Ok guys so today I picked up a 110 gallon tall tank off CL. I didnt have it filled but took the risk, well it has a leak approx 1/2 up the front right seal (its not large but its noticable and that obvi means that it needs a complete reseal). Im not too upset because I only paid $200 for the tank, iron stand with bottom shelf for another tank, Marineland canister filter (working), working powerhead, 250w heater, thick 48' glass tops, 2 48" light fixtures (one holds two bulbs and the other just has one), and approx 80 lbs of argonite substrate.
Another thing I notice about the tank is that its a different style, maybe an old style? It has no center brace (like it never did it didnt crack or break off) but the glass is VERY thick. Its at least double the thickness of my 75 gallon tank with a center bracel, and because of that it weighs a TON. It hasnt been used for approx 3 months so the old silicone might have dried out. So I have read some DIY resealants but would like it if someone could walk me through it.
First: What silicone should I use? As this is a big tank I would like to use really nice silicone so some suggestions are needed! I read to use GE #1 silicone, how much would I need for a 110 gallon tank?
Second: I have read some DIY reseals go bad, where the seals didnt hold the initial stress test (believe I read it about a 120 gal) so how can I ensure mine will not? How do I safely get ALL the silicone sealant off of the tank with out damaging the tank (any more than is req).
Third: The front glass has some scratches on it that are more noticable than I would like when filled with water, is there any way I can get these out or am i SOOL on that? Not a tank killer but would be very nice to try and make the front pane as perfect as possible as.
Fourth: How exactly do I go about removing all the silicone, like how to start, do I just start (with a hairdrier to loosen it up) and scrape or cut the silicone on the top to remove the frame first then move down the sides or is there a best specific order?
Any other advice on doind this is very much appreciated! This is my first repair work ever but I really want to use this tank, it was the right price, really close by and resealing is work but from what I have read its not THAT difficult if done right.
Another thing I notice about the tank is that its a different style, maybe an old style? It has no center brace (like it never did it didnt crack or break off) but the glass is VERY thick. Its at least double the thickness of my 75 gallon tank with a center bracel, and because of that it weighs a TON. It hasnt been used for approx 3 months so the old silicone might have dried out. So I have read some DIY resealants but would like it if someone could walk me through it.
First: What silicone should I use? As this is a big tank I would like to use really nice silicone so some suggestions are needed! I read to use GE #1 silicone, how much would I need for a 110 gallon tank?
Second: I have read some DIY reseals go bad, where the seals didnt hold the initial stress test (believe I read it about a 120 gal) so how can I ensure mine will not? How do I safely get ALL the silicone sealant off of the tank with out damaging the tank (any more than is req).
Third: The front glass has some scratches on it that are more noticable than I would like when filled with water, is there any way I can get these out or am i SOOL on that? Not a tank killer but would be very nice to try and make the front pane as perfect as possible as.
Fourth: How exactly do I go about removing all the silicone, like how to start, do I just start (with a hairdrier to loosen it up) and scrape or cut the silicone on the top to remove the frame first then move down the sides or is there a best specific order?
Any other advice on doind this is very much appreciated! This is my first repair work ever but I really want to use this tank, it was the right price, really close by and resealing is work but from what I have read its not THAT difficult if done right.
Last edited: