Greg

So tomorrow I am going to replace some of the discolored silicon on the 135. It is empty now. Has anyone done this before? I have read plenty of articles one line but there is some conflict ing info.

Should I just cut out and replace the silicon that looks bad and is starting to peal? Or, should I replace the whole seam?

It is only the verticle seams that are discolored. The bottom seal looks to be in great shape.

Any thought would be appreciated. The tank is currently outside and I definetly plan to test fill it there after replacing the seals.

thanks

gm333

I had to reseal my 100 gal one time, it is best to reseal all of it. Sometimes the new silicone wont stick to the old silicone very well. So its best to do all so down the road you wont have to worry about leaks. It was a strenuous job, but it was well worth it. Make sure you use a razor blade and get all of the old silicone off. Before you add the new silicone make sure all small pieces of silicone are out of the tank. You will also need to clean off where you will be putting the new silicone with alcohol to make sure it is totally free of dust and residue. I wouldnt worry about the seal around the top plastic brace, just make sure the new silicone comes into contact with the old. Also use a well vetilated area, you can get a nice headache from the silicone fumes.

Greg

Thanks for the advice. Just so I am clear, your saying repalce all the seams, even the bottom one?? Did you start with the bottom and then do the sides, or is that irrelevant? How many tubes of silicon did your 100 take?


Thanks

gm333

I started with the bottom, and then went up each side starting with the first side I started the bottom with. I used clear on the botom and black on the sides. I used almost a whole tube of clear on the bottom. Of course i put it on at about a 1/2" bead on the bottom. The side I used 1/4" bead. Just a little trick I learned when I make my sumps for my saltwater tanks. I put Tape down the sides of the tank before I caulked so when the tape is peeled away you get a smooth caulk seam. Here is a post on how I caulk my refugium/sumps. http://www.fishtankforums.com/28-diy...m-project.html

Greg

Thats very useful info. I should be doing this tonight or tomorrow.

G

poppaluv

Great advice!
I just did this to a 110 gal and a found 90 gal after Katrina that had a bad leak. The only thing is I would do one thing at a time. The end sides one day, THEN the bottom of the side and other end sides the next day spread it out to give the silicon time to cure wile the old silicon is still there to give support. Scrape well, using a new blade as often as possible. Also I would NOT break the "between glass" seal by sliding blade between the panes. I had very bag algae behind the silicon after the storm (still don't understand why, since it isn't a "clean" environment when in use-eh). but this was fine. Been filled in it's place for 2 weeks now w/ no leaks Now if Entergy will hook the power back up, we can move outta te trailer.
BTW I purchased a 10oz. tube off of e.bay, The aquarium safe small tubes will require several. Some people use the 3m stuff from a box store, but it specifically states "not for aquarium use" so you take your chances there...
Good luck, take your time,

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Greg

Thanks. I was wondering if I had to do it all at once, for the silicon to adhere properly. I bought glass silicon from Home Depot. There were several types on the shelf, the tube I got does not indicate that it should not be used for aquarium (several did), it is 100% silicon with no additives so I think it should be OK.

Thanks for the tips, didnt get to it today so i will try and start tomorrow.