Post by 3littlefishes on Feb 20, 2013 22:44:04 GMT -5
Hi there!
I just thought I would share a little info on how to reseal a fish tank that is leaky or has questionable silicone inside. I just finished refurbishing 8 more tanks and am starting to smell like a pickle! Here is a way to give your old tank a lift!
1. You need to gather the following: a painter's five-in-one scraper (home hardware has excellent ones for about 5.00), a razor blade paint scraper (with an extra pack of blades), white vinegar or cleaning vinegar (extra strong), paper towels, rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol, a green scouring pad (non soap kind), a caulking gun and clear silicone with no antimildew additive. Home Hardware sells one that is safe for aquariums.
2. Using your painter's scraper firmly run it under the silicone lining the interior of the tank.Don't dig in between the glass joints, leave that alone.
3. Scrape off remaining silicone residue with razor blades
4. Scrub the tank down with vinegar and the green scouring pad.
Thoroughly dry with your paper towel.
5. Use the alcohol and the scouring pad to remove any tape or sticker residue on your tank.
6.Apply the silicone by running a bead about the width of a pencil. Begin at the top of the corners of the tank, working your way down to the bottom, then do the bottom 4 sides of the tank.
7. Run your finger wetted with water along the seams to smooth them but not squish them entirely flat. Make sure you have a good amount of silicone in the corners.
8. Let dry 24 hrs. in a well ventilated area
9. when cured, fill the tank with water and let sit for 25 hrs. to ensure that it is watertight.
10. Enjoy your brand new tank ;D
* You may want to tape either side of your silicone joints if you aren't confident with your caulking gun skills. Remember if you make any mistakes they come off easily with your razor blade when the silicone dries.
I just thought I would share a little info on how to reseal a fish tank that is leaky or has questionable silicone inside. I just finished refurbishing 8 more tanks and am starting to smell like a pickle! Here is a way to give your old tank a lift!
1. You need to gather the following: a painter's five-in-one scraper (home hardware has excellent ones for about 5.00), a razor blade paint scraper (with an extra pack of blades), white vinegar or cleaning vinegar (extra strong), paper towels, rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol, a green scouring pad (non soap kind), a caulking gun and clear silicone with no antimildew additive. Home Hardware sells one that is safe for aquariums.
2. Using your painter's scraper firmly run it under the silicone lining the interior of the tank.Don't dig in between the glass joints, leave that alone.
3. Scrape off remaining silicone residue with razor blades
4. Scrub the tank down with vinegar and the green scouring pad.
Thoroughly dry with your paper towel.
5. Use the alcohol and the scouring pad to remove any tape or sticker residue on your tank.
6.Apply the silicone by running a bead about the width of a pencil. Begin at the top of the corners of the tank, working your way down to the bottom, then do the bottom 4 sides of the tank.
7. Run your finger wetted with water along the seams to smooth them but not squish them entirely flat. Make sure you have a good amount of silicone in the corners.
8. Let dry 24 hrs. in a well ventilated area
9. when cured, fill the tank with water and let sit for 25 hrs. to ensure that it is watertight.
10. Enjoy your brand new tank ;D
* You may want to tape either side of your silicone joints if you aren't confident with your caulking gun skills. Remember if you make any mistakes they come off easily with your razor blade when the silicone dries.
