Overflow Failure

Over a year ago when I was building my tank I decided to do the DIY thing and build my own corner overflows hiding the standpipes. Worked great until now. One of the overflows has broken away from the silicone most of the way down the back side. This now allows water to flow in through the crack instead of over the top like it was designed. I am in a dilema here. Do I drain the tank and reseal the overflow? (125 gallon mixed reef) Or can I avoid that massive undertaking and instead drain the tank maybe half way and use superglue to reseal the crack? This will probably take about 2 bottles of superglue I am guessing. I also have some reef safe putty that I picked up. Not sure if it would seal the overflow or not. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

Nope do it right and drain it IMO. You can get a rubbermaid tote or something to move your rocks and livestock for a few days while it cures, but then you don't need to worry. Superglue isn't really going to give you a water tight seal and who knows how long it will last.

 

By the way I have got to update my tank photos. I think its been 6 or 7 months. Lots of changes lots of new fish and coral additions. Call me crazy but I am running a mixed reef with a Majestic, Flame, and Coral Beauty Angelfish. (Knock on wood) all is well. The Flame likes to pick at my sps just a bit but not too much. Doesnt seem to bother them. My Majestic has a thing for Zoas and Frogspawn so those had to go.

 

I was afraid I was going to hear that. Thats a two day project in the making. What about the reefsafe putty I picked up? It says it will cure underwater. If I lather that on will that seal my crack?

 

Does anybody know anything about the reefsafe putty? It says it cures underwater kind of like superglue and bonds most any surface. I was thinking I would lather it on the overflow where the failure occured and see if I could create a water tight seal. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. FYI i am not trying to be lazy but I am looking for the easy way out of this massive undertaking. I would be forced to remove nearly 80 gallons to get down to wear the crack starts.

 

I am just going to assume you built corner overflows with acrylic and used silicone to attach them to a glass tank? This is the inevitable problem with trying to bond acrylic to glass. There just isnt anything made to bond the 2 and it will fail over time.

All you can do is drain the tank and re-do it, but of course it will just be a matter of time before it fails again.

 

More bad news. Wonderful. The others have held fine. I dont understand why the one failed and the othe is fine. I am thinking I will drain half the tank and then reseal from the inside with reefsafe silicone if the nobody thinks the superglue and putty will do the job?

 

Why not just put an overflow box on it clean the old silicon off and call it a day?

 

Good point. I also have considered doing away with the overflows completely and just having standpipes exposed. But then I would lose the benefit of have mini refugiums in each end of my tank. I also have power heads attached to water filters clarifying the water in this area. I would like to keep these things hidden. I am still leaning towards superglue in the gap and epoxy or putty that is reef safe to fill in the gaps. Thoughts?

 

You can try it,whats the worst that would happen?I don't think it will work but if it does I don't think it will be for very long.goodluck.