i have one of the filters that hangs over the back of the tank. (described it in "got a free tank today" thread. but once i got everyone going..the hole where the "stem" goes into the bottom of the filter, by the pump, leaks a little water, which will be a lot of water say overnight. what would be good to seal it up with? some of that tank sealant? or just some plain old silicone from the hardware store. didn't know if the silicone would be safe for the fish.
my filter leaks!
- Thread starter csm84
- Start date
As inexpensive as HOB filters are, I would never take the chance of patching one. Chuck and get a new one, if it's cracked. Some filters, like Aquaclears and Whispers, have a detachable motor unit that seals to the filter housing with a compression fitting and an O-ring. If dirty or old, the O-ring can leak. If that's the case, a good cleaning and/or a new O-ring might do the trick. I don't really like filters with that design, for just that reason.
A soaked floor or carpet is not worth it, in my book. Unless you're sure you can fix it completely, replace the filter.
Jim
A soaked floor or carpet is not worth it, in my book. Unless you're sure you can fix it completely, replace the filter.
Jim
it is just the o ring that leaks, but i found out this morning that the tank leads too. it leaked slowly so i didn't notice after i filled it, but this morning my 30 gal tank was only about half full, and i was splashing around on my bedroom floor. bad morning so far.
if the crack/leak isn't too bad you can fix it for about 10 bucks or so 
I cracked my one tank in 2 spots, once cuz I was rinsing it with really hot water and it was way too cold (oops shoulda known better) then one time I had it in storage, or was going to, had it by the stairs to up, and I stubbed my toe on it and made another crack. using it right now actually. just got some aquarium sealant and put it on inside/outside (just to make sure it doesn't leak again. but I know if you know what your lookin for you can get one of the cheaper silcon caulks if you need alot of it. just gotta make sure they do not have any anti - bacteiral stuff on them. forget exactly what. but im sure somone knows
I cracked my one tank in 2 spots, once cuz I was rinsing it with really hot water and it was way too cold (oops shoulda known better) then one time I had it in storage, or was going to, had it by the stairs to up, and I stubbed my toe on it and made another crack. using it right now actually. just got some aquarium sealant and put it on inside/outside (just to make sure it doesn't leak again. but I know if you know what your lookin for you can get one of the cheaper silcon caulks if you need alot of it. just gotta make sure they do not have any anti - bacteiral stuff on them. forget exactly what. but im sure somone knowsFixing a leaking tank is pretty easy. I had to re-seal my 42 hex. tank. Just use a razor and take out all the old silicone on the inside, and clean it well. Then just put new in! Make sure that the room has very good ventilation, as the fumes from the curing silicone get awfully strong. I though it wouldn't be that bad(I have used automotive silicone extensivley before). I had to choke my dinner back down a few times to get it done in one shot :thud: ......
It still is holding fine, and looks like it came from the factory!
It still is holding fine, and looks like it came from the factory!
Resealing a tank shouldn't be too tough if you're at all handy. I would never used a tank that had a cracked panel that was only patched with silicone. The crack may not leak, but the panel is weakened and glass has a nasty habit of failing totally. It's a recipe for disaster. Even ten gallons of water running across your floor can cause a lot of damage, much less the amount of water held in a larger tank.
Jim
Jim