220 gallon leak!

colesjensen · Mar 12, 2017

I finished plumbing the 220, so then I thought hey lets do a leak test. Now my carpet is flooded. The leak looks like it's coming from the bottom support beams. It doesn't leak until it's about half full. Do you know what's going on? How do you you fix this? Until this problem is resolved the tank build is coming to a complete stop.

Here's som pics

Labridaedicted · Mar 12, 2017

New or used tank? If it's new, I'd try to swap it for a new one because the only fix would be to at minimum do an interior reseal. Worst case, all panes need to be removed and resealed. No chance it is leaking at bulkheads?

colesjensen · Mar 12, 2017

Labridaedicted said:
New or used tank? If it's new, I'd try to swap it for a new one because the only fix would be to at minimum do an interior reseal. Worst case, all panes need to be removed and resealed. No chance it is leaking at bulkheads?

We checked and it's not the bulkheads. Could it possible be the the bottom of the tank bowing. Therefore opening the seal?

Labridaedicted · Mar 12, 2017

It's possible, but that would require a full reseal if that's the case. If the structural seam failed it needs to come completely apart for a reseal.

Edit: reread and got what you meant. Likely not. They usually use plenty thick glass on the bottom. Bowing there would be minimal if at all. I would say leak is likely around bottom and flowing around bottom trim to lowest opening which is at the brace. Just my hunch.

prsnlty · Mar 13, 2017

Just a few tips:
Whenever possible water test tanks (especially big ones) outside. Been in your situation myself. I also learned the hard way that saltwater adds more pressure than fresh. Test with sw. Check your side seams also, they may be leaking down low and into the frame from the inside. Check for level and never place a tank over carpet. Carpet can cause a seemingly level tank to go out of level once you add water. This can cause pressure on your seams and make it leak or even crack the glass. Do not over tighten bulkheads and make sure you not only use the rubber gaskets but that they are on the correct side of the glass. Although these are tips they may help you know where to look for your leak or why it could be leaking.

Best of luck!

Labridaedicted · Mar 15, 2017

Did you manage to find the source of the leak?

colesjensen · Mar 15, 2017

Labridaedicted said:
Did you manage to find the source of the leak?

I'm pretty sure there is a opening in the silicon by the brace. We know are going to take it to someone to be resiliconed

Labridaedicted · Mar 15, 2017

Yeah, that's the best course of action on one this big

Fin · Mar 15, 2017

Please make sure the person you are taking it to is a pro at resealing tanks. This is a big tank and when they fail, the results can be catastrophic, both for your reef and your home's interior. Good luck with the repair.

colesjensen · Mar 15, 2017

Fin said:
Please make sure the person you are taking it to is a pro at resealing tanks. This is a big tank and when they fail, the results can be catastrophic, both for your reef and your home's interior. Good luck with the repair.

I've had him repair a smaller tank before and it had no problems. so I hope it has the same outcome XD

Inky · Mar 17, 2017

Also worth noting that you shouldn't set a glass tank on foam like that, acrylic yes, but not glass. Glass tanks should be supported around the perimeter only. It's possible that as you filled the tank and it got heavier that the foam was pushing up on the bottom, especially where the cross braces run underneath and compromised the seal.

3mm3 · Mar 17, 2017

Inky said:
Also worth noting that you shouldn't set a glass tank on foam like that, acrylic yes, but not glass. Glass tanks should be supported around the perimeter only. It's possible that as you filled the tank and it got heavier that the foam was pushing up on the bottom, especially where the cross braces run underneath and compromised the seal.

+1