Anyone reseal a leaking tank???

[FishieBusiness]

I have a tank that has a leak in the back right bottom corner. The previous owner started to remove the interior silicone to make the repair but gave up on. I'm a firm believer that all things can be repaired if done properly. So that brings me to this question. Have you ever resealed/repaired a leak in a tank? I'm looking for any personal experiences I can get. The tank is empty and it is glass.

 

[PSU4ME]

Are you trying to repair that area or the entire panel?

 

[Cooper2]

You're right that anything can be fixed, but sometimes it's good to do the math in a way and see if it's the right approach. Is it a particularly nice tank?...like low iron glass or rimless?
In my opinion a leaking tank can be simply resealed, but if water is getting outside at a seam I worry more that the structural bond of the panels is on its way out and think the stage is set for disaster. In the case of a real leaking tank you love I'd cut all the panels apart and reassemble it entirely with silicone adhesive, Notice i said adhesive, there is a difference between sealer and adhesive with silicone. Be sure to get a quality product that has no anti-fungal properties above all else!

 

[FishieBusiness]

I

Are you trying to repair that area or the entire panel?

I need to reseal the entire tank as it was started willy nilly with a razor blade.

You're right that anything can be fixed, but sometimes it's good to do the math in a way and see if it's the right approach. Is it a particularly nice tank?...like low iron glass or rimless?
In my opinion a leaking tank can be simply resealed, but if water is getting outside at a seam I worry more that the structural bond of the panels is on its way out and think the stage is set for disaster. In the case of a real leaking tank you love I'd cut all the panels apart and reassemble it entirely with silicone adhesive, Notice i said adhesive, there is a difference between sealer and adhesive with silicone. Be sure to get a quality product that has no anti-fungal properties above all else!

The tank is hopefully worth saving it has star fire glass and retail is +$2000. I paid a fraction of it. HOPE I didn't make a mistake. I have been wrong more time than I can count. When I picked up the tank I noticed it was on a stand that was on a slightly undersized stand and this may have been the issue.

Have you ever done a project like this?

 

[bonghapster]

I have reseal two tanks in the past, not difficult. Plenty of videos online to reference. Just need to clean glass with acetone, use painters tape for a nice edge and use a caulking plastic tool for even/smooth caulk. Work outside or shed is best, aquarium caulk smells.

 

[FishieBusiness]

I have reseal two tanks in the past, not difficult. Plenty of videos online to reference. Just need to clean glass with acetone, use painters tape for a nice edge and use a caulking plastic tool for even/smooth caulk. Work outside or shed is best, aquarium caulk smells.

I have been scouring the internet for days watching videos

 

[Greg Hiller]

Not a problem to reseal an empty tank. FWIW, I recently fixed a filled tank (37 gallon) that was leaking with Flex Seal. Not sure I'd ever recommend doing what I did, but when desperate!! I had no issues with the tank inhabitants with the small amount of exposure to the Flex Seal, but be careful, it likely has some toxicity.