind of work done?

[Bill S]

Ooooh. That 215 would look GREAT in than man-cave! Even better yet - there's room underneath for a kegerator, and we could plumb it up through the tank overflows! Or, plumb it to the Ace-built skimmer, and have the beer come out the skimmate cup!

[SKNR]

I took mine to forever pets, if I am not mistaen they build tanks. To reseal my 150 it was about 80.00, wait I think it was more likelike 130.00.

[jroescher]

If your still trying figure out what to do, NaCl_H2O still has an 80g w/stand that he's really trying hard to get rid of.
http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=58517

[hobogato]

yeah, but the 140 he has for sale is the same length as the tank you have mike...

[Mike]

You guys are trying to get me killed! :)

[SKNR]

I always say its easier to ask for forgiveness then for permission. :angel:

You could change your signature as well:

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/aquariumsmile1.gif (http://www.millan.net/) - Mike and Kristy -

210g reef tank since 3/15/08 (upgraded from 100g started 8/07)
20g hex reef tank since 1/3/08 (upgraded from 10g started 1/07)
140g FOWLR (upgraded from 75g while wife was away)

"We're gonna need a bigger boat." Brody (Jaws)

Just a thought :bigsmile:

[allan]

Yeah mike I really like the new signature block!

I think you have all the dudes on the site on your side because we all got these reef tanks to give our wives something to say "ooh that's so pretty" or "wow, I really like that cupcake thingy" when what we would love to have is a truly mancard carrying predator tank where life is granted, not by a splash of color on a fin, but rather by the length of tooth and fierce glare of eye. We want to live vicariously through your exploits mike!

So here's to you oh mr upgraded fowlr tank in the man cave man, we salute you. Not only for your selection of fish regardless of coloration, but also for your courage under a barrage of Kristy-negativity. Where most men would falter, I see you standing tall (well, sort of) in front of your new tank when she comes back and making your your noble defense.

It just better not be "allan made me do it" because... Well... Kristy scares me!

[Europhyllia]

...oh brother...http://www.dominopads.com/uhoh3.gif

[allan]

:D

Don't be hating Karin. :)

[Bill S]

Come on, Mike. She won't find out until she gets back. She's half way around the world!

[Kristy]

You know, it's funny how the internet makes the globe seem so small...

I'm keeping an eye on you guys and I'm getting a good idea of who are true friends and who are TRAITORS :bareteeth:! A lot of help you guys are!

[justahobby]

Mike, Next weekend would be a great time for me to help you move in a new tank... just saying....



Oh no, Kristy has internet in Hawaii.... Abort, Abort mission!!!

[jroescher]

Okay, l want to make sure I understand,

Mike is NOT going to measure the wall to make sure it all fits.
We're NOT going to meet up after Kristy's plane takes off.
We can use NOT use the MAAST cart.
Bill does NOT have the stuff for the new electric circuit.
Ace does NOT have a new sump ready.
Allan can NOT help.
I will NOT bring beer and pizza for everyone who does NOT show up.
Will someone NOT check on the new light fixture?
Am I forgetting anything we are NOT going to do?

[The Butcher]

Did anyone else notice that Kristy changed her signature as well? Mike, according to Margaret Mead (obviously a card carrying MAASTARD:bigsmile:), that leaky FOWLR in your Mancave is going to be a thing of the past.
__________________
http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/aquariumsmile1.gif (http://www.millan.net/) - Kristy and Mike -

210g reef tank since 3/15/08 (upgraded from 100g started 8/07)
20g hex reef tank since 1/3/08 (upgraded from 10g started 1/07)

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed MAAST members can change a leaking FOWLR in a Mancave; indeed, it's the only thing that Mike has."
-Margaret Mead
:angel:

[aquasport24]

It's better to ask for forgiveness than permision.................just saying..

[Kristy]

It's better to ask for forgiveness than permision.................just saying..

Is this REALLY the sort of philosophy that one wants to promote for a healthy, happy marriage :heart: across the ocean? That logic can work both ways!

Off to a luau on a remote beach, where there will be girls dancing in grass skirts, guys playing with fire on sticks, and everyone gets their very own lei! :bigsmile:

[Europhyllia]

Is this REALLY the sort of philosophy that one wants to promote for a healthy, happy marriage :heart: across the ocean? That logic can work both ways!
Job security for you Kristy ;)


Off to a luau on a remote beach, where there will be girls dancing in grass skirts, guys playing with fire on sticks, and everyone gets their very own lei! :bigsmile:
Nice!

[allan]

Okay, l want to make sure I understand,

Mike is NOT going to measure the wall to make sure it all fits.
We're NOT going to meet up after Kristy's plane takes off.
We can use NOT use the MAAST cart.
Bill does NOT have the stuff for the new electric circuit.
Ace does NOT have a new sump ready.
Allan can NOT help.
I will NOT bring beer and pizza for everyone who does NOT show up.
Will someone NOT check on the new light fixture?
Am I forgetting anything we are NOT going to do?

