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just a qn on aquarium.

i recently received a used tank from a friend that was no longer required.

it requires a little work, i.e the reinforcment on the top needs to be replaced (no problem the glass will only cost about $20AU)

the other problem is that its been sitting outside for a while, will its seals need to be redone? if so then how do i do that? do i remove the old silicone first and the re seal it?

also what kind of silicone do i use? will any standard hardware store silicone do?

african_man

I was talking to a tank manufacture today about the same subject and he stated it is not worth the money or effort as it cannot be guranteed it will work.

There are many technical reasons why old tanks cannot and should not be repaired with 100% gurantee they will work.

It would be cheaper in the long term to buy a new tank.

I took a new tank back as it had sprung a small leak. It went straight into the bin not even worth repairing a new one, as it would have to be all stripped down and cleaned before he could even start.

Keith

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You can repair the tank by taking of all the silicone & re-do it, buy as Keith said, it's easier & in the long run, cheaper to buy some new glass & do a new tank.

Always use Aquarium silicone that is 100% safe for fish.


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so how much should it cost me to buy this silicone?

is it availiable at lfs?

should i actualy strip it all down or is it just easier to silicone over the top of the old silicone?

i havent tested it yet, in all likely hood it should be ok?

Before you get involved with all the silicone, test the tank first. Fill it up with water and let it sit for 2 weeks to see if there are any sealant problems. Then if it is alright, you do not have to throw away a perfectly good tank. No harm in testing.

As Hooktor said test first then worry if the seals are bad. In order to reseal yes you will have to strip the old silicone off in order to get a fresh surface. My experience is that it's often more trouble than it's worth. Silicone can be purchased @your LFS and or at a local DIY or home improvement store. Make sure if you get it from a DIY store that it's marked for aquarium use and has NOT got any antibacterial or antimildew chemicals added.

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What size is the tank?

ok cool so test first then asses any problem, i guess that makes sense.

as for the size its a 36*18*14

(150 l or us 40 gal i think)

I didn't notice it being mentionedbut I could have missed it, I am tiredThe type of silicone you can get here in the states and would use is the GE Silicone #1 it is the same as the aquarium silicone and a lot cheaper, only $4 US for a big tube vs. $5 for a little bitty tube...but if you are going to reseal it, be sure to choose a calm day, when you are in the best of moods Choose a good place where you will be comfortable and the tank will be out of the wayas I discovered, the middle of the living room wasn't the best choice Good luck, heidi

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

i'd redo them again.
listen to houston she knows what to do

Last edited by Darth Vader at 11-Aug-2005 21:44

if i do choose to reseal would it be best to dismantle the entire thing and put it back togther? if so how do you hold it all togther while siliconeing it? will tape do?

Hi,
If you are going to disassemble the tank and then reassemble
it, you will need several safety razors, and special glass
cleaning solevent. Its very volatile and when used you need
good ventilation. You will also need cabinet making clamps
to hold the pieces together. Tape, even duct tape, will not
work.

Frank


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I wouldn't dismantle the whole thing at once, I'd do one side at a time...that way you still have a base/support instead of just plain glass and remember (i've read it somewhereso not trying to contradict you frank) you don't want to clamp the glass too tight. 1. it could shatter/break the glass. 2. too tight will squeeze out the most of the silicone, and then it will be too weak heidi

oh and darth, thanks for the compliment, but i'm not too sure if I know exactly what I'm doing resealing a tanki have to do it again:%)but i know how to do it, just haven't been totally successful yet

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

hey every one i had a go at it!

what i did was remove the old silicone with a razor bladebut without dismantling the tank. i then reapplied the silicone and attaced the internal supports and guess what! its not leaking had water in it about 5 days now and the glass is not bowing either!

thanks for all you tips/advice!

will leave it out another week or two to make sure!