I got my free 30g tank today and it seems that the tank either is very old or it was home made. The silicone at four corners of the tank are almost wore out, I can only feel the glasses, not the silicone. However the tank doesn't leak I believe.

I had filled the tank full of water, just want to sure it is not leak.


I am thinking about reseal the tank with clear silicone. I want to do a nice job meaning the silicone has to be completely fill the intersection of the glasses as well as at the buttom of the tank. The silicone should feel smooth and even when I touch it. Just like the tanks I bought from the store.

What brand of clear silicone I should get in terms of brand? Do I need to go to LFS for the silicone, so it would be aquarium safe?

What other tools do I need for this job? I am thinking there should be some thin plastic thin like tool for me apply the silicone evenly, smoothly??? I've never made a fish tank myself, hopefully I can get some advices/tips from the experts.

Thanks

When i resealed my tank i bought aquarium safe silicon. and i use the nozzle that came with it to apply on the tank. then i use a plastic knife to smooth it out.

I would also apply it in a open area....the chemical in the silicon burns your nose (i learned the hard way)

i buy mine from wallyworld in the pet section..for only 5 bucks

I mostly know more about caulking and silicone that you would use for household/construction purposes, but I think I might be able to help.

Personally, I would only use the aquarium silicone/sealant that you find in your LFS.

Make sure the tank is completely dry and clean from any obstructions or dirt around the area that you are sealing.

Lay down a nice thick bead and you can use your fingertip or a caulking tool to smooth the bead into the space so that the parts of silicone you can see are flush with both sides that you are siliconing together.

Read the directions on the back of the package to see how long it needs to cure before you put water in it.

Hope this helps!

You can also wet your finger and use that to smooth the silicone in small sections at a time. Wipe finger with cloth between swipes..or on your pant leg like I usually do :

How long did it take to dry the tank after the job? It's around 40F here in NYC. Is one week period enough to dry the tank?

Are there any specific brands of silicone you recommend? or it's ok as long as aquarium safe one?

Plastic knife? Is one of these knife that comes with the spoon and forks in a bag in school's cafeteria?

Thanks for all the advices/tips..

i left mine out for a long time..but a week is long enough...how about bringing the tank inside?
the brand i use is Aqua tech aquarium sealent
yes the knife that comes with the spoon and forks in a bag in school's cafeteria.

You will also need a razor blade to cut out the old sealent..aka box cutter

this is directions on cutting the sealent

take a fresh blade and run it along each and every joint inside of the tank. Its advisable to cut each seam from two angles so that you can easily remove the bulk without leaving much behind. With a practiced hand, One can get it all without having to go back and fiddle with leftover bits.

Also, dont forget to silicone the underside of the plastic rim along the top. That way, when the water in the tank is full, capillary action will not draw water through the gap between the plastic and the glass.......


Hope that helps!

Actually, let me rephase the topic... I want to reinforce the sealant on the tank. The tank doesnt leak and I am afraid if I remove the old sealant, then it will leak. I've never done it before, might mess it up.

So can I just add new silicone on top of the old one? By doing that, it gives me a peace of mind (double assurance that the tank won't leak, will last a long time).

you can but it would take longer to dry and wouldn't be as strong as removing the old sealent..but it works..I couldn't remove all of it either..and so far it is working.

Can we see a pic of it?

I will try to take a pic soon. The tank is dirty and I noticed there are some white paint on the tank frame (top). Can I use some alcohol to remove the paint? I also thrown away a undergravel filter that came with the tank. There might be some scratches on the tank too. Not sure I would be able to fix that.

i don't know how the remove the paint..if the paint is not in side frame in the tank then your ok..

here is a pic of my sealed up tank



i can't get the blue stuff off...but i don't really mind..the tank was only a dollar

I dont see a pic..

how about now
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n293/fi...06/000_0886.jpg

here is a topic on how to clean the tank

http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/...c=66417&hl=

Update please...did you seal it yet?

Thanks for the pic. My LFS is going to order the silicone for me.

I sealed my 45 gallon leak....yesterday

I would also say If you can do this outside because the silicone has a very hard vinegar smell...and let it air out for a couple of hours

About the paint it looks like it's just on the back of the tank, if it is you can just get a paint scraper or razor blade and scrape it off, and obviously be very careful with the blade

Im still waiting for my LFS ordering the silicone for me. Maybe I should shop somewhere else.