Reseal a 72g bowfront or not??

[myswtsins]

I got a 72g bowfront tank & oak stand off ebay for $65, knowing it had a leak. I COULD use it for a dry tank but I really want it as an aquarium (African Cichlids). All my LFS & even aquarium manufactures say they will not reseal it. I have seen several DIY posts on resealing aquariums and think I could do it.

My concern is that it is a bowfront and the professionals say that makes it more of a problem. How heavily do you think that would impact the final outcome?

My thought is that if I try to fix it and it still leaks I can use it for a dry tank at that point. I only paid $65, I paid that for a rock ornament! I really want to at least try but may need some persuading!

 

[mostlycichlids]

Do it, do it, do it ,do it!:grinyes:

 

[Riiz]

I agree, might as well try. If you dont succeed you've got a great terrarium, hehe.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

trying wont hurt at all.

 

[Que]

72 gallon bows are beautiful tanks. I would do everything in my power to reseal it. It would be worth the effort without a doubt. Read up on resealing... it's not hard but it can be messy and smelly. Take your time and do it right. You will be greatly rewarded for your effort.

Q

 

[myswtsins]

Thanks for the input guys. I agree that I should do it but my mother is so concerned about it exploding (she IS a mother ya know). I think it will be fine. I will leave it outside for like a week to make sure there are no leaks, I may keep a record of the process too!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

its not going to explode. make sure to wait 3 days or so before putting water in it. leaving it outside to fill up would be the best idea.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

And fill it outside once done to inspect your work! Just in case... no need for water inside.

 

[catnipgal]

I had a similiar situation

I bought a 40 gallon hex tank and stand for $50. I knew the 40 gallon had a crack in it and was told it could be resealed. I bought it.

From talking to the fish store, they said it could be resealed, but no guarantee when the crack would spread after the sealing. The crack was on the bottom.

So I decided I didn't want to risk a water leak down the road, and sold the tank as a 40 gallon reptile tank for $40. I decided to order a new 40 gallon hex tank. Of course the wood finish I want is a custom order and takes longer to get in. I"m in no hurry, so I'm waiting.

All depends on if you want to risk another leak or not.

 

[krytan]

The resealing part of the job should be no harder than a normal tank, the hardest part will be removing the old seal on the bow part of the tank.