Tank Leak

Reefkeeper12 · Feb 23, 2020

So I have a 260 gallon aquarium that last night started leaking, with no apparent cause. No rocks were knocked over, no glass is cracked.

Upon inspecting my tank trying to determine where the leak is coming from I was able to assess that it was not coming from the top of my tank, instead it was originating somewhere near the bottom.

If I had to make an educated guess I’d say it looks like water is going through the bottom seem of my tank somewhere.

I have no idea how to fix this, the closest person to me that advertises fixing this is over 4 hours away.

Can somebody please help me, and if you don’t have any helpful comments please don’t write on my thread.

Dragon52 · Feb 23, 2020

If you have buckets or can get some quickly I would start moving the DT water to them so you can save the fish & coral. The tank will need to be resealed, I don't see a quick fix for a tank this size. Hopefully others will chime in quickly but #reefaquad may have a better idea.

Vahanyos · Feb 23, 2020

Unfortunately I don’t see a quick fix either - had it been my tank, I would move everything elsewhere temporarily and either fix the tank by resealing it or assess the damage further with everything out and potentially get another tank. A small leak always ends in bigger problems.

Reefkeeper12 · Feb 23, 2020

Well that sucks.

Fishy212 · Feb 23, 2020

Sorry man, it happens. I am hoping for the best for your situation. Good luck!

ScottB · Feb 23, 2020

If you are certain that a seam is compromised, then you must empty the tank to repair it. And yes that is going to royally suck. I am sorry.

I'd work hard to confirm that first though. Use some towels to dry whatever surfaces are wet and try to confirm the source of the leak. A plumbing leak is easy peasy, but a seam leak I would consider an emergency.

Assuming the worst case:
a) If you have an LFS, make a call to them right now and see if they have some spare capacity for your livestock.
b) Depending on LFS response, start planning for temporary LIVE storage capacity. A cattle (livestock) trough would be awesome (but where I live would be hard to source). Move water first, heat next and flow before moving the livestock.
c) Brute barrels can house the rest. Any Home Depot etc stock these.

Keep updating as you can. Reefsquad folks have seen it all and they can help.

Johnd651 · Feb 23, 2020

Any pictures of the affected area? How does your stand look? is there trim hiding the seam? Whats under the tank (plywood, mat, etc)? Glass or acrylic tank?

Reefkeeper12 · Feb 23, 2020

Johnd651 said:
Any pictures of the affected area? How does your stand look? is there trim hiding the seam? Whats under the tank (plywood, mat, etc)? Glass or acrylic tank?

Here are some bad pictures from last night. The water was all pooped up along the seem though.

Reefkeeper12 · Feb 23, 2020

Pooled up***

ScottB · Feb 23, 2020

Judging from the towel in the cabinet and apparent moisture in there, this is a constant slow drip, correct?

Is the tank edge enclosed by the stand trim? Looks that way but cannot tell. Is there a silicone bead on the OUTSIDE of the glass?

Unless there is some feasible way that the water is making its way over the top of the tank (via wavemaker or something) I would be in water removal mode asap. Might be wishful thinking on my part but thought I would ask. Very sorry otherwise.

Reefkeeper12 · Feb 23, 2020

ScottB said:
Judging from the towel in the cabinet and apparent moisture in there, this is a constant slow drip, correct?

Is the tank edge enclosed by the stand trim? Looks that way but cannot tell. Is there a silicone bead on the OUTSIDE of the glass?

Unless there is some feasible way that the water is making its way over the top of the tank (via wavemaker or something) I would be in water removal mode asap. Might be wishful thinking on my part but thought I would ask. Very sorry otherwise.

Yes the stand comes up to be flush with black part of the frame of the tank. I have already drained my tank and transported all my livestock over to my 125 gallon safely. I was honestly saved by my ATO, I heard it beeping because my reservoir was empty super late at night and when I walked out to go unplug it and deal with filling it up the next day, I realized there was water all over my floor.