Leak in new 25 Gallon Lagoon

[Thresher's Reef]

Hey yall,my lagoon came in last Wednesday and I leak tested it with freshwater the past two days. I haven't noticed any exterior leaks but when I was draining the tank I notice the back right corner in the display was leaking water from the sump on the right side chamber (water leaking from rear chamber into display part of tank). Is this a serious issue? Also, how the heck do you drain the sump areas in an AIO if you have big hands???? The siphon couldn't get the little bit of remaining water and I can't fit my hand down in there to dry it up!

 

[Thresher's Reef]

I should also add the leak is at the bottom corner. Sorry!

 

[Northern Flicker]

Hey yall,my lagoon came in last Wednesday and I leak tested it with freshwater the past two days. I haven't noticed any exterior leaks but when I was draining the tank I notice the back right corner in the display was leaking water from the sump on the right side chamber (water leaking from rear chamber into display part of tank). Is this a serious issue? Also, how the heck do you drain the sump areas in an AIO if you have big hands???? The siphon couldn't get the little bit of remaining water and I can't fit my hand down in there to dry it up!

I don't think that's a big issue. If you'd like, you could always try to repair with black silicone. It may draw some water/substrate once the pump causes a pressure differential. I guess you could return it, but personally, I wouldn't bother.

As for draining - ya, it's not great. Let the pump run as long as you can. I use the python mini with a hand pump to get it all out.

Python mini
Python starter

Those are CAD prices, and a lot more than what my LFS charges. I think I paid about $25 CAD for both.

 

[Thresher's Reef]

I don't think that's a big issue. If you'd like, you could always try to repair with black silicone. It may draw some water/substrate once the pump causes a pressure differential. I guess you could return it, but personally, I wouldn't bother.

As for draining - ya, it's not great. Let the pump run as long as you can. I use the python mini with a hand pump to get it all out.

Python mini
Python starter

Those are CAD prices, and a lot more than what my LFS charges. I think I paid about $25 CAD for both.

Thanks! Do you have a specific silicone you like to use or can recommend?

 

[Northern Flicker]

Thanks! Do you have a specific silicone you like to use or can recommend?

Something like this:

Black Aquarium SAFE Silicone (10.1 oz.)

Black FISH/REEF SAFE Silicone (10.1 oz.)

www.reefsupplies.ca

If you are in the US, you could try searching silicone at BRS for some examples.

 

[Thresher's Reef]

Something like this:

Black Aquarium SAFE Silicone (10.1 oz.)

Black FISH/REEF SAFE Silicone (10.1 oz.)

www.reefsupplies.ca

If you are in the US, you could try searching silicone at BRS for some examples.

Thanks again! I think I found a good one. If I can bother you with one more question, if I wanted to just reinforce the stock sealant with another layer on top of it around the inside of the display, would that be a smart thing to do or should I just filled the gap where it's leaking and leave it be?

 

[BaliReefBox]

i wouldnt worry it will gunk up in time and a small seep imo not bad at all
FYI when you fill the tank dont fill the back aio chamber as this will put too much pressure on the wall and seams and they may pop off. fill it evenly or at worst case the main display as it has more support

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I think my 30L had a bit of seepage in between the sump part and the display. I didn’t worry about it.

 

[Thresher's Reef]

Thanks again! I think I found a good one. If I can bother you with one more question, if I wanted to just reinforce the stock sealant with another layer on top of it around the inside of the display, would that be a smart thing to do or should I just filled the gap where it's leaking and leave it be?

Nevermind, I just found out new silicone won't bond to cured silicone. So I guess I would have to cut out that corner of the silicone and just redo that corner?

 

[Troylee]

Nevermind, I just found out new silicone won't bond to cured silicone. So I guess I would have to cut out that corner of the silicone and just redo that corner?

It’s more trouble than it’s worth… you’re correct silicone don’t stick to silicone and unless you can scrape every little bit off and clean well with acetone you’ll prolly just make it worse… if it’s a contained leak “inside the tank” and not on the floor I wouldn’t worry about it cause it’s all gonna get wet once in service and you’ll never notice the difference.

 

[Northern Flicker]

Nevermind, I just found out new silicone won't bond to cured silicone. So I guess I would have to cut out that corner of the silicone and just redo that corner?

I would honestly just leave it if it were me. It's all under water and not causing an external leak so it's not too big of a deal.

 

[Floyd-]

Dont worry about it. I have the IM 25 Lagoon and have never drained out by back sump area. Why would you want to drain that out?

 

[Thresher's Reef]

Dont worry about it. I have the IM 25 Lagoon and have never drained out by back sump area. Why would you want to drain that out?

I was talking about the little bit of freshwater that I used to leak test the tank and getting it out since it wasn't RODI

 

[BaliReefBox]

dont worry be happy...put a paper towel in and dry it if ya that concerned

 

[Floyd-]

I was talking about the little bit of freshwater that I used to leak test the tank and getting it out since it wasn't RODI

The tank doesnt weigh that much. Id turn it over and not worry about residue for tap water. Fill with new salt water and catty on.

 

[saltcats]

Pair of tongs holding a paper towel if you are really worried about it - but I wouldn't worry about such a small trace. My AIO also has a small seep between display and rear chamber.

 

[Thresher's Reef]

Pair of tongs holding a paper towel if you are really worried about it - but I wouldn't worry about such a small trace. My AIO also has a small seep between display and rear chamber.

I talked to IM and the rep said not to worry about it because the pressure will equal it out and it won't matter when the tank is full or something along those lines

 

[BaliReefBox]

I talked to IM and the rep said not to worry about it because the pressure will equal it out and it won't matter when the tank is full or something along those lines

yes correct and that is why i suggested you never just fill the back cause you may/will pop off the aio section