135 gallon repair question

[kirksey05]

I have a 135 gallon with a leak in one corner. The silicone is coming off, and the glass can actually be seperated in that corner. Do I just need to run a new bead after cleaning it, or do I need to do something else to repair this?

[CichlidFan]

I've never repaired a "section" of silicone, I just strip the entire tank and reseal everything at once.....BUT, what you are asking, can be done, I would recommend that you consider striping the entire tank and doing a complete reseal...but that's up to you of course...

Procedure....use a razor blade to remove unwanted silicone (carefully) Use acetone to clean the glass after removing the silicone. Let dry, then seal using 100% pure silicone...be sure not to use anything with insecticides or germs....

CF

[kirksey05]

Thanks for the fast response. I have two tubes of GE silicone for Lexan, is this aquarium safe? I have read different things on it, if its not, what do I need to get. Also do I need to do anything about the glass coming apart?

[CichlidFan]

do an google search on the lexan silicone.....remember it needs to be 100% pure silicone....

If your tank still has the trim around the corners, and it's intact and connected firmly....you should not need anything else....although, if you can see gaps of open space where the two sheets of glass meet...you have a bigger problem and I would consult with Don over at aquarium world or any other aquarium dealer...

gently push the silicone into the joints evenly with an upward motion...starting at the bottom....if you are doing a section repair....I would recommend taking about 6 inches of seal around the area where you need to replace the silicone....

[algarciajr]

GE Silcone 1 is the one that is safe for aquarium use. Silicone 2 has mold inhibitors which would be toxic to fish.

[fshfrk]

the glass can actually be seperated. Your inner seal is bad and you should fix that. That involves removing that glass pane and cleaning the old silicone off. Then reseal it in with silicone. I think just putting a bead over a bad inner seal will be a leaky mistake. Good Luck.

[BeefyG]

the glass can actually be seperated. Your inner seal is bad and you should fix that. That involves removing that glass pane and cleaning the old silicone off. Then reseal it in with silicone. I think just putting a bead over a bad inner seal will be a leaky mistake. Good Luck.

+1

[kirksey05]

Ok and which type of silicone I cuz there was outdoor windows and doors, and bathrooms?

[BeefyG]

GE Silicone I. It is used for doors and windows. The bathroom stuff is the Silicone II.

[algarciajr]

Ok and which type of silicone I cuz there was outdoor windows and doors, and bathrooms?

http://www.buyacehardware.com/silicone-1-silicone-rubber-window--door-caulk-10065.html

[kirksey05]

Thanks a lot guys y'all are awesome.

[nacra99]

Ok and which type of silicone I cuz there was outdoor windows and doors, and bathrooms?

All types of GE Silicone 1 will work. Doesn't matter if it is doors, windows or whatever.
Like they said in previous replies.. .it has to say 100% Silicone.
And make sure that the package does NOT say "anti mildew" or "mold resistant" or anything like that.
The Silicone should smell like vinegar coming out of the tube. If it smells like ammonia or anything else, you got the wrong stuff.

[JGUERRA]

what about black silicone where is that sold n the name please

[snookfish]

Be sure the silicone doesn't say anything about "anti-fungal" thats the bad stuff. If you want to be totally sure, spend a little extra money and go to a fish store and buy the aquarium sealant.
Having dealt with a similar problem, the ONLY way to go about truely fixing your leak, toally strip away all old caulk/sealant and re-seal the entire tank. Had a friend that did spotty "fix it" once and it lasted about 5 months, then the top 1/3 of his 150gal emptied out onto the living room floor while he was at work. be sure to spend a quality time on taking out the old sealant. I recently redid a 72bowfrnt and it took me 5 razors and 2 hours just to remove the old sealant. Finally, before you apply the new sealant, use painters tape and make nice straight lines 1/4 -1/2 inch of either side of the corner. then as soon as you apply the sealant pull the tape before it dries. it's not that hard but spend the right amount of time and don't rush it!!