HOW TO: Reseal a leaking aquarium - TUTORIAL

[@bryanbraley1038]

Just bought a used 150 gallon tank and am not sure how old it is. Your tips helped me make the decision to reseal it "on my time" and not wait for something to fail. I bought your book several years ago and always look for your videos when I have a question. You're a great asset to the hobby. Thanks for all you do.

[@juanjosemontero3537]

2021 and I still use this. Thank you!!

[@makek5844]

Me too

[@bryanwilson9250]

Same

[@caewalker9276]

Welcome to 22. Still watching it

[@Javi.Montalvo]

@@caewalker9276 yessir

[@Javi.Montalvo]

@@caewalker9276 yessir

[@CopenhagenDreaming]

THIS is the content I'm on KZbin for! I found a small tank in the recycling room of my building, and the silicone is so disgustingly yellow and/or brown that it needs to be taken apart to become nice-looking. So I need to take it apart and put it back together again, and this is really helpful.

[@cshimi]

Just bought a monster 90 gallon, decided to reseal to know its safe. Has been empty and dry for who knows how long. Thank you for this video, still holds up years later

[@tristanrideout8423]

Hey i have a 4 foot 120 i just got i want to reseal also, did you remove the upper trim when you resealed it? How did everything go? thanks

[@cshimi]

@@tristanrideout8423 I didn't remove the trim, I just removed the silicone up to the trim. I don't fill my tanks to the brim, I usually leave at least a half inch or more between the surface of the water and the top of the tank. I've left water sitting in it for the 2 months its been resealed and it hasnt leaked

[@tristanrideout8423]

@@cshimi thanks I'm going to try and polish the glass at the same time I bought cerium oxide and going to attempt to remove tons of microscratches hoping it works out

[@zeb33369]

​@@tristanrideout8423hey, 👋how did the scratch removal go? Im aboud to try this myself

[@dimitrijekrstic7567]

Neither of you reported your results 😂 ​@@zeb33369

[@stupidsnek]

0:00 Intro and explanation. 3:00 Symptoms of a bad seal. 4:05 The basics of resealing. 4:44 Step one of resealing. 5:23 Deep cleaning the seams and residue. 5:42 Masking glass for sealing. 6:25 Calculating the amount of silicone you'll need. 7:19 Choosing what brand of silicone to use. 8:01 How to apply silicone correctly. 8:57 Curing times relative to thickness.

[@BrandonLittle]

Dude, every time I have an aquarium question I land on your channel. Thanks for what you do

[@carissajordan7757]

This video really helped, I bought a second hand 20 gallon tank for $5 and the silicone is so bad it's peeling off and I can almost remove it with my hand so now I'm about to go remove it and reseal the whole thing. Thanks, I had no idea what I was doing lol.

[@roxyqueen5076]

COOL LET US KNOW HOW IT CAME OUT..

[@billymacktexasdetective5827]

Used 20 gallon for $5, tubes of silicone $10 each. Plus all of the labor to strip the old caulk and recaulk? NO THANKS. A brand new 20 gallon is $25! I won't reseal anything smaller than a 55, it's simply not worth it.

[@Lizzifer7]

​@@billymacktexasdetective5827some people enjoy the process and working with their own hands to make something new again, reuse + recycle 😊

[@markadams9401]

Very good sir! I got a used 90 gallon and realized it needs to be resealed, I was afraid at first but you have inspired me to do it right, thank you very much sir!

[@gregbleckler9308]

Half hour for a six foot tank! Ha! I'm 40 minutes in, 4 beers deep, one cut finger and I still can't get the plastic trim off.

[@roxyqueen5076]

LOL I know some of them are a bitch..I use SMALL PUTTY KNIFE TO GET IN THERE PRETTY GOOD AND JUST SLIDE IT ALL ALONG THE SIDES BACK AND FORTH TO LOOSEN UP THE OLD SILICONE AND GO TO THE EDGE AND START TO PICK IT UP AND OFF AT THE SAME TIME.

