Tank stripping and re-sealing?

[Eagle_Eye]

Just wanted to know if there is any body in ottawa south that can re-seal tanks.

I know we need 100% silicon and no latex or anti-funguysides.

I was pointed out to ge silicon II series safe for aquariums..

I would be gutsy enough to do it myself yet wondering how mutch it would coast to have it done professionally, as well if they do on
site work..


48x18x24

[Sailfin]

Another question hopefully someone can answer.    If there is no leaks in the tank, but the silicon is peeling off.......is there any harm in using a blade to take off the old silicon and re-sealing it with new silicon?

[Eagle_Eye]

Yeah mine is flaking off a little bit as well, no leeks but
tank is dry now and figured it would be better off to have it re-done before a problem may start, all it would take is for 1 fish to start nibbling at the sillicon...

[james]

Hi
I have repaired a lot of tanks. The first thing is to get the right kind of silcone. Canadian Tire has a silcone that specifies to be safe for aquariums.
The second thing to re seal a aqarium is you must make sure that the old silcone is completely cleaned off. You do this with an razor blade and alcohol.
In most cases you need not break the seal between the glass. just the 1/2 inch strip on either side of the glass
Once, the glass is completely clean off with the razor and alcohol.
Make sure it is completely dry.
Take some masking tape and and tape a 1/2 inch border on both piece of the adjoining glass.Apply the silcone between the masking tapeusing a chalking gun.
After with a moist finger push the silcone flat creating a smooth bead. The masking tape will give you a straight line
Remove the tape as soon as possible after this is done.


James

[dpatte]

thanks james - good practical info on how to resilicone your tank!

[Eagle_Eye]

That looks alot cheaper then having it done pro...

thanks

another good piece of info is that you need it to set for 48 hours.

[Eagle_Eye]

Actually found this interesting tidbit..

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-17136.html

and seems that all glass is da way to go..

http://www.herpsupplies.com/product.cfm?id=AAG65010
at 6$ u.s. not bad...

[TR]

Hey there Eagle_Eye

Regardless what type of aquarium silicone you use GE/ All Glass/ Marina ect.. I'm sure either one will do the trick.

And of course never hurts to read up on more info such as the sites you posted.

But aside from different people having thier own type of flair towards how they do the caulking.

The procedures needed to do so is still as the way James had mentioned earlier, and probably cheaper to just do it yourself.

                                  TR.

[FishPassion]

Agreed with James that is exactly how I do them and I would STRESS take the masking tape off immediately after you have sealed it. The first time I waited to long LOL what a mess.

[redbelly]

After with a moist finger push ...
James

instead of using spit on your finder here, mix a bit of dish soap with water. I leant this from a professional caulker this summer and man does it ever would well.

[dpatte]

true - for a bathtub, but dont use soap in an aquarium

[Marx]

i used GE 100% silicon in making my sump for my reef tank.. no problems at all.. bought it at home depot.. the blue and while calk tube.

[Eagle_Eye]

woot thanks boyz n galz...

looks like a summer project..

[redbelly]

true - for a bathtub, but dont use soap in an aquarium

why cant you use it for aquariums?
it just smooths over the silicone. just wondering as i have donethis on like 5 tanks since then..

[dpatte]

soap is considered difficult to fully remove from aquariums and is toxic to fish

[DonCorleone]

Not GE II, but GE I!

"Silicone II is safe to use as well. But it can leach harmfull chemicals if not fully cured before water contacts it. Silicone I only gives off acetic acid (vinegar) as a byproduct of curing. I would just stick to silicone I if you can"

From this thread...

http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=71414&hl=

HTH...

[james]

Hi
Canadian Tire does have a clear silcone that specifies that its safe for aquariums. It cost around $ 4 and change & when goes on sale sometimes I usually load up on it.

James

[Marx]

here is what i used GE I silicon from HD..

[Eagle_Eye]

Good stuff thanks...


thanks now that i know what to get how bottles will i need?
lol

48x18x24

[Eagle_Eye]

Just wondering if this would work out?

would i be able just to cut out the loose stuff and
just re-seal were i cut out.

Would the new sealant bond to the new sealant?

Or would i be better off just to re-do the hole tank?

That's alot of sillicone.. at least 1 tube and 1/2 worth from what i measured..

It's for my empty tank

2 x 48 inches for bottom
2 x 18 inches for bottom
4 x 24 inches for sides

228 inches of silly stuff lol

that's soo gona smell for the 1st 24 houres ugh lol