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View Full Version : looking for a little help reasealing an old aquarium



AlienAnchovies
Sat, 9th Jul 2011, 07:46 PM
long story short i found an old 50 gallon aquarium and stand for $30 at a garage sale, only problem is that who ever resealed the tank in the past did a horrible job, so far ive stripped the majority of the old silicone. now here's where im stuck, i have no idea where to buy aquarium grade silicone or how to use a caulking gun, any tips?

jrsatx20
Sat, 9th Jul 2011, 09:48 PM
Lowes or home depot. 100% silicon without the mildew resistance in it. Next clean inside of tank really well. Tape all inside edges with masking tape leaving a 1/4in space. Caulking gun should have a picture of how to load caulking gun. Lay down a steady bead of silicon. With a finger or they sell the tools to spread the bead out neatly spread out the silicon. Let it dry just a lil while then remove the tape and let the silicon dry. That's wut I did to my 135 gallon

Louis
Sat, 9th Jul 2011, 10:27 PM
I recommend GE SCS1200 series. Very high tensile strength and used by many aquarium manufacturers. I have a few 10oz cartridges (black) in stock. This stuff is contractor grade and unfortunately not available at home centers. Whatever route you go make sure it is 100% silicone with an acetic cure and approved by the FDA as good safe. No moldewcides or microban. Practice makes perfect on the bead size and spread, my advice is to put down no more than 1/4" bead and "finger" only once if at all possible. Use a rag to whipe off excess after each swipe. Good luck!

TXSea
Sat, 9th Jul 2011, 10:44 PM
long story short i found an old 50 gallon aquarium and stand for $30 at a garage sale, only problem is that who ever resealed the tank in the past did a horrible job, so far ive stripped the majority of the old silicone. now here's where im stuck, i have no idea where to buy aquarium grade silicone or how to use a caulking gun, any tips?
Good seal or not... that was an awesome price! guess I need to hit garage sales more often lol! Caulking is a real easy job to do. They do make a corner tool to spread the sealant evenly along the edges and it's basically just triangle shaped piece with one beveled side to make a nice flat seal. Good luck!

krazykrakr2186
Sun, 10th Jul 2011, 12:26 PM
I resealed my 40gal not long ago, got the silicone from the aquarium shop and then went to lowes to get a cornering tool. you just drag it along your bead of silicone and it smoothes everything out giving a nice finish. Worked out great ! Just make sure you do it outside because the silicone has a very strong vinegar like smell.

AlienAnchovies
Sun, 10th Jul 2011, 09:30 PM
thanks for the advice guys!