I think I know the answer…

[College_Reefer]

Hey all, so I got this 90 gallon with sump and stand for free from a buddy. Leak testing it currently and it definitely needs a good clean but it is holding water so far. It looks like the seals could be bad and I was looking for opinions. Tried to get good pics to illustrate what I’m talking about

 

[Katrina71]

I'd clean it up with vinegar and leak test it

 

[KrisReef]

I'd recommend muriatic acid for tough calcium deposits.

Seals. The silicone in the gaps between the glass panes is what holds the tank together. The only way to reseal and increase the seam holding strength is to take the tank completely apart, remove the old silicone and then reconstruct it. Silicone put on top of the old seal adds about zero strength. If it holds, it's gold.

 

[Doctorgori]

I'd recommend muriatic acid for tough calcium deposits.

Seals. The silicone in the gaps between the glass panes is what holds the tank together. The only way to reseal and increase the seam holding strength is to take the tank completely apart, remove the old silicone and then reconstruct it. Silicone put on top of the old seal adds about zero strength. If it holds, it's gold.

absolutely correct (if rimless)
…. but if it’s. one of the older tanks they were manufactured differently… does it. have rim/ frame or not? (suspect rimless cause of the black silicone)
anyway…
If it is an older design perhaps clean and run a new bead?

 

[Fossilman06]

I wouldn't trust those seams, especially if rimless. Those air pockets between the silicone and glass will be the weak point. I just tore a cube apart. Surprisingly the silicone was very hard to separate from each pane. I had to cut with razor blades and even used a thin sharp putty knife to wedge in between the joints to break the seal.

 

[jda]

The silicone in the corners does not do anything for strength or seal. Over time, urchins and other critters will tear this up anyway. If the silicone between the panels is good, then the tank is good.

You can run a new bead if makes it appeal to your eye better or makes you more confident, but it is not necessary.

 

[KandAReefs]

Hey all, so I got this 90 gallon with sump and stand for free from a buddy. Leak testing it currently and it definitely needs a good clean but it is holding water so far. It looks like the seals could be bad and I was looking for opinions. Tried to get good pics to illustrate what I’m talking about

I would get the tank all cleaned up then go back and take a good look at everything. The tank itself is the one think I never want to take a chance with. ( It is the one part of the setup that if it fails it is truly catastrophic. ) from what I see it doesn't look to bad but it's hard to tell for sure. Clean it leak test it and way the risk. ( hell even brand new tanks with no visible issues fail I also have a friend with an old slate bottom tank that has been set up for 50 years and has not leaked)

 

[College_Reefer]

absolutely correct (if rimless)
…. but if it’s. one of the older tanks they were manufactured differently… does it. have rim/ frame or not? (suspect rimless cause of the black silicone)
anyway…
If it is an older design perhaps clean and run a new bead?

It’s a Deep Blue I think and has a rim and brace in the middle. I filled it and it’s held for the last 8 hours. Honestly torn between using it and just saying screw it and buying an IM 100 Int since I have the nuvo 20 and love it but if I can save ~3,000 I definitely will

 

[College_Reefer]

I would get the tank all cleaned up then go back and take a good look at everything. The tank itself is the one think I never want to take a chance with. ( It is the one part of the setup that if it fails it is truly catastrophic. ) from what I see it doesn't look to bad but it's hard to tell for sure. Clean it leak test it and way the risk. ( hell even brand new tanks with no visible issues fail I also have a friend with an old slate bottom tank that has been set up for 50 years and has not leaked)

May just clean it up and flip it on facebook because the thought of 90 gallons on my floor is nauseating haha

 

[Gabbone]

Try with some water/vinegar mix!!!

 

[Doctorgori]

It’s a Deep Blue I think and has a rim and brace in the middle. I filled it and it’s held for the last 8 hours. Honestly torn between using it and just saying screw it and buying an IM 100 Int since I have the nuvo 20 and love it but if I can save ~3,000 I definitely will

If it’s gonna be bare bottom, no sand, easy tear down, et et then perhaps go for it and if it leaks, then perhaps cop the new tank … could go years” as is “

 

[themcnertney]

If you clean it and it holds water, then go for it. Might suggest putting it on the floor. Taking 2x4s and building a trough around the tank. Line it with shower liner as a precaution if the tank were to fail. See photo below for my old setup.

 

[College_Reefer]

If it’s gonna be bare bottom, no sand, easy tear down, et et then perhaps go for it and if it leaks, then perhaps cop the new tank … could go years” as is “

That’s a looot of ifs I think I’m just going to sell it. Everyone I’ve asked in person or on here have all had the same response. “It may be good but it may not”