tank that leaks

[Anonymous]

I was offered a 120 gal tank that has a leek in the bottom. Should I take it or not. Is it repairabile and how?
I am not sure if it will be for salt or fresh water yet. I am leaning to fresh because I am so happy with my 20gal salt tank.

 

[Anonymous]

I would avoid a leaky tank like the plague. After having my own tank spring a leak, I would not wish that problem on my worst enemy. Just use your imagination and envision 120 gallons of water leaking all over your home.

Save up your money and buy your own new tank.

mitch

 

[PeeJ]

Yep yep. How much water have you ever spilled prior to this? It should be pretty obvious that even a single gallon spread out over a lateral area makes an ENORMOUS mess.

How much did they offer the tank to you for?

 

[jeffie]

If it is a leak in the seal you can seal it with Dow Cowing 795 with no problem. You will need a caulking gun to use this product. This stuff is amazing. You can get it in clear and black. The black form is almost like a tar and works very good. If it's on the bottom and you won't be able to see because it is going to be covered by gravel, then I would get the black. We've used this product many times on seals. We've sealed many big tanks up to 5000 gallons with this product and we have never had an issue with it. We've used in the water and out of the water both with wonderful results. It can be used on fresh or saltwater. Hope this helps. Jeff

 

[Anonymous]

Don't bother it is not worth the hassle.

 

[Anonymous]

The tank is for free.I think 120 gal but he says 150. Before I trash it I am going to see if I can drill the holes to make it reef ready.

 

[cdeakle]

There are alot of really good permanent products you can use to seal the hole without a problem especially since the tank is free. Is this a glass or acrylic tank??

If it were me I would just buy new and not risk it and have to worry about the hassle but if you can fix it you would save just that much more money in this expensive hobby.

Decisions decisions......

 

[PeeJ]

Is it worth it to have to wonder everyday if you will find a flood in your house? I'd pay the money....

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for all of your replys. Its glass. If I decide to try can you give me step by step instructions.

 

[PeeJ]

Keep in mind, if you choose to take it and re-seal it, perhaps it would be a good idea to remove all the old silicone and apply new. Silcone does not adhere well to already dried silicon. Just a thought

 

[GotDesl]

I agree with PeeJ. If you deide to repair, I would take a razor blade and run it between the panels to remove all of the glass panes. Then you will want to use the razor and remove ALL! of the old silicone. I would build some type of jig or brace to keep it square as you reassemble. Do not miss any silicone or you will have water everywhere sooner or later. I had a repaired 75 hold together for a few weeks. Two weeks in the garage and one week in the house. Big mess. Good luck!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Did you take the glass out of it or just reseal?

 

[cdeakle]

Why not just take it to a glass shop to disect and reseal?

 

[Anonymous]

Can't beat the price.. - If a reseal doesn't look like a good road to go down throw it out there as a trade or whatever for a herp. freak.. (That'd be a nice new home for a medium sized snake..)

 

[GotDesl]

I had a side panel crack in a 75. I removed the panel and cleaned it to bare glass. What I couldn't get to was where the front and back panels attach to the base. That tiny bit of old silicone to new silicone is what sealed the fate. That is why I would suggest the full dissection if you go this route.

 

[Anonymous]

OK thank you for saving me for my hard headedness.... I told the guy to try to find any one else that wants it and if he can't I will look for some one.

Thanks again
Teddy

 

[Anonymous]

Smart move Teddy. This hobby can be challenging and frustrating enough with all of the unknowns that can happen. I'm amazed at the number of people who would consider trying to fix a leaky tank knowing that when it does fail, the results can be catastrophic.

When I look at all of the money I spent on this hobby, the cost of the tank itself was less than 5%. Save up for a new tank when you are ready.

mitch