Tank leaking?- underwater repair?

[Bfragale]

I recently picked up a 24x24x12 tank that I have set up as a frag tank.

I recently noticed it’s losing about half a gallon of water a day. First thought it was evaporating, but seemed too much for such a small tank. Upon inspection I found one bottom corner of the tank that has a slow leak. (Small drip) I can see the silicone on that corner look slightly a different color. (More white)

my question is: is there a sealer I can use underwater? Is this tank toast? Is it worth repairing?

I do not have photos right now but will update later once I take a few photos.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I recently picked up a 24x24x12 tank that I have set up as a frag tank.

I recently noticed it’s losing about half a gallon of water a day. First thought it was evaporating, but seemed too much for such a small tank. Upon inspection I found one bottom corner of the tank that has a slow leak. (Small drip) I can see the silicone on that corner look slightly a different color. (More white)

my question is: is there a sealer I can use underwater? Is this tank toast? Is it worth repairing?

I do not have photos right now but will update later once I take a few photos.

Photos would help. Also, resealing small tanks like that is easy. As for doing it without draining, no clue there. I have always drained and repaired any tank.

 

[Bfragale]

I’ll get photos up as soon as I get back to the tank.
Thank you for reply, it’s a small tank, I could drain it and repair. I’ll get some photos soon!

 

[Bfragale]

 

[Bfragale]

Not sure if you can see the photo. But the silicone looks like it’s not attached between glass end.

its a small area and a small leak. It a huge water volume. Was really hoping there was an easy fix that I could do under water. But if not, would I have to Re-silicone the whole tank? Do I remove old and replace all new? Just go over the affect area? Remove just affect area and Re do?

any sugggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’ve never sealed a tank or had one leak before - so this seems a bit “scary”. Not sure if it’s just because I’venever had this happen or if it really is a scary thing lol.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Not sure if you can see the photo. But the silicone looks like it’s not attached between glass end.

its a small area and a small leak. It a huge water volume. Was really hoping there was an easy fix that I could do under water. But if not, would I have to Re-silicone the whole tank? Do I remove old and replace all new? Just go over the affect area? Remove just affect area and Re do?

any sugggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’ve never sealed a tank or had one leak before - so this seems a bit “scary”. Not sure if it’s just because I’venever had this happen or if it really is a scary thing lol.

Personally, I would strip apart and reseal, as that is all I know. @dantimdad may be able to provide some more insight. I know has has repaired a ton of tanks.

 

[strindl]

Not sure if you can see the photo. But the silicone looks like it’s not attached between glass end.

its a small area and a small leak. It a huge water volume. Was really hoping there was an easy fix that I could do under water. But if not, would I have to Re-silicone the whole tank? Do I remove old and replace all new? Just go over the affect area? Remove just affect area and Re do?

What is the tank sitting on? From the picture it looks like something soft enough to deform under the weight of the tank. The outside corner of the dark material sheets under the tank appears to curve upward slightly. That would mean the tank is sitting on an uneven surface causing added stress on the seams. That may explain why that silicone seam gave way.

Has anyone ever tried one of the Flex Seal products on an aquarium? You can get most of what they offer in a clear color, plus some are designed to be used under water.

 

[Bfragale]

What is the tank sitting on? From the picture it looks like something soft enough to deform under the weight of the tank. The outside corner of the dark material sheets under the tank appears to curve upward slightly. That would mean the tank is sitting on an uneven surface causing added stress on the seams. That may explain why that silicone seam gave way.

Has anyone ever tried one of the Flex Seal products on an aquarium? You can get most of what they offer in a clear color, plus some are designed to be used under water.

