350 gallon tank leak

[IDAN]

I have got an offer for 350 gallon with leak for free. the leak is in the bottom of the tank (I haven't see it yet).
I was reading previews threads and it looks like a big pain to try and fix it.
The only thing I didn't understand is why people said it won't hold for long time and might break. if the factory used the same silicon to assemble the tank, why it won't work at home?

 

[Mjrenz]

I have got an offer for 350 gallon with leak for free. the leak is in the bottom of the tank (I haven't see it yet).
I was reading previews threads and it looks like a big pain to try and fix it.
The only thing I didn't understand is why people said it won't hold for long time and might break. if the factory used the same silicon to assemble the tank, why it won't work at home?

New silicone won't adhere properly to old silicone. The only proper way to fix it is to completly disassemble every panel, clean with acetone, and then reassemble with new silicone

 

[IDAN]

New silicone won't adhere properly to old silicone. The only proper way to fix it is to completly disassemble every panel, clean with acetone, and then reassemble with new silicone

Right, does anyone have done project like that in this volume ?

 

[MSB123]

Right, does anyone have done project like that in this volume ?

I suspect that it is possible, but I would never do it.
Th risk of 350 gallons of water on the floor and the loss of all livestock is too much. A new 350 is like 3k. Just buy a new one and don't take the risk. IMO.

 

[Mjrenz]

Right, does anyone have done project like that in this volume ?

If you haven't done it before, and don't have the proper equipment, I would strongly recommend against doing it on a tank that size because of the risk involved. It may seem like a great deal but it could cost you 10 times more than a new tank. There may be some tank builders in here that could help out but that tank shouldn't be used for anything besides a terrarium unless it's repaired professionally

 

[lapin]

New silicone won't adhere properly to old silicone. The only proper way to fix it is to completely disassemble every panel, clean with acetone, and then reassemble with new silicone

This ^^

Right, does anyone have done project like that in this volume ?

What do you need to know? I will tell you it will be a lot of work. If the tank is over built to start with, then it might be worth fixing. If its under built then you need to forget it. Thin glass does not allow for any errors in your seams. Thinner the glass the less seam area there is. If you are mechanically inclined and have lots of time you can research how to build a tank. You will need to make sure every panel plumb and every panel can be supported while working on it. Requires tools, jigs, spacers, ect. If you even slightly doubt your work then dont do it.

 

[IDAN]

I wounder if anyone know professional company that rebuild tanks in FL, if not I guess new one is the way to go

 

[michael giordano]

Call a local glass company and see what they would charge for such and ordeal and find out how thick the glass is. I would take the risk if the glass is good. I live in Florida and there are a lot of glass companies that could help out. Even if they charge you $1500, you save a bunch.

 

[IDAN]

Call a local glass company and see what they would charge for such and ordeal and find out how thick the glass is. I would take the risk if the glass is good. I live in Florida and there are a lot of glass companies that could help out. Even if they charge you $1500, you save a bunch.

Any glass company? they don't have to be special tank builders?

 

[michael giordano]

Some small glass companies build tanks I would find out who locally builds tanks. I have done this in multiple towns in Florida. They have all the tools, building a tank is not rocket science, especially one that’s already drilled and already has overflow boxes etc..