Re-sealing a tank

kittyhazelton

kittyhazelton

I eat sushi
Aug 15, 2005
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Hartford, VT
elfwood.lysator.liu.se
I have a friend who has a 70gal, hex front tank that he may be giving me. He is getting a new 150 gal from a settlement because his 70 gal is leaking as a result of blasting/roadwork that has been going on right next to his house. The system was well over $3000 when it was brand new. Filter and everything is included, and the tank is reef-ready (it was a REALLY nice system when he had it all set up) My question is, would it be worth it to try to re-seal the tank? Or is it too risky? Also if I was to have it re-sealed, does anybody know of any places even remotely in the vincinity of Lebanon, New Hampshire that could professionally re-seal it? And if I did it myself what's the best way to go about it. I have re-sealed smaller aquariums before, but nothing over 20 gallons. I'd be willing to pay a decent amount to get it repaired since I'd essentually be getting the tank for free. Maybe someone here who is experienced might be able to lend a hand. :D cause it'd be a real waste to let such a great tank end up in the dump.
 
I was in the same position as you were. I had a 60 gallon hexagon given to me with everything, heater, lights, wet dry filter, custom made stand, but it leaked. I asked around everywhere to see if anyone does proffessional re-sealing and the answer I got was new. Granted I am a noob to this hobbie. I got sealant and resealed the tank myself. I filled it up and it no longer leaked. I then set it up in my new apartment and started cycling for a salt water tank, but 3.5 weeks into it, it re-sprung that leak and flooded my apartment and I ended up just buying a new tank for 170$. My advice would be to just buy another 70 gallon hex. The headache of clean ups and losing what would be 5 weeks in my cyclying period (3.5 for leak 1.5 to special order hex) was not worth trying to save that 170 dollars. but again its just my opinion..gl :)
 
You can use silicon sealant to seal it up. Just use it on the edges and smooth it on your finger. Be sure to make sure it is leak-proof outside before filling it in your house.
 
Oh boy I would LOVE to know where you could find this same tank for Under $1000 in my area. It's not a hex tank, it's rectangular with a hex front. It's over $100 just for a regular 55 gal tank near me. I guess my neck of the woods doesn't really have the best market for aquarium hobbyists. :(
Perhaps I'll just have to move closer to the Ocean. Of course, if I do attempt to re-seal it I might just test it over at a friends house since thier basement floods half the time anyway. :dive:
 
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I would go to your LFS and ask them if they are able to order the same tank you have, get a price quote, you know... You'd have to measure dimensions or take the tank in and let them do it (lazy method lol)
 
If you do try to re-seal it, use special aquarium sealant. Silicon works, but I believe the aquarium sealant sticks to the glass better. I had re-sealed mine using silicon, I tested for 24 hours and then went and set it up, 3.5 weeks later, the seal busted. If you can find someone to do it then great.. it was easier for me to buy a new one. Although if you don't mind chancing it, spend those 10$ on aquarium sealant and see what you can do. :)
 
If you re-seal it, pull of the strip of silicone that it is leakin from, then re-do the whole seam with a liberal amount of silicone sealer and smooth it with your finger. Never tried it, but think, if you put a dab of hot glue on anoter dab of hot glue, where they connected is where theyd come apart. Think the same about the sealer.

BTW use a razor blase to get the sealer off
 
i've re-sealed plenty of tanks... first you have to use aquarium safe silicone/sealent....because... 1) it is safe for your fish and won't leach chemicals into the system like most other silicone sealents will (and kill your system off within weeks)... and 2) it's capable of withstanding a high powered corrosive product (salt). Many silicone sealents will withstand salt, but many other wont.

Also, do this outside, it generally takes 2-3 tries before you get it right. Seal it, let it cure for 24 hours then give it a rinse with plain water, then fill it with water and let it sit for a minimum of 72 hours before you try and take it inside.

As an FYI, most glass shops will do all of this for you. They do not specialize in aquariums if course, but they specialize in glass and the products used to seal glass together. I've had many tanks fixed in a standard glass shop and have NEVER had a problem.... Best part is that the most I've paid is $35 to have a tank fixed and that included a new piece of glass!
 
Remember the glass panels are glued together from the factory with special glue and a special curring lamp before it is siliconed this is what keeps it rigged. Good luck.
 
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