Help!!!! Re-Sealing an Aquarium

[scubaxena]

Okay folks, I really need some experienced advice here. Many (and I mean many) years ago I worked in a LFS and re-sealed several 20 - 55 gallon aquariums. I now have a 60" x 24" x 24" (approximately 150 gallons) I need to repair. I bought it cheap for my turtles because it's big and already scratched (my turtles are bad about scratching glass so this is perfect.) My problem is I have never taken on an aquarium this large and because of time , chemo and medication, my memory is not what it used to be. One side panel has to be replaced and it looks as if it might be wise to replace the inside silicon too.

My question is (other than "why did I take this on"?) do I actual need to remove the silicon in between the panels, not just the the silicon on the inside that we can easily touch?

Thank you in advance,

Linda

[andyroo]

Sorry if i missed this in the text, but why are you resealing it? Does it leak?
Do a fill-test out on the balcony, and if it doesn't leak don't worry about it. Without direct sunlight, rats or nibbling loaches the silicone should last, well, pretty well forever.
If you're cutting silicone away you should clean it all out and re-set the glass panel. I had to do this 3 years ago as my tank is a 2nd hand ancient thing and 1/2 in the sun, and it looks like my paranoia might make me do this again this summer. Not looking forward to that, though I might re-build into the wall at about 2.5x the volume.
If there's a big crack just set a 1/4" sheet of glass over the crack and silicone (the hell out of it) into place to hold the main panel together.... unless you want it to look nice

[scubaxena]

andyroo, thanks for replying!
I guess I forgot to mention that the person I got it from removed the right panel because it was scratched and he wanted pristine glass. Now I have to finish removing the silicon on that side and put the panel back. My biggest concern is whether or not the new silicon will adhere to the older silicon.

Linda

[Crissyloach]

Usually you want to remove the old silicone (with a razor blade etc.), get your glass cut, silicone it in place, let it cure for 2 days, and then take it outside to check for leaks. I believe there are some videos on youtube too.

[andyroo]

If the question is "do I have to cut away all the silicone & glass and start again" I have to answer- i hope not
The usual is that one should not try to stick new silicone to old, but I've never had too much trouble with this (though I've never let this join carry particular weight). Just make sure the old silicone is very very clean with vinegar and maybe a little acetone(?). COnsidering the only points where the old and new silicone will be touching will be the corners, I think you'd be alright.
Might think about setting a little joint-strengthening bit of triangular glass into the corner, just in case.
A

[Martin Thoene]

Now I'm assuming that if it's intended for turtles then you will not be filling the thing right up, correct?

This means that the internal water pressure will not be as high as the thing being full. That all helps.

I've repaired smaller tanks before, but never done a whole pane replacement. When you say "side panel" you mean a 24" x 24" correct? You will need to remove all the old silicone from the base panel and the two end panels where the edges meet. Also remove the vertical and horizontal internal triangular cross-section of silicone where the new pane will attach. I like to ensure that I have all fresh silicone in the corner joins, so cut back a couple of inches on the front and back panes from the end panel along the base join. Make the end of the cut at an angle that will make the new silicone go under the old (like a dovetail joint). Scrape and scrape and scrape with razor blades and then clean the mating surfaces with a spirit based cleaner on the tank and the new pane. I've used Methylated Spirits in the past. Allow to dry.

Silicone the three mating surfaces and place the new pane in position. Temporarily hold in place with masking tape. Let the silicone set for 24 hours and remove the tape. Slice off any excess silicone that may have oozed out the seams, inside and out. Make sure you remove any scraps you cut off inside the tank.

Starting with the silicone nozzle stuck under the old internal silicone that you cut to form the "dovetail", back it out as you squeeze the nozzle and continue to run a new bead up to the corners, front and back. This locks new silicone under the old. Run new vertical beads and finally run a full bead across the bottom of the pane. Smooth the beads if required.

Let sit for 24 hours, wash out and test fill.

Happy turtles!

Martin.

[scubaxena]

Thank you to everyone replying and the great advice!

Martin, you are correct, it is the 24" x 24" panel and I will not be filling this aquarium completely,..my turtles like to climb out and bask. I'll try to take pictures as I work on this project and then post them when I'm done. This soon to be turtle aquarium is going to be a lot of work but I'm sure my turtles will enjoy it when it's complete!

Again, thank you to everyone for replying,

Linda

[Putois]

Last year I was looking for some silicone to reseal one of my tanks too. What I found was most silicon sold around me here in TN US, are not recommended for using underwater. What I ended up doing was e-mail All Glass about buying some silicone. All Glass was the brand tank that had the leak. After talking with them they sent me a large tub at no charge. What ever you get, make sure its for underwater use. After is cures and sets the smell will dissipate in a few days. Other then that I don't think you will have any problems with keeping fish or plants.generic cialis