[@ste2577]

Amen to that Greg, glad im not the only one haha

[@alliyance]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@HWolfe]

Makes me glad I passed up that used 185.😳

[@Larry-rr6ko]

It took me 3 hours to get the plastic. Trim off. I have to get the bottom glass out and my fingers are shot... Heat gun is next

[@hillsideriots]

Do you have to put the top rim back on? Or can you leave it off after re sealing? Resealing my 180g. Thanks and love the channel

[@soggyfries4347]

This, sir, is why you're dubbed "King of DIY". Excellent info.

[@garym4536]

Amazing! You provide so much valuable information and tips for what would seem to be a simple task. Just shows the enormous effort you put into your videos. I'm replacing the control arms on my Nissan Murano this week, can you make a video of how that is done? Kidding of course! Keep up the great work! Gary

[@thekingofdiy]

+Gary Muir (GRM Prod) haha! I get what your saying.

[@hallodude7024]

@@thekingofdiy Hi dude If i did it should i wait 48 hours and then Put Some water ?

[@CooLin1stPlace]

Maaaan these old tutorial videos are so helpful.

[@somethingstupid1920]

you posted this 4 years ago and its really helping me out today! thank you for the info! i now have a usable 37 gallon tank that I got for 10$!!! the seal is still fine, just the silicone needed redone

[@captainrobots1]

Got a used 10-gallon tank for free but not adding water but still should reseal it to make it look nice and also came with a metal mesh lid.

[@robertwilkinson7863]

Very concise and easy to interpret I followed your method and it worked a treat on my 100 gallon tank. Thanks so much.

[@ahmedkayani4724]

Hello I’m reluctant to reseal my tank and I really wanna know how long your tank lasted so please let me know

[@robertwilkinson7863]

@@ahmedkayani4724 4 years ago.

[@robertwilkinson7863]

I expect it to last to around 10years before I need to re seal again

[@ahmedkayani4724]

@@robertwilkinson7863 so it’s still going?

[@nathanhenderson679]

Found this old gem!!! Thanks Joey. I've been watching you new stuff for maybe 1-2 years. Recently had a brand new 65 leak. Called manufacturer and they gave me a new one but didn't want the old one back. So now how can I fix the issue and get 2 aquariums!!! Thanks for the help here. I now know what to do.

[@haitham.mohamed]

Another great video for one the best people in KZbin . Great work . U always make stuff seem doable with your excellent and detailed explanations . You are a star

[@prestonagustin9395]

Just wanted to say Mahalo Nui Loa from Hawaii! I just got my 55 gallon resealed and water tested this morning after buying one cheap from someone selling it on Facebook. My turtle is in a bigger tank and is happily exploring his new bigger home! Next will either be a DIY canister or sump tank filter! Aloha!

[@walterbkeen]

Your videos have inspired me to take my hobby to a new level that i never dreamed possible. Just picked up a leaking 125 for a 1$ a gallon that i plan on resealing using this very process and a new bottom trim from overtheedge. A very sincere thank you for everything you do for this hobby. Just purchased your book and recommend others to as well. If for no other reason than to help fund your future videos. After all, acrylic, glass, silicone, and PVC are not free.

[@brooklyn560]

how did it go?

[@timervin3267]

Gonna give it a try i guess just got a 125 gallon for $60 USD.

[@herbiecactus6687]

Apparently he did not survive the attempt :- ( @@brooklyn560

[@RedfishCarolina]

Resealing a 46g bowfront today using this. Thank you for the EXCELLENT video!

[@sirspends-a-lot2861]

I watched this tutorial a few times before I began my project. It's a hexagon tank so I hope you can answer these questions. You mentioned to be VERY CAREFUL not to get your razor into the seam between the glass, but you didn't mention what TO DO if that actually happens. (Q: what to do if razor gets in this butt joint) Also on the hexagon tank there is a bead of silicone on the outside seam. Do I need to scrape this clean also or is this part of the don't mess with this in between the glass comment? I also see that you used acetone to clean up the seams after the old silicone removal, but I didn't see a part where you used something to clean up the acetone haze. When I cleaned up my corners I noticed a haze where the acetone touched. (Q:is that haze OK for the new silicone, or what did you use for the final clean up prior to taping it up?)