Tank is sitting on a thin rubber aquarium mat sitting on 3/4 ply wood. I could remove the mat? The mat is cut a little longer then tank and wood So it hangs out a bit

Im just about to start draining, and scraping silicone and applying new interior corner bead throughout. Setting up temp tank for corals and fish, and will allow to cure for 24 hr.
When I get it back up would you suggest loosing the rubber mat? And go straight on the ply wood? It’s a rimless tank (top and bottom) here is a link to the tank:

Symbolic 30 Gal. Aquarium 24" x 24" x 12"*

Mr. Aqua Symbolic Aquarium- 30 Gallon Aquarium- Exact Dimensions: 23.8125" x 23.8125" x 12"- Thick glass for increased rigidity- Specially formulated high

sevenports.com

 

[codycolina707]

Tank is sitting on a thin rubber aquarium mat sitting on 3/4 ply wood. I could remove the mat? The mat is cut a little longer then tank and wood So it hangs out a bit

Im just about to start draining, and scraping silicone and applying new interior corner bead throughout. Setting up temp tank for corals and fish, and will allow to cure for 24 hr.
When I get it back up would you suggest loosing the rubber mat? And go straight on the ply wood? It’s a rimless tank (top and bottom) here is a link to the tank:

Symbolic 30 Gal. Aquarium 24" x 24" x 12"*

Mr. Aqua Symbolic Aquarium- 30 Gallon Aquarium- Exact Dimensions: 23.8125" x 23.8125" x 12"- Thick glass for increased rigidity- Specially formulated high

sevenports.com

Pretty sure you need the mat for a rimless tank

 

[strindl]

Pretty sure you need the mat for a rimless tank

I've never dealt with a rimless tank before, but the link to the tank the original poster posted has this to say about what you place the tank on:

"important Info: The surface the tank rests on shall be perfectly flush along the entire surface of the bottom of the aquarium, with no areas of separation from the surface of the glass to the surface the aquarium rests upon. The surface on which the aquarium rests shall be completely level. The surface shall not have any physical dips or debris that may cause pressure points on the glass. The aquarium must be placed on a closed foam mat that is at least 0.25″ thick and cover the entire surface of the bottom of the aquarium. "

I can see how a rimless tank gives a nice look, how long have they been around and what is their record on how long they last and having a leak? I'm old enough to recall having tanks with metal frames on the top and bottom and all corners..and slate bottoms. I had that type of tank when I was a kid and they generally developed leaks, at least in my experience. My current tank, a 50 gallon one built by All Glass Aquarium in Franklin Wisconsin, has been running continuously for 35 years. I've never moved it and it's never sat empty. It has the vinyl frames on the top and bottom, but no frame on the corners.

 

[Bfragale]

I've never dealt with a rimless tank before, but the link to the tank the original poster posted has this to say about what you place the tank on:

"important Info: The surface the tank rests on shall be perfectly flush along the entire surface of the bottom of the aquarium, with no areas of separation from the surface of the glass to the surface the aquarium rests upon. The surface on which the aquarium rests shall be completely level. The surface shall not have any physical dips or debris that may cause pressure points on the glass. The aquarium must be placed on a closed foam mat that is at least 0.25″ thick and cover the entire surface of the bottom of the aquarium. "

then I believe it was set up correct. Stand is level and flat, and the 1/4“ mat as well. Nodebris or anything between glass and Mat. Tank is about 2.5 years old, but new to me. So I don’t really know the history, but the seller said this mat was purchased with the tank. I’ve never had a rimless but I did read they need or recommend the mat so I kept it.

this tank doesn’t have a bead of silicone on the inside- only in between the glass ends- not like a regular tank- it’s odd. Today it seems maybe dry?- I was going to do it tonight but think I’ll hold off until tomorrow.

It’s either leaking or evaporating a gallon a day and it’s only 30 gal. My 90 gal does about the same- the mat under was wet and I found that bad looking corner- so I assume it’s leaking. But could I just be evaporating that much?

 

[fishguy242]

yes after new silicone dries 48-72 hrs test w fw for 24-48 ,would try to center on surface,looks like lil overhang,and lastly.no no no on flex seal not going to hold been there tried that,glass and acrylic,best wishes,show us how it worked for you

 

[fishguy242]

then I believe it was set up correct. Stand is level and flat, and the 1/4“ mat as well. Nodebris or anything between glass and Mat. Tank is about 2.5 years old, but new to me. So I don’t really know the history, but the seller said this mat was purchased with the tank. I’ve never had a rimless but I did read they need or recommend the mat so I kept it.

this tank doesn’t have a bead of silicone on the inside- only in between the glass ends- not like a regular tank- it’s odd. Today it seems maybe dry?- I was going to do it tonight but think I’ll hold off until tomorrow.