John, I think you have pretty much NOT got it right... all we need is Mike to weigh in.

[jroescher]

Mike? MIKE?? MIIIIIKKE ?? ???



I think she killed him! :nailbiting:

[allan]

Mike? MIKE?? MIIIIIKKE ?? ???



I think she killed him! :nailbiting:



Nooooooooo, wait a minute. We don't have to worry about that until she returns. He should be good with the new tank till then.

I've got a novel idea. We can put the tank in his man cave, and plumb it to the other tank in the dining room. We can route the water returns through the wall at around nine feet so I won't bump my head. That way Mike won't have to buy another sump.

[Mike]

Update - I am bummed, we lost our copperband butterfly a couple of days ago. So out of the 4 fish in the FOWLR, we are down to 2- my trigger in one tank and the lemon peel in the other. In with the lemon peel is a serpent star and a big turbo. The elmon peel doesn't look so good now. Last night I check ammonia and nitrite and it was fine. I did do a 5 gallon water change. This is the fish that appeared to be presenting itself to the two huge emerald crabs for cleaning, and it is now hanging with the star fish, doing the same thing. He had pop eye in one eye, which was getting better and now appears to be coming back.

I am starting to consider scrapping the FOWLR tank idea all together. I would miss my trigger though...

[SKNR]

Sorry to hear about losing your copperband. Dont give up, having to set up a QT for a while makes me wish to have a larger home to have another tank, I the QT will be short lived. I think most of us would want another tank to have the fish we cant keep in a reef. Best of luck!

I understand your frustration, with the darn aptasia I have wanted to tear down my tank and take up knitting.

[Mike]

Well the lemon peel did not make it. So down to the trigger only in the holding tank... now seriously considering scrapping the FOWLR idea...

Just the trigger left for livestock... trying to decide if should part with him and give up for a while or not... :(

[Europhyllia]

Sorry :(
The lemon peel was so pretty!
It does sound like rehoming the trigger might be a good idea for now.
Even if you want to get back to FOWLR it might be nice to set it up without the time pressure of having it up and running for a fish in a holding tank.
It would give you an opportunity to look for something you really like rather than be rushed but having it ready for the fish.

[Mike]

Agreed... just I really like my little picasso... I think I will post and see if there is anyone who is interested...

We still have a big tub of live rock sitting there also...

[Mike]

I have decided to keep him after all. :)

The search for just the right FOWLR tank continues...

[Europhyllia]

:D then get going on finding him a new home for your home! lol

[Mike]

Update. We are going to repair our leaking FOWLR after all. After much discussions and recommendations, it makes more sense to pay some to have it repaired by an expert, rather than run the risk of trying to do it ourselves or go through the hassle/expense of trying to buy and make some other system work. It was dropped off today to Toy at Forever Pets on Basse. He came highly recommended by Gabe and several other people.

I still have my trigger and just got him a little friend - a small puffer. The are buddies in the holding tank until the FOWLR is back up and running. :)

[hobogato]

good decision - look forward to seeing it going again :)

[Europhyllia]

Oh puffers are so cute!

[kkiel02]

That puffer was so cool. Im glad you got him. I cant wait to see your fowlr running again.

[allan]

Sounds like you may be ready for a cow fish.

We're fixing to tear down our bio cube and I don't want to put him back into the big tank as he really seems to enjoy clams.

Bottom line is that I can't keep him and as much as I hate to do it the day is fast approaching where I will have to get rid of him.

[Mike]

How soon. I might be interested... :)

[allan]

I know, we spoke of it briefly a few months ago. Take your time, gives me more time to teach him how to roll over for food.

I'm also not concerned with money so don't let that discourage you.

The only reason I would have to pull out would be if I scored a reef ready tank that I can set up tied to my system specifically for frags.... and Sponge Bob. I don't want to set up another system, so tieing into my DT would be ideal.

[RayAllen]

This is the longest, Leaking tank thread ever.

Glad you were able to get it all sorted out Mike. My FOWLR should be up soon to!

[txav8r]

This is the longest, Leaking tank thread ever.

Glad you were able to get it all sorted out Mike. My FOWLR should be up soon to!


Sounds like a challenge to a race!!

[Mike]

I am waiting to hear from Toy at Forever Pets to confirm he can do it, price, and how long. Then I will want to reset it up and let it do a small cycle before moving things over and starting to stock again.

Allan, if the timing works out, I would be happy to foster spongebob and give him a good home. Does anyone think the puffer or trigger would bother him? I know bob is a pretty good size, so would be bigger than my two's current size.

[Mike]

So the leaking tank is back, hopefully sans leak now... Toy at Forever pets did a great job, as did Gabe with the calfo installation, plumbing, and delivery/set up. No water in it yet, but we hope to get it going shortly. I intend to do a build thread on it...

So thanks to all who commented and worried about my leaking FOWLR. I can't wait until it is set up and going...

Allan, any Sponge Bob updates?