[@blessedistheflame3813]

I'm about to try and do a hexagon myself. How'd it go for you?

[@docmoorej]

Great tutorial. Way easier said than done. I just reseal Ed my 65 and it was a complete pain in the arse. I didn't have a huge tube of silicone so I had to use like 4 small squeeze packs. Stuff was like pushing play dough through a straw. One of the packs exploded cause I was squeezing it so hard. Guess we'll see in a couple days if I did it right. If not it will become a non aquatic tank for something hahaha. Cripes.

[@seyedaminkazemeini9797]

I just did this on my 20 year 40 gallon tank that started leaking yesterday. It's real simple and easy to do

[@Christina__V]

To this day I keep on coming back to these videos for help. YOU ARE MY HERO AND I LOVE YOUR GALLERY

[@bernardlemay9930]

Hey as a Canadian I've been following you for a while. But as I can see. You only answer to those that are paying you. I think I should ask my questions to someone who cares. Keep it up for your friends that are paying you you and I should ask my questions to someone that cares

[@iliketofish6966]

i cant even say how much i love your videos, actually a year before this video was made you got me into keeping fish thank you! :)

[@saladnander3690]

Still out here giving myself a refresher with this video! Thanks man!

[@brianbatten3664]

top info as always joey.. and ive just started reasealing my 5foot aquarium. So the nail polish trick helps me out there

[@bmeyaard]

watching your current gallery drama is only enhanced by my ability to search your multi-year library of older tutorial videos. awesome!

[@joshs3916]

Currently resealing my red eared sliders tank. Great video

[@MadCowOnFire]

Fantastic video, answered all my questions. Thank you!

[@deceiverofhippo]

Thanks for this tutorial, it helped me with making sure my first "midsize" tank was water ready!

[@deceiverofhippo]

It was made in 1993.

[@briarfox637]

Thanks for the video. I have recently acquired a 125 gallon tank with an FX5 filtration system, driftwood and rocks. It wasn't leaking when it was set up, but after handling and sitting in my living room I just want to be sure it doesn't leak. Silicone looks to be in good shape, I can feel a ridge when I rub it with my finger but I can't tell if its actually coming up. I can reseal it now just to be on the safe side. THANKS DIY KING, love your vids!

[@narwhalgaming1841]

This video helped me out a bunch! I found a 50 gallon tank that was being thrown away and leaked, so i resealed and hopefully by tomorrow it should be ready to go

[@you0nlylivetwice]

Thank you always Joey for all your tips and help

[@thegatewalker6216]

Thank you for the info. My turtle tank of 9yrs just started leaking. I freaked out a bit but thanxs to ur vid im at ease. Looks like an easy fix.

[@NinjaSushi2]

How did it go?

[@jostengiang]

Very happy that I could search your channel to find this. You make it seem way less intimidating than people make it out to be. Time to give it a shot on my 125. Thanks Joey!

[@markmmcaulay]

Great job Joey! Of course I read the book first and then found this video later. The tank I'm actually repairing is my brand new Uaru tank!

[@allisonbrizburk2217]

I’m looking for advice on resealing my bowfront, is there anything I need to consider when dealing with the seams of the curved glass?

[@BLP-WATERDOWNONTARIO]

Thank you, you motivated me to reseal my tank i just bought used 150 gallons.

[@concresskull]

This video simply saved my friend's aquarium, many thanks.

[@joenaylor6994]

7 years later and still one of the best videos on tank resealing

[@kevinlittlejohn8831]

Great video. Very informative and specific with the directions.

[@SlimTim_dirty_aquatics]

Thanks for the formula on how much silicone will be needed. I got my dads(r.i.p) old 55 gallon out in my greenhouse which needs to be resealed. Plus not sure of the age of my planted 55 gallon, but have wandering when and if the seals might give. If anything reseal one, relocate plants setup and have another tank to setup. Fired Up!!!

