Red face HELPppp - 135 gal Aquarium LEAK!!!!

[nostradamus]

My discus aquarium just sprung a leak yesterday (6' long aquarium) on the left side toward the bottom edge. I've emptied the water, and the bottom substrate.
I can see where the water is coming out in a very slow stream.

1) can I reseal the aquarium (that part), and if so, how? what kind of silicone, etc etc...

2) or do I have to cut out the whole glass panel, and put back the aquarium again?

PS: Yes, I've transferred a dozen discus in a 55gal aquarium for the time being, but I think they would be happy to get back to their original tank.

[RayAllen]

The entire pain of glass must be removed. All silicone removed and cleaned well. Its actually best to reseal the entire aquarium because once you remove the one side of glass the new silicone will not bond well to the older silicone on the corners.

[RayAllen]

And with that said, im not sure Id reseal a tank bigger than maybe a 55g my self. You can have it done professionally.

[Bill S]

Can you see where it's leaking? SOMETIMES you can reseal them in place, if it's a bubble in the silicone that broke thru, for instance. If so, you can remove the silicone around the leak, and then seal over it. It's definately a hit or miss proposition though.

Generally, it's more cost effective to sell a leaking tank as a reptile cage, and replace it.

[nostradamus]

hey guys,
I just scraped out the silicone from a $3 scraper from lowes (I tried scraping with a blade, but the pro one worked wonders)
2nd, I regouped it with 100% silicone ($3.98) and spread it with a spreading stick from lowes (again $3)
I let it set dry for 4 days, and now it stands great full of water - it's been 4 days without any leak or complications.

Thanks everyone for advice

[stoneroller]

Archis, you the man! Are you testing for leaks outside? How's that baby?

[jroescher]

If you need it... I know of a 135 that is being given away (FREE!!). You'd have to come to Lockhart to pick it up. I don't know the history of it except that it was a discus tank.

[texmex]

Just curious If this tank held up?

[nostradamus]

texmexbigspring Just curious If this tank held up?

Yes, the aquarium is still going strong, actually with my discus breeding now. Not much success with the broods though, as the males do not know what to do while the female lays eggs. He just stands guard watching her. I also tried switching males without much luck. Hopefully one day...