At what point...

What size tank would you bother to re-seal?


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Rbishop

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Mr. Normal
...is a tank interior re-seal worth the time, effort and materials?
 
At the point of :the size of the carbon imprint of obtaining a new tank taking residence in ones conscience. I have rescued several fish tanks from....various dumpsters and left on the curbs than I can count.
Rarely was anytihg other than a little elbow grease and some sealer necessary.

two weeks ago I picked up a 20 gallon high with a slate bottom and the chrome edges...perfect condition...about a month before that i picked up an aquarium stand on the side of the road..... if i can not use them i am sure someone can....
either way it is always cheaper than buying brand new....or used.
I dont find aquairums developing problems all that frequently....i have a couple tanks that have been up and running for several years...
 
I recently re-sealed the back 2 upright seams in my 29 tall. The rest of the tank was in great shape but those 2 had brown silicon stuck to them from a vivarium project I disassembled for another fish tank. I used GE silicon I clear and I've gotta say, $4 tube of silicon way cheaper than a new 29 tall.

As long as the glass is in good shape, I'm re-sealing. With a long test and pleanty of towels nearby of course.

**should be noted I have way more time than money right now. If you have disposable income and are pressed for time...hey I trust factory sealed way more than Jeff sealed.
 
I chose other, as its not a function of volume for me. I've resealed everything from 10-150gal tanks myself with great success.

I now have a 150gal tank that was a freebie, and has started leaking. I'm not going to bother repairing it as the tank edges have numerous chips, the glass is all scratched and the frames are in pretty poor shape. When I got the tank I knew it was only a matter of time before it broke down, so I'm not going to bother putting in the work to save it.
 
As fun as DIY can be, it is cheaper to just buy a used tank off of CL if it is 29 Gallons or less. Around here you can get a 10 gallon tank for 5 dollars used, and a 29 for 15 used if you post a wanted ad. I am still sloppy with the silicone and after the cost of the silicone and new glass, it is just cheaper for me to buy one.

Now if it was an odd size tank that I needed for some reason or a 20L, or anything over a 29 I would fix it myself.
 
If its small and I'm bored, I attempt to fix tanks. But the economy has made even larger aquaria really cheap, even new stuff incredibly affordable and comes with a warranty sometimes.

But on the other hand if you've lost your job or your spouse has, then repairing freeby tanks takes on the appeal of killing time or boredom and still enjoying the hobby for pennies.
 
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