It’s either leaking or evaporating a gallon a day and it’s only 30 gal. My 90 gal does about the same- the mat under was wet and I found that bad looking corner- so I assume it’s leaking. But could I just be evaporating that much?

i would def reseal

 

[Bfragale]

i would def reseal

I got everything today, was planning on resealing tonight but decided to do it tomorrow. But your right. Either way I think it’s best to reseal it and have piece of mind. Thank you my friend, take care and as always - HAPPY REEFING!

 

[dantimdad]

Always use a mat or styrofoam under ANY tank. It may not leak this week, month or year, but, unless your stand and the tank are perfectly mated, it will leak or crack eventually.

I have repaired many, many leaks. Except for a few exceptions, it's always the stand's fault or the tank wasn't level..

Definitely don't use flex seal. And, nothing I have tried works under water for long when tested.

Any tank is worth saving if it's not scratched all up and you don't think about how much your labor costs. Plus, it's a learning experience.

Let me know if you have any questions. @Eagle_Steve is correct, I have built and repaired hundreds of tanks.

 

[afishbestservedcold]

I've never dealt with a rimless tank before, but the link to the tank the original poster posted has this to say about what you place the tank on:

"important Info: The surface the tank rests on shall be perfectly flush along the entire surface of the bottom of the aquarium, with no areas of separation from the surface of the glass to the surface the aquarium rests upon. The surface on which the aquarium rests shall be completely level. The surface shall not have any physical dips or debris that may cause pressure points on the glass. The aquarium must be placed on a closed foam mat that is at least 0.25″ thick and cover the entire surface of the bottom of the aquarium. "

I can see how a rimless tank gives a nice look, how long have they been around and what is their record on how long they last and having a leak? I'm old enough to recall having tanks with metal frames on the top and bottom and all corners..and slate bottoms. I had that type of tank when I was a kid and they generally developed leaks, at least in my experience. My current tank, a 50 gallon one built by All Glass Aquarium in Franklin Wisconsin, has been running continuously for 35 years. I've never moved it and it's never sat empty. It has the vinyl frames on the top and bottom, but no frame on the corners.

just read this and nearly fainted, my 4g sits on a lazy susan with an inch of each corner hanging off.....its been there for 2 years without issue thankfully.

I had the bottom pane of a glass tank crack a few years back. I would go to the hardware store and get a piece high density fiberboard, the tough brown stuff, and cut a piece to fit the bottom of your tank. Then generously and evenly silicone it to the tank from the outside and silicone up that leaky corner from the inside. no matter what do you, if you want to salvage this tank for the long-term you probably should empty the livestock/sand/water and do the work dry.

 

[Bfragale]

Always use a mat or styrofoam under ANY tank. It may not leak this week, month or year, but, unless your stand and the tank are perfectly mated, it will leak or crack eventually.

I have repaired many, many leaks. Except for a few exceptions, it's always the stand's fault or the tank wasn't level..

Definitely don't use flex seal. And, nothing I have tried works under water for long when tested.

Any tank is worth saving if it's not scratched all up and you don't think about how much your labor costs. Plus, it's a learning experience.

Let me know if you have any questions. @Eagle_Steve is correct, I have built and repaired hundreds of tanks.

thank you! This is great information. I’ve been watching a few YouTube videos in preparation (I’m an expert now lol)

it doesn’t seem as bad as I thought, I’m most likely going to drain and start it today.
Thank you again!

take care and HAPPY REEFING!

 

[Bfragale]

This is what I have- Selsil Aquarium Silicone . A local reefer recommended this brand. Anyone ever use this brand before? I’m planning on starting this once I’m off work today, unless anyone suggests a different silicone?

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Nothing wrong with using that silicone. I'm sure it's just rebranded regular 100% silicone (with an inflated price tag)

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

on a tank that small.. silicone is silicone. Wait a day to refill.

and FYI.. a matt is not necessary under "ANY" tank if you have a solid stand with a flat no deflecting top.

My 300 rimless glass tank... no matt. My 600 gallon acrylic.. also no mat.