Do I need to reseal?

[aydemir]

I recently bought a 29g biocube. It was full of water the day before I picked it up so it still does hold water. I noticed when cleaning the silicone on the bottom seal for the aquarium/back wall section is peeling off. Is this something that needs a reseal?

 

[Reefing_addiction]

I would. Better safe than sorry. And if it’s missing pieces then it will need to be resealed

 

[aydemir]

I would. Better safe than sorry. And if it’s missing pieces then it will need to be resealed

Thanks. I'm trying to avoid taking the tank apart if possible and its only this bottom seal that looks more worn out (sides look fine). Would it be OK to just use a razor to take off the surface silicone (i.e. not the actual seal that is in between the gap between glass/plastic) and then just put some new silicon over that? I'm aware that the new silicone wont bond to the old silicone but basically just trying to cover the original seal up with new silicone.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Thanks. I'm trying to avoid taking the tank apart if possible and its only this bottom seal that looks more worn out (sides look fine). Would it be OK to just use a razor to take off the surface silicone (i.e. not the actual seal that is in between the gap between glass/plastic) and then just put some new silicon over that? I'm aware that the new silicone wont bond to the old silicone but basically just trying to cover the original seal up with new silicone.

I suppose you could. The issue I see with that is the same adhesive silicone internal sealant is also being used to hold the panels of your tank together. If the inside seems look like that, I personally would not trust the structural seams.

 

[aydemir]

I suppose you could. The issue I see with that is the same adhesive silicone internal sealant is also being used to hold the panels of your tank together. If the inside seems look like that, I personally would not trust the structural seams.

Ok got it. So probably use a razor/acetone to get rid of the 'seam' (not seal) and inspect and then reseal/throw away tank because no way am I re-doing actual seals lol

 

[truepercs]

https://reefersdirect.com/best-aquarium-silicones/

If it is not currently leaking...
This is not a recommendation, do your own homework...

May want to investigate...

MOMENTIVE RTV108-300ML RTV 108 Silicone​

"It is good to know that this does not come with poisonous colorants or contents. It could provide solid bond to fish tank’s glass and it could even work wonders on old silicone that’s left on the aquarium."

Considered "military grade"

 

[Reefing_addiction]

I’m had my inside seals redone. If you do one you do all

 

[Suohhen]

For the exposed silicon it is common for their to be some pealing from being damaged by cleaning. For the bead in between the panes it is always recommended to give them a thorough inspection and it is pretty common to have pealing and yet the seam be totally fine.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Ok got it. So probably use a razor/acetone to get rid of the 'seam' (not seal) and inspect and then reseal/throw away tank because no way am I re-doing actual seals lol

I just broke down a tank for the first time, reassembled in a different orientation. It REALLY was not hard or overly time consuming. I watched a YouTube video and just did it. Been sitting full for a week leak free. Before you trash it, maybe look into it. There is only one specialty tool I used and that is available cheap ($5) from any automotive store.

 

[aydemir]

Thanks everyone. Another question for you all - I watched a video stating that with clear silicone its rather easy to tell if the seal/seams are taking too much load since the stretched silicone turns more white. Is there some sort of way to tell with black silicone?

 

[aydemir]

Oh shoot just thought of another as well - anyone know where the location of the manufacturer date sticker is on a biocube?

 

[aydemir]

Ooops I'm a fool. The seal in question is just the seal for the false wall (smh). Actual seals are fine - not peeling and look pretty clean in general - so I'm probably just going to reseal that part on the false wall using the razor probably like an inch from the edge for safety (to not touch the actual seal that runs along the bottom)