[@ivoryqueen7000]

Great video! Resealing a tank isn't so hard... I have done this also! :)

[@MinnyLouWho]

Thanks for the video. I recently bought a used 55g tank and after inspection I see it was built in 2002, and the silicone is almost gone from the four corners. Looks like I have a project ahead of me now :)

[@beckersaquatics994]

This helps me so so much in 2021 LOL my 100 gallon tank will love this

[@NinjaSushi2]

How did it go?

[@yukkikatsuki3341]

this video is really helpful I'm talking my parents into setting up an old aquarium and since it hasn't been up since I was about 3 I can guarantee its over ten years, of course if things go wrong we have a slightly smaller tank to house the fish in for awhile but it would be nice to seal it ahead of time.

[@spankymaz]

Joey, I love your channel and have watched almost every video. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I recently had a 220 gallon tank start leaking so I followed your instructions to reseal it. Because the tank is so large how long should I let the silicone set?

[@ericbagster7754]

Were you successful with the large tank?

[@mikehaines5467]

a few days-- he kinda hinted at that

[@GlitchAQ]

Thanks Joey! Just successfully resealed my first tank

[@490SavedOne]

Great tutorial. One of the better ones I have seen!

[@Redtailed78]

Good job, Can you do this on Juwel tanks that have a trim and brace fixed on?

[@youngmango4508]

Hey bro! Love your channel and all your informative videos. I was wondering after i re-silicon my 55Gal aquarium, do i neeeed to have the black top border frame? Theres no center brace. I just like the aesthetics of frameless. Lmk what you think

[@almostsapien]

Watched this years ago when I was first getting into the hobby. Watching it again because I'm getting into it again.

[@jamesmorrison8505]

Hey man great vid had a second hand tank filled her up leaked so found this vid .you saved me you saved my house 🏠 😌 🙌

[@andrewbaggett2505]

Excellent video joey

[@munroekerr6512]

What a coincidence, this was uploaded as soon as i found out my tank was leaking lol, thanks

[@munroekerr6512]

I just build my fish tank recently, should i reseal the small area that is leaking or all of it

[@willtusa992]

@@munroekerr6512 what did you end up doing?

[@jamescompton5546]

Very informative and quick, thank you.

[@mosideas520]

this youtube was very instructional and helpful for my upcoming project of resealing my aquarium...first time to try it, and I am super nervous. ...gulp ... Can you please elaborate when the reseal potential is beyond possible, and I would then need to break the aquarium down to the 4 sheets of glass and rebuild.

[@lavanlukes1277]

Awsome video! To the point and informative. Helped me by just confirming what I was thinking.

[@TheNinjaLife]

This is really good information. Step by step instructions with great explanations. Thank you

[@rudywatkins1312]

You absolutely need that brace.

[@vinniejudilla3921]

Thanks joey.. I knew how to do this but had to check with the king just incase!!

[@tic857]

Thanks for this. I just had to rebuild the tank for the first time and the seams look ok, not too many bubbles, but my seal job looks horrendous so I think I'm gonna redo the seal.

[@xxissatlxx9621]

Hey @king of diy do you think GE silicone 1 is good enough for a full rebuild on a 60 cube? People tell me it’s not going to hold seal long, what’s your opinion?

[@heatherwinberg1974]

I purchased brand new tank, manufactured 4/13/15 that has TERRIBLE silicone. Bubbles of water under the silicone, algae growing underneath too. Its the replacement for the first one that leaked after 3 weeks. So annoying!!! Thank you for this video!!!

[@DyreElsker78]

I`m watching this over and over again a few time already because I have an old 420 liter tank that I`m not sure about age or anything. Just that the previous owner did recommend to reseal it. I have got soo much great help from Joey - expecelly since I`m a beginner, this is very scary to do. But with this video I have manage to remove all old silicone with razor blades (needs many!) and aceton. I`m not sure if I have to wash away the aceton or not 🤔🤨 I might get done the resealing tomorrow, and then I can fill it with water later this week. If I just can find out about the filter and how to use some older Eheim that`s staying outside of the tank .. 🤔 Anyway I have a few smaller filtration to put inside the tank to use them if I need too that should be helping some.. And maybe I can buy some new fish monday 🤨😍

[@nelsonsiliezar3961]

I have a fish tank similar to the one in the video is been seating outdoors including harsh winters for 3 years. Should i be confident that by doing this It will be safe to use ? Or should i dump it in the trash?

[@bluemanredmanwhiteman782]

I think its better that you try to reseal it but if you cant, please dont throw it away, try giving it to someone who needs one and can reseal it 👍🏽

[@nelsonsiliezar3961]

@@bluemanredmanwhiteman782 well I’m confident I can do the process correctly. I just want reassurance that it can be done with a neglected fish tank.

[@redstone1999]

WOW !!! I did not know storing aquariums dry but in a cold/freezing storage was bad for the silicone (before seeing this video). I do have windows and steel roof holes sealed for decades without it lifting or seal compromised. I will be checking the seals, then fill with water (warm weather, of course) and let it sit for a week ( in a leak safe area in shed ). Will check on it daily or more to see if any leaks happen before emptying it and bring into house. I always keep a close eye for leaks on all tanks (new/resealed/used).

[@chandelierops9600]

Great diy video! All the steps were filmed and explained perfectly

[@kingknockout787]

Well now I know what I did wrong thank u for the info now I can get my tank right: )

[@TheBlueyedGal]

Question: I've got a brand new tank from Wal-Mart,it's a 10 gal(kit) but I was very afraid to use the tank because one of the long front/back pieces of glass are NOT flush and I see a gap on one side. Should I take the entire thing apart and start over? Maybe just get a gerbil instead,lol? Thanks for the video btw, it came in handy on another tank and looks brand new and professional.

[@BigScreenLife]

Great video but one thing I would note is that the cold temperatures don't shrink the silicone, it does not shrink much if at all in the cold, instead it shrinks the glass causing it to pull away from the silicone.

[@Sticky_Ricky]

So the black trim isn't necessary on say a 29 gallon aquarium? It doesn't have an impact on structural integrity of the tank?

[@NYCityCichlids]

I might need this video soon. Thanks for the info, as always.

[@NYCityCichlids]

Now you should also silicone the top frame while the silicone is still fresh, right?

[@thekingofdiy]

+NYCity Cichlids You can silicone that back on when ever you like. The timing doesn't matter in terms of strength. If you wait till the tank cures, you will have to remove a bit of silicone from the seam for the trim to fit. If you dont wait, it will just slide on an push the silicone out of the way. Which you will have to clean up.

[@1997debbie]

+The king of DIY your a great teacher, always great work from you.

[@skylinevspec000]

What Joey says about age is worth paying attention to. I had a feeling my tank needed work but I was lazy. Randomly it sprung a leak, it was a very tiny leak but causes a weekend of chaos, replacing tank, rehousing the occupants and cleaning the mess. The leak was right on the bottom, the silicone was getting grayish, could get finger nail under it and it was 12 years old. Dont be lazy as it will cost you more work.

[@RuffPlay]

Can you please put a link in the description for the "Emergency Setup Video" you mentioned? You have so many videos, I'm having problems finding it. Thanks 👍

[@oneofthosepeople2101]

Thank you sir, Answered all my questions.

[@lillybain8799]

Made a 9foot tank stand with you videos and considering resealing my 9foot reef tank too. Got it 2nd hand of the fish shop was there sump. Cleaned up good. Resealing safe then sorry huh dims are 108"x20"x20" . Videos great thanks for info too

[@dragon6irl]

I could not have accomplished this if it weren't for this video. Thank you.

[@johncameron4194]

Very good video thank you

[@stonedsavage7814]

i have a 2nd hand tank that was left in the garden for quite a while but its holding up im glad i watched this i have a brand new tube of marine tank silicone will it be fine for freshwater? as all the silicone is pretty mutch white :/

[@melynalogan2832]

Awesome vidéo !

[@professionaltriathloncoach]

This video was great! Thanks a tonne.

[@Animallover-xy7gr]

I have a decagonal tank, @ThekingofDIY would I necessarily need to have acetone?

[@erikbeeman8486]

So this isn’t my first time using silicone, have used it a lot in remodels and construction. However it is my first tank reseal. I don’t know how it’s possible to have the old silicone scraped out In less then a hour. I have about 5 hours in scraping and cleaning the old silicone out of my 65. My fingers are raw, and it’s a huge pain. I just kept getting more and more out, maybe I was to meticulous. But i heard you want it all out, so I followed instructions. Trying to get tape lines level and even was also a pain, maybe 30 minutes. Putting down new silicone and smoothing was easy, just gotta work with somewhat of a quickness. Will I do it again, maybe. Worst part: getting all the old silicone out

[@rumelorbe6339]

Thank you for this video

[@rockintracey]

Thanks so much sir, giving it a shot!!!

[@cleanflow5640]

Great help thanks!

[@BassManStrikes]

LOL, my 75 gallon is almost 15 years old manufactured in 2005..still fine. Probably time to get a new one though and re seal old one. Here is a question can you reseal with black silicone?

[@karolinapetrone2043]

I’m curious, once you take the trim off and reseal it, do you put the trim back on? I personally like the look of it without it but if it’s necessary then I’ll buy a new one.

[@dreamster8264]

what a pigs ear I've made of mine, but so long as it keeps the water in the tank and off the floor I'm happy. Thanks for the informative video as always!

[@thekoiaddiction4740]

Love your videos. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@CaseyJohns-j8c]

I am resealing a used 150 gallon. I believe the previous owner had a tube of black silicone in each seam and it was all gooped up! It has been a nightmare to strip, but Im about there. I believe some of the silicone has come out of the actual seam. What can I do without taking the entire tank apart? Glass glue before resealing or will the resealing be enough if I push it into the seams?

[@andirosek]

If by any chance where I accidentally go into the seam a little (on the bottom/floor) what should I do?

[@pearlfromthepilot984]

Hi Andi, I've resealed aquariums before. As long as you didn't go all the way through it should be ok. Just put a bit extra silicone over it when resealing.

[@jamesmarinelli2177]

Found a 40 gallon tank on the curb, no cracked glass, leaks a little on a corner. Just recently rained hard so I found this tank on the curb just before a day we had hard freeze. Thanks for making this video ! Ill let you know how turns out.

[@Xc31]

How did it turn out?

[@AdhdDoesStuff]

I remember the day you uploaded this video, I have just got back into the hobby after a long time, i've seen this video i dont know how many times over the years, just watched it again because i need to re seal my Juwel 240L that i just bought really cheap, so nervous though, looks like the factory bond has been compromised at some point at the top, about 6 inches down and im too nervous to take the whole tank apart and re do it all, its 4ft by 16" by 2ft tall roughly :(

[@amazingancistrus2224]

First off, I love your channel. You’ve taught me a lot. On that note, I recently got a second hand 135 gallon flat back hex and there’s an entire vertical seam missing...how might you fix that? Any help would be appreciated.

[@Lando1020]

Seam or seal? They are made in 2 steps. The "seam" is where 2 pieces meet with silicone in between The 2 adjoining pieces. The "Seal" is the part we can see and feel on inside of tank. If it's truly seam missing you would most likely have to reassemble the piece(s)

[@paulchandler1047]

hi.. great vid.. i noticed in your vid that your tank has a hole.. may i ask what did you do to seal your tanks hole? coz i have 1 tank also with hole. thanks

[@angelaclements1244]

I know this is an old video but thank heavens I watched it. I so couldn't be arsed (sorry) to do all that lol. A new tank it is then. Found puddle around bottom hopefully slow leak as it's Sunday and can't get to shop till tomorrow. Got 5g bucket in case on standby

[@vulcano9200]

i have have a 120 liters (26 gallon) aquarium that was sitting on storage for about 12 years. When i brought it to re-start the hobbie i found some disturbing white bubbles on the silicone. I guess is better to add some silicone inside to reseal before attempting to fill it with water don't you think?

[@takiyagenji9202]

i need suggestion of what brand shoul i use for silicone? also why u did not mention talent also require for reseal thank.. huhu .you so pro...