URGENT!! 29 Gal Biocube - leak!!!!

[Sameer]

Hi All,

I set up a used 29 oceanic biocube 4 weeks back and finished my cycle as well. Today when i came home....i noticed a few drops of water under the tank....i haven't broken the tank as yet but after closer look, it seems that the leak is on the right side (from the grooves of the first chamber) of the tank.....please help what can be done?? can the side be sealed or the tank should be thrown away???

Regards

Sameer

 

[KathyC]

Unfortunately you will likely have to replace the tank. There isn't a way to safely seal a leaking tank without taking it totally apart, removing the old silicone and then put all new silicone. You cannot silicone over previous applied silicone.
As that tank has curved corners in the front, it would be difficult at best to take it apart without breaking the plastic.
If it were mine, I would replace it entirely


You DO want to empty it immediately before the seam breaks entirely and you are dealing with 29G of water, instead of a few drops


You might consider picking up a 29G tank in the meantime to house whatever you currently have in the tank, or put it all in a Rubbermaid tote, but breaking it down asap is your best first move.

 

[Cu455]

Before throwing it out I will give the silicone a shot. I have silicone seams on a tank with our removing the original seam. When you put the new silicone in rub it and push it into the area where the leak is. Put some silicon on the glass to. If new silicone doesn't stick to old silicone it will stick to the glass. Check out monsterfishkeepers.com. They have tons of information on building and repairing tanks. Of course test it in the shower or something.

I had a leak in one of my bottom bulkheads. I was going on vacation and didn't have time to do a full repair. I used flexseal and it is still holding today. I wouldn't recommend it unless it's an emergency.

 

[Sameer]

thanks all....i just applied some silicone on the sides completely and on the plastic chamber as well (where i saw water bubbles) and i think that it is stopped until i decide to break it down....i just saw a innovative marine on sale on the MR site...and may just go for it and transfer everything from the biocube in the 38gal IM....wht say guys?

 

[lnevo]

I think Kathy gave you the best advice. Transfer is your best method. Luckily as you said you just cycled and hopefully this is just a minor setback.

 

[Waleedwale1]

thanks all....i just applied some silicone on the sides completely and on the plastic chamber as well (where i saw water bubbles) and i think that it is stopped until i decide to break it down....i just saw a innovative marine on sale on the MR site...and may just go for it and transfer everything from the biocube in the 38gal IM....wht say guys?

Go for it, rookie2reef is a cool guy and the price on it is really good. If I had to do it again I would've went for the IM over my biocube.

 

[Sameer]

yeah thats what i am planning to do....lets see how it goes!

 

[Jakef150]

Happened to me twice...yes twice!

If you get an replace, fill it up with water tap and let it running (w pump) for 24 hours and inspect for leaking.

I did it and left it outside for 24 hrs just in case if it leaks

Jake

 

[lnevo]

Its not that bad... looks like nothing that cant be fixed for a few bucks and would still be a good deal.

Looks like it could just as easily happened during transit or your cleaning.. either way lesson learned.... caveat emptor.