Minor leak in glass seal

[gonzo256]

Some crusty green algae has worked its way underneath the seal the joins the side glass piece and the back glass.

This holds about 240 gallons and draining it is not really an option right now.

My question here is there anything to kill said crusty algae under the sealant? Anything I can do to mitigate the leak?

 

[fishguy242]

hi sorry to hear,is it currently leaking? pics?

 

[NowGlazeIT]

There is silicone that cures under water but it is not NsF rated. I have never used it in a aquarium so, no clue what it could do to your live stock.

 

[fishguy242]

i have used 2 part marine epoxy ,on acrylic,in an emergency,underwater! never tried on glass ,need info ,where at is at?leaking now?240 lot of pressure,poss blow seam???

 

[NowGlazeIT]

3M 3 oz. White 5200 Marine Adhesive Polyurethane Sealant 5203 - The Home Depot

3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 is a one-component, high-strength, moisture-curing, gap-filling polyurethane for permanent bonding of wood, gelcoat and fiberglass. It cures to form a firm, rubbery, waterproof

www.homedepot.com

 

[ca1ore]

A bit of algae underneath the internal silicone and the seam leakIng are not the same thing. I would not fuss over the former, but the latter is a huge problem. So which is it?

 

[gonzo256]

The leak is due to capillary action. I’d guess right now it’s no more 2 to 3 ounces of water a day.
I attached a photo and bumped up the white balance to show the salt creep and algae.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

dang....

 

[gonzo256]

One more

A bit of algae underneath the internal silicone and the seam leakIng are not the same thing. I would not fuss over the former, but the latter is a huge problem. So which is it?

 

[NowGlazeIT]

In the 20 years I’ve had tanks with water in them I have never seen algae there

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I’m so sorry but we can find a fix

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi,

I cannot really tell from the pictures, but if you are loosing measurable amounts of fluid in a 240 that is a drain for me right away.
Isthere actaul algea in the silicone between the 2 sheets of glass, or just the excess push out. The capillary action is what you are rerring to where the water is escaping between the 2 glass panels?

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I think you should take the reef offline for a day to drain and seal this tank. The leak will only grow in time.

 

[slojim]

Never seen one like that. I've had some bowing problems on a few old tanks. My interim measure was to get some wood blocks to spread the pressure and then put some clamps in place to prevent a full blowout, then get some clean trash cans or similar as an emergency container in my cases, one was acrylic, one plywood, and one glass. I was able to repair the plywood and acrylic with center braces, but I had to replace the glass one

 

[gonzo256]

If I push on the side glass you can see some air bubbles collapsing and pushed out. There is actual algae between the bead and the glass. The water and salt creep seems to be only on the side that has the algae. The back glass looks fine.

Hi,

I cannot really tell from the pictures, but if you are loosing measurable amounts of fluid in a 240 that is a drain for me right away.
Isthere actaul algea in the silicone between the 2 sheets of glass, or just the excess push out. The capillary action is what you are rerring to where the water is escaping between the 2 glass panels?

 

[fishguy242]

sorry to say should empty and remedy..bottom could go at anytime ..so sorry j m opinion

 

[slojim]

I don't know man. It's risky. Especially if you can push air out. I might be tempted to try a temporary repair by draining below the leak and trying some sealant to cover the whole bead all the way up.
It never happens at a good time, but a hurried repair or replace is a lot less problematic than letting it empty itself, you'll lose your livestock and damage your flooring
Good luck with whatever you decide.