Trying to reseal a tank.

I wamt to redo the seal just in the corner of a 55g tank so I can sell the tank. I got it used, cleaned it up then never used it.

So what kind of sealer/silicone would you recommend I use?

 

Go to the lfs, aga makes an aquarium silicone sealer and that is what i am using right now. I know you can get silicone sealer from the hardware store, but you have to make sure that it is just plain silicone.

 

OK. I'll see if I can get a smaller tube of it. I did see that last time I was there, but didn't think of it. I think my LFS has the size for the caulking gun & then a smaller tube(lik the size of a toothpaste tube).

Thanks.

 

Go with the AGA silicone @ your LFS. For a regular caulking tube size it should be about $15. For a little hand held tube (if you only have one joint to reseal this would be perfect) for about $10.

Just be sure to clean the surface very well with alcohol or mineral spirits before you apply. Also remember that bubbles are the enemy. A single, smooth motion with your fingertip is all you will need to get a pro finish. Give it 7 days to fully cure at room temperature.

Good luck!!!

 

Sounds good. Thanks for the advice. Oh and yes it's just one bottom corner.

 

Go forth confidently!!! We repaired a custom 430 gallon with a pinhole leak with AGA silicone and (knocking on wood) it has been setup for 6 months with no leaks!!!

 

CAN YOU COME TO MISSOURI! :
I JUST RESEALED MY TANK, LET IT DRY ETC. LOOKED AT IT AND THOUGHT IT DOESNT LOOK THICK ENOUGH SO WENT BACK OVER IