How to Reseal a Leaking Aquarium

[@PalmerFishTalk]

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[@tofubutcher7456]

First video I've seen that's been honest about how frustrating and time consuming the silicone scraping is lol

[@karlabonilla9787]

So happy I found your video! I was gonna just put silicone OVER the old silicone because I thought I had to take all pieces of glass apart, tape them together (hopefully straight) THEN RESEAL. LOL this video was so helpful I'm doing my 55 gallon today! 👍🏻 😃 Thanks!!!

[@MakoyUnggoy]

I'm doing my 3rd one today, hope yours is still in one piece and leak free?!

[@GavinStatikGoddard]

Great video as always. It's a good practice when buying 2nd hand tanks to re-silicone just for peace of mind

[@MidnightBloomer420]

Wish I read this sooner. 😢😂😅

[@SamKitzOutdoors]

Hi. This video really helped me make a plan. I am buying an aquenon 75 gallon tank. The issue though is that I don’t quite trust the silicone seal from all the bad reviews on leaks, so I will be resealing the tank. I am still buying this tank as it is very inexpensive l. Thank you for the help.

[@MagnaRads]

If it's brand new I would leave it alone

[@morganknight7419]

Did you have good results? Im considering doing the same thing

[@dylanjohnston7644]

Good idea. I got 3 years on my 75 gallon aquenon and then it failed badly and started leaking out of the bottom. Currently resealing.

[@kodyallen9121]

@@MagnaRads I second that. If it’s brand new just leave it alone cause it already went through quality control , and I’d imagine since putting tanks together is what they do for a living , just use it as is . However if it’s a large tank and it’s been used already and the silicone is basically only in between the sheets of glass and the whole other bead is gone from glass to glass then redo it for sure . I bought a 125 cheap , a 15 year old got it for birthday and unloaded it from truck him self , took it inside , and got it up on its stand by himself , well he was dragging and twisting it and it must’ve pulled apart cause they said the bottom had a leak so they sold me the stand and tank , brand new , for 150 bucks . In that case taking all the silicone off and rebuilding the tank is the option , it’s easy on small tank , but not needed really , but on big ones by yourself , you realize just how fast that silicone will set up and you got one good shot to do it right or you gotta redo it again , not saying it’s hard , just if you’ve never done the silicone before and the tanks brand new , just leave it be

[@spencerhoward3100]

Just bought the same 75g and it's leaking hence me watching this video lol

[@notfallingforit7246]

Thank you so much for catching covid and getting bored lol my 65 gal turtle tank sprung a leak and I've never had to reseal one, so much cheaper then trying to replace the tank itself. I appreciate you!

[@Stu_DLNGR]

Great vid!!! Very thorough. Acetone on your bare skin is super healthy! Especially if you use it on a regular basis. I am a graffiti writer/artist and also caulked for a living in a union setting. Wear gloves. But acetone will also eat gloves after time. Better than your skin and better than it osmosing into your bloodstream. Numtumbout. Peace

[@katia.nitska]

Thank you for making this, will be trying it on a used tank I purchased that has a leak. Will write an update on how it worked below in a few days

[@computerguy7213]

just getting back into Tropical fish. I had fish back in my pre-teen years. I worked in a tropical Fish store when in jr High. Its one of the last original left in my area. I had a 55 gallon back then and a few 20 gallon. The other day I got a 55 gallon with a wrought Iron stand free on craigs list. Cleaned up and painted the stand and I am re-sealing the tank. I think the tank is from the 70's, so yeah it needs sealing.

[@kellywilkinson9563]

Thank you so much your a life saver my tank started leaking and I lost half the water within 30 min lucky I had aquarium silicone because all the pet stores were shut and I was so worried for all my fish THANK YOU

[@sarahlizamen6366]

Thanks alot after watching ur videos I successfully did mine thanks again

[@AquaticDomain]

Nice vid. I like that you didn’t use tape. I have a corner tank I am getting ready to do. Unfortunately didn’t test before adding substrate. Shame on me😮

[@gavinlockridge9603]

Me too buddy and all my other shit with a 55 gallon one

[@rudybriskar5267]

Yupper, it takes quite a while. I'm at the final cleanup. Just ordered a caulking gun and 100 %silicone caulking from Amazon. 4:03

[@GtGerong]

Akhirnya ketemu juga yang dicari Terima kasih

[@marcushernandez5087]

1:56 😭 I believe you… I’ve been holding it off for 2 years now my other tank is leaking

[@newerafrican]

Thanks for the demo!

[@Deathvince75]

is this the same Prosses for Re-adding a Adding a Brace to the top of a 45g Bow tank mine Fell off a while and am trying to repair it

[@broooo953]

You should definitely use a silicone remover spray. It helps soften the silicone and helps the razor blade glide better and hard to scratch.

[@SonnyVu-d8n]

Doing this next weekend but I think isopropyl alcohol and use Selsil silicone

[@wolfsenseiasmr4036]

Im about to do this to a used 90 gallon tank i just got! Wish me luck! The tank isn't leaking but its older and the silicone looks rough.

[@sergifed91]

havent done a full tank yet. my 125 corner overflow the seal was missing on one o the over flow. so i removed the over flow and cleaned it. then resealed it. although I didn't wait 24 hrs. it still stuck and sealed without leaks. so that part was simple. I do plan on trying it with a 10 gallon tank soon that I that the seal is coming off of it. although might not be cost effective for a 10 gallon tank. i do have one larger but prefer to do it on a smaller scale first before tackling a 210 gallon tank to reseal.

[@ashleighrice5696]

What do you use for water in your tanks? Our tap water is extremely alkaline and we struggle with deciding on the best way to get the water to the parameters that our fish need, do you use tap water? If so how do you prep it?

[@funtraderkiller4736]

Do I need to clean the tank after i use the acetone?

[@CREEPLAIR]

If you don't separate the glass panels and seal those you are just putting a band aid on the real problem. The main seal that failed is between the panels, the inside seal is protecting that.

[@olsonjslipknot]

Thanks for video very helpful

[@justsomeguy3467]

Did you use water on edges after acetone or just go on in and apply silicone over top of wiped off acetone area?

[@ffxfgxsfxxxg2419]

does nail polish acetone also work?

[@joseph7105]

After removing all the old silicone is it normal for the bottom of the tank glass to be seperated from the walls? Its just a 10 gallon tank but if i push on the side walls it looks like they are separated. I got the tank second hand

[@zechenxiong6067]

what is the exact size of the tank shown in the video? And do you have a link? Thanks!

[@phackqu]

I just got a new 75 gallon tank and was wondering, since the reviews were about leakage, would i be able to just throw a large bead of silicone with the existing seal?

[@sandcove86]

No,new silicone doesn't bond with old silicone

[@qtipmotha]

Get a wet towel when you go to apply the new silicone. Wet your finger on the towel then use it to smooth the silicone out after you've caulked it. The silicone won't stick to your finger and you can keep wetting/smoothing as you go.

[@starwarswannabes285]

What do you do when your aquarium is 31 inches tall and your arm reach is considerably less than that? My guess is that you have to get inside the aquarium to do the work. I know to put padding under the aquarium, but still afraid of breaking the glass when I get in due to the plastic framing keeping the edges of the glass from contacting the floor.

[@gabrielgalaxygh]

Get a caulking gun

[@starwarswannabes285]

@@gabrielgalaxygh I still have to remove old caulk so the caulking gun which I have a few of wouldn’t help. I have since watched videos where people did get in the tank. I just have to cut some plywood the same depth as the recessed glass to give it support while I get in it so I don’t crack it. I believe it will work but I would be lying if I said I was sure and not a bit nervous about it.

[@gabrielgalaxygh]

@@starwarswannabes285 oh yeah didn't think about that. I'm thinking of revealing my 125 gal but man I'm nervous as hell for that too

[@starwarswannabes285]

@@gabrielgalaxygh I’m nervous for 2 reasons, I don’t want to crack it ( 150 gallon ) and if it were to shatter with me in it, that could be really bad. I feel fairly sure the cabinet should hold my weight because I’m only 175 and if it holds all that water weight it should be able to hold me. The plywood will go across the cabinet so if the bottom of the tank broke it will be resting on the plywood. Their will actually be two pieces one that the frame of the tank rest on and one that the glass rest on because the frame causes the glass to be recessed up about the perfect depth for a sheet of plywood I already had laying around the garage. Wish me luck and I hope you get yours sealed as well.

[@gabrielgalaxygh]

@@starwarswannabes285 good uck man and maybe another piece of plywood inside the tank would help distribute you're weight better. Kinda like when they're making the concrete smooth so they kneel on a flat piece of wood so they don't sink into the wet cement. Just a thought... and thank you I'm probably gonna try it tomorrow so hopefully all goes well

[@kingclaytonz6027]

Ya I'm just buying another tank

[@JustaKarenDiscoveredTheIntrnet]

you can superglue the area where silicon has failed then silicon over that area it will adhere to the super glue..been doing this for 40 yrs never had issue

[@GamesOffTheShelf]

Can anyone tell me where to find aquarium grade silicone? My home depot and lowes don't carry the right brand and all the fish stores around here only have 3oz tubes and I have a 90 gallon tank.

[@Stu_DLNGR]

I just purchased KRAKEN silicone sealant on Amazon. Two tubes. Fair price

[@GamesOffTheShelf]

@@Stu_DLNGR Thanks!

[@SonnyVu-d8n]

Selsil silicone

[@christianmbaeze2577]

How can I get live crocker fish down to Nigeria?

[@marywilliams1441]

Thanks n get well ❤

[@cynthiacampbell7713]

I have a short reach so I was jus going to put the tank on its side while I remove the old silicone. Anyone see a problem with that?

[@Gamers_Addiction]

Yeah i have a 125 bowed front tank similar to what you see at petco and after watching this video hopefully this is the last time i will have to reseal the tank.

[@shhh_iamthenight6933]

Or, you can apply baking soda to super glue and skip all the scraping/removal of existing silicone. This application will harden onto glass, existing silicone & acrylic. Be sure you choose a thin, watery-based super glue. Avoid the thick globby 💩. *Practice 1st, off aquarium b4 onto aquarium itself... If you like. Also, this technique is intended for small leaking seam holes or tears in the silicone solely. To said damage to silicone & glass or acrylic via small cracks/slits/chips or holes to the extended portions of the tank. Via said damage solely being on either the glass or acrylic itself.

[@shhh_iamthenight6933]

Hardens IMMEDIATELY TOO... So, it's no draining of your tank fully or in most cases @ ALL!!!

[@psychedahlia444]

Do you mean putting super glue down and then adding a layer of baking soda to it?

[@shhh_iamthenight6933]

@psychedahlia444 I'm NOT sure if you have my reply previously to this now 2nd attempt. Regardless, you can do either way you want. Fill whatever crack, tear, chip, or ect-ect w/ the super glue (you want a watery based s/g, not thick... preferably aqua friendly, but doesn't hv to read as such, most s/g's & s/g-b/s plastic bonds are fine & 💯 aquarium compatible) then sprinkle or moisten 2 fingers & pinch b/s then mush into s/g filled crevice to avoid any possible mishaps. Or fill crevice w/ b/s 1st, then hit where want bond specifically sealed w/ just a few drops of s/g & wait till bond is formed b4 adding any additional needed b/s or s/g to finish up the job. Practice both approaches on a piece of trash, 1st, then pick which technique you prefer. After trial run(s)... Go to work on your tank. Bond can last several years submerged, inside tank, WET, b4 eroding away or several decades to infinity when created from outside tank, DRY. GDLK CHUCK, LATA 🐊⚠️

[@bo_392]

interesting! good tips. i wish i knew to use gloves a few weeks ago. at least my hands are water proof now. :)

[@carlwagner4565]

I just spent 2 hours setting up my tank i got from a buddy and getting substrate ect in it just to find a leak now i gotta drain it clean all the substrate out and redo it ughhhh i just wanna put my fishies in this nice big tank already they have been in a 5 gal for too long and i feel bad for em

[@just1certifiable]

So I was just given an old metal framed aquarium and discovered the bottom is leaking. I kind of figured this would be the case because dude had tried to lay new silicone over the old. Although I heard you say it, I guess I'm hoping otherwise or needing confirmation by asking...Do I need to take the whole aquarium apart and redo the whole thing or is it possible to just redo the bottom only?

[@Dassick89]

Only disassemble if the seams (space holding the panels together) shows separation. Otherwise you only need to remove the seals inside the tank and resilicone. If you create a full new seal it won't leak even if there's a small spot where the seam has a leak, the water won't get to it. You need to do the entire inside as one new seam, can't do just the bottom or one side, as silicone won't stick to cured silicone.

[@patrickvinas6524]

Ok I just resealed my first tank, a 55 gallon. I did not put any masking tape and the job is not neat but still ok. I know for next time to put the tape (Live and learn) but in the meantime after the tank has cured, can I carefully cut a little bit of the excess or it might mess up the seal? I doubt I want to reseal again, it's not meant to be my living room showpiece but in a spare bedroom. Thanks

[@karenlemley1276]

What do you do if the seal breaks between the glass panes?

[@matthewanderson3631]

You have to complete pull the trim and remove the whole pain in order to scrape and clean the ares for more silicone

[@pauld7958]

Are you supposed use non toxic silicone? The stuff you used was the kind used on windows

[@sarahvinc7138]

So you can look up what brands of non-toxic silicone exist. There are many window and door silicone that are safe for use.

[@robertfong-mow7235]

Check the ingredients list of the silicone first. If there are mold inhibitors you are taking a chance. You can buy aquarium grade silicone at fish stores that make fish tanks. Also it's best to have extra when doing a big tank. It will be a nightmare if you run out.

[@tiaraakles8492]

Genuine question: do I have to remove the silicone from the entire tank if I know which corner is leaking? Why do I have to redo the entire tank for one spot?

[@cvrix4537]

New silicon doesnt bind to dried silicon

[@tiaraakles8492]

@@cvrix4537 I get that part, but what I mean is do I have to reseal the ENTIRE tank if only one corner is leaking? Can't I just replace the silicone from that one corner?

[@dianes2300]

​@tiaraakles8492 If it's failing in one place it's probably going to fail in others. If it was me I'd do the whole thing just for peace of mind.

[@gaigecrandall2910]

I got a 150 gallon I’m gonna do today I took all the old silicone off the guy that had it before did a terrible job silicone was like a inch thick an 2 inches wide

[@GamesOffTheShelf]

What kind of silicone did you use? I have a 90 gallon tank and the home depot and lowes by me don't carry anything safe. The fish stores around here only sell 3oz tubes at $12.99. My turtle is just chilling in the tub waiting for his home to get repaired.

[@gavynstephenson]

Covid!? How r u not dying!?😂

[@egoranonymous3223]

I have an angel fish that kills everything in her tank, even snails. She even attacks the glass when we feed her. Meanest fish I've ever had. This morning her 20 tall spring a leak and I had to throw her in my 55 gallon with my other fish and doing research on line there are no 20 talls in this stupid state. So tomorrow while my partner is scrubbing the carpet I'll be resealing the monsters tank. 😡😡😡

[@dominickvp70]

i don’t like the seams looks smudged

[@williamgonzalez6849]

Hello my friend

[@alancartwright5395]

Silicone does bond to old silicone 🤦‍♂️

[@hernanmurillo8925]

Does or does not?

[@BradfordRMcKnight]

But you are not removing 100% of all the silicone here….

[@chandlee3968]

In the words of Dustin’s Fishtanks, “A leaky aquarium is like a cheating ex-girlfriend, you can never trust them afterward”. If you can’t afford the tank to fail and leak in it’s location, don’t chance it, just buy a new one.

[@TheGameBoy56]

I just did 3 tanks sound like u should pay me to do it if u have that many leaking tanks after u do it lol

[@MRworldEtIkA]

ok so you dont have to legit remove everything. good to know.

[@unknownvhr]

Nah took me 3 hrs

[@edinpandzic5838]

oh ok, so i dont have to take the aquarium apart and put it back together? just reseal on the inside?

[@charg1nmalaz0r51]

From what i am reading you actually need to take all the panels off as well as sand all the edges and start completely from scratch. This is because the old silicone wont stick to the new silicone

[@Hotbawdyguard]

Instead of acetone can you use acetone nail polish remover?