Tank Leak

[vetteguy53081]

Have a tank leaking/Seeping at the lower seam on right side of tank. I really do not want to drain it down as it is fully stocked.

ANYONE HAVE TIPS OR TRICKS TO SEAL IT FROM THE OUTSIDE TO STOP IT OR SLOW IT DOWN UNTIL I GET A CHANCE TO DRAIN TANK?

 

[lapin]

You will not stop the leak. You can slow it down but may make the problem worse. We need to see what sort of tank it is to help you.

 

[alanbetiger]

I've never done this, but I have seen on here people using a two sided (for corner) or three sided (for a side) glass or acrylic box to cover the leak to slow it down. You need it as wide as the leaked area and taller than your water column. Put it up against the glassand then drain that area so the water pressure from the tank pushes it against the tank to create a suction. I probably didn't describe that well. But think of it like you made an overflow box over the leak. I'll see if I can find a picture or something online. If its leaking from a lower seam you probably already know it's gotten be drained and resealed completely.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Have a tank leaking/Seeping at the lower seam on right side of tank. I really do not want to drain it down as it is fully stocked.

ANYONE HAVE TIPS OR TRICKS TO SEAL IT FROM THE OUTSIDE TO STOP IT OR SLOW IT DOWN UNTIL I GET A CHANCE TO DRAIN TANK?

Unfortunately there isn't a fix to a seam that's leaking. It is likely it may get worse or even let go suddenly. You need to act quickly to remove everything to another tank or temporary holding tubs.

 

[vetteguy53081]

You will not stop the leak. You can slow it down but may make the problem worse. We need to see what sort of tank it is to help you.

Right now....just to control it/slow down until I have Full weekend to drain down

 

[Katrina71]

Flex seal

 

[alanbetiger]

Found them
http://www.reefaddicts.com/content.php/189-The-breakdown-of-my-280-gallon-reef-tank
https://reefs.com/2012/03/30/your-tank-is-leaking-what-do-you-do-right-now/

 

[vetteguy53081]

Flex seal

No good. Had two friends who tried product and called it a joke

 

[vetteguy53081]

Found them
http://www.reefaddicts.com/content.php/189-The-breakdown-of-my-280-gallon-reef-tank
https://reefs.com/2012/03/30/your-tank-is-leaking-what-do-you-do-right-now/

Very nice article. Unfortunately, mine is at the lower third of tank. This happened over a year ago, and I cleaned and resealed and it stop. Here is round two at same spot. I see silicone sort of peeling from bottom of reseal and I believe was due to magnet scarper hitting it as much as I ALWAYS try to stay away from the silicone and re-sealed area

 

[cshplumber]

"Even works under water!"

 

[dantimdad]

You can silicone 2" aluminum angle over the seam but it's gonna give way soon. Maybe even before the silicone cures .

But, it's worth a try

 

[Katrina71]

Just a curiosity...could you do an acrylic corner over it as a temp repair?

 

[Reeferdood]

Double post...

 

[TheEngineer]

@redfishbluefish did an emergency repair similar to this not that long ago. If I remember he used 90 aluminum, silicone it on and clamped it with a large bar clamp. Held for quite a while.

This could certainly blow at any point though so I’d recommend spending the time draining it rather than spending it trying to hold it over. I’d rather have everything held in less than ideal conditions than have it on my floor.

 

[redfishbluefish]

@TheEngineer , let's call it an attempted emergency repair. Knowing I had to replace the tank, I started with Duct tape and both epoxy and silicone on the outside. Next I went with a triangular piece of acrylic siliconed to the inside....all of these temporarily worked...and the leak was back, but what eventually stopped the leak was using a pipe clamp to hold it together. Detail starts HERE at post 141....it ain't pretty.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I plan on seeing and fixing properly. Just need to hold this over. Sounds like clamp is the answer.
This us a 360 that is 28" deep and 31" high. Took 8 guys to lift it. That's my real issue. Can't just take it down and lay it on floor.
And yet I want a larger tank AND AM LOOKING.