Leaking Tank

[cowboy572]

Discovered my 90 gal tank has a small pin hole leak on the RH side. Water has penetrated the joint about 3 to 4 inches in the seam. I do not have the resources to take the tank down and have it reseal at the moment. Can it be patched with aquarium grade silicone while on the stand? What are my chances I am looking at here? Has anyone had success doing this? Any tips to make sure it seals?

[Sherita]

Jarrod, patching it the way you are talking about won't work. The inside joint of silicone is not what holds the tank together, its' the thin film that is actually between the two panes that makes the seal. If you are already seeing penetration to three or four inches, then you are in real danger of a tank blowout.

The best advice I can offer is lower the water level in the tank to ease the strain, then use bar clamps backed up with 2x4's to help hold things together while you figure out what to do.

Trying to get any kind of seal with stock in the tank is a no-no. The VOC's coming off of the silicone will kill your animals unless you can keep it out of the water until completely cured (at least 48 hours, in my experience). Honestly, trying to rig a patch is just putting a bandaid on a bleeding artery. The tank is going to need to be taken completely apart, each piece of glass thoroughly cleaned, then rebuild the tank one pane of glass at a time. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news :*( If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.

I do have an extra 110g tank that you can borrow if need be, and I am sure that members have tubs you can use as well. Good luck.

[hobogato]

Sherita hit the nail on the head. i am sure there is some equipment you could use in the maast equipment bank also to help you through this

[cowboy572]

Sherita, I might take you up on that 110. If it has a 4ft long foot print of a "show tank". Money is tight at the moment, I am getting married in 8 weeks so a reseal is not in the budget at the moment. So essentially I feel like I am up the proverbial creek without a paddle....

So does anyone in reseal tanks in this town? Just so I can call and get a quote?

[Sherita]

Jarrod, my tank is 6' long. BUT, I know where there is a 4' 90g tank about 45 minutes from San Antonio. Gimme a call if you need to. 325 two one four 01threefive

[cowboy572]

Sherita, I will give ya a call tomorrow.

[Gseclipse02]

have joe31 reseal it fixed my bowfront and another wave tank

[Sherita]

Ok Jarrod.

I'm roofing tomorrow, so if I don't answer leave me a message and I'll call ya back when I come down for cool off break.

[Big_Pun]

I've had Toy at forever pets re-seal two tanks of mine.