As I was expecting my tank I noticed a build up of salt on the entire length of one side under the tank. So clearly it is a VERY light leak. I removed 80% of it trying to verify what was going on. I have no idea if it will oneday blow out or last for the long haul. What do you guys recommend in terms of leaving it alone or replacing it?
Leaking tank Help
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4FordFamily
Tang, Angel, and Wrasse Nerd!
I'm having trouble seeing the salt creep (but I am on my phone).
I will say that I dribble water all the time down my tanks and under my sumps gets pretty salty and wet at times, before panicking I would be sure it's leaking. Most leaks won't be so minor that all you see is slight salt creep.
How old is the tank? IME 7-30 years is a glass tank's lifespan. Each tank move, each day it spends without water, etc. all impact how long it will last. Factor in manufacturer differences and it can make your head spin.
I replaced all of my glass over 3 years old 3 years ago because I had a leak that almost led to my brand new construction house burning to the ground from a 10 year old tank I moved 2 times, and bought used.
I will say that I dribble water all the time down my tanks and under my sumps gets pretty salty and wet at times, before panicking I would be sure it's leaking. Most leaks won't be so minor that all you see is slight salt creep.
How old is the tank? IME 7-30 years is a glass tank's lifespan. Each tank move, each day it spends without water, etc. all impact how long it will last. Factor in manufacturer differences and it can make your head spin.
I replaced all of my glass over 3 years old 3 years ago because I had a leak that almost led to my brand new construction house burning to the ground from a 10 year old tank I moved 2 times, and bought used.
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jerseypete
Active Member
If you have the plastic brace that runs around the bottom of the tank. Which most tanks do. It's probably when you have your hands in the tank and water drips down the outside of the glass. It seeps in the bottom on the outside. And comes out on the bottom on the inside. Clean everything off. Make a conscious effort of no water dripping down the outside. And see if it stops. You'll probably have to clean it one more time cause of salt in there already. But most likely that's the cause
Labridaedicted
Wrassetastic
Yep. I had a leak in one of the 15 gallons. Ruined the laminate floors in the living room. Would have cost much less to replace the tank than the floor ended up costing. Started as a pin hole and I said "ahhh, the salt creep will seal it up." Won't make that mistake again [emoji44]
I'd replace it. Chances are if the silicone failed in one spot the rest could be not far behind. Alternatively, you could drain and reseal the whole thing if you're up to that. You'd need a few holding tanks for livestock, though as the silicone takes 24 hours minimum to fully cure.
tcarter1936
Well-Known Member
I would move that energy bar and anything else electronic until you deterioration if it's leaking. Not worth the risk
tcarter1936
Well-Known Member
Sorry determine not deterioration
Thanks for the advice. This leak makes me very uncomfortable. Especially because the tank is sitting a brand new hardwood floor. I am looking into a new 180 and at this point seriously considering just replacing the tank. I just set it up a few month ago after resealing it. And of course this is all happening as I am getting my master bath redone so I had no plans on setting up a new tank.
