Resealing a 130g help me please.

[nanomania]

Hey guys i have a 130g 54x24x24" 2yr+ old tank, the silicone cracks and bubbles were noticed a year back, iv never had any leakages till now, but since i was a bit afraid, i braced all the 4 sides of the tank on the outside, i didnt care if it looks ugly as i covered them with black tape.

It was a fw planted tank, now im converting it into reef.

Id like to know which of these options would be best:

1) tear the tank apart and rebuild (expensive as ill have to hire an lfs guy to do it)

2) scrape of the extra silicone on the sides and bottom on the inside and resilicone it using bottom braces on the inside

3) if it wont be any issue, then can continue to convert to reef without doing any of the above stuff.

Here are some pics:

BRACE ON SIDES

 

[themcnertney]

I am a bit confused. Does the tank leak? If not then you are probably fine filling it up. With that said, if you even have the slightest concern that it leaks, I would buy a new tank.

 

[nanomania]

I am a bit confused. Does the tank leak? If not then you are probably fine filling it up. With that said, if you even have the slightest concern that it leaks, I would buy a new tank.

Doesnt leak, new tank is beyond budget..

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

If it doesn't leak, I think just it should be fine.

 

[nanomania]

If it doesn't leak, I think just it should be fine.

Did u see the pics? Would it be ok? Also the silicone has a bit of algae and some mud has entered the silicone.

 

[nanomania]

Here is a short video, please ignore the background sound

 

[Jayjay1205]

A new rimless is super expensive, my new y=tank has no leaks yet but the two front corners seem as if the silicone has shrunk bit. My question is can I just reseal those two corners or must I strip the whole inner tank.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

A new rimless is super expensive, my new y=tank has no leaks yet but the two front corners seem as if the silicone has shrunk bit. My question is can I just reseal those two corners or must I strip the whole inner tank.

My understanding is that if you don't trust the seals on a tank, you generally have to completely disassemble, scrape, and reseal. Maybe someone who knows can confirm or deny.

 

[ATI North America]

I would agree with Senior Bannister, complete strip and reseal would be the only choice. Most tanks/silicone last 8-10 years, how old is this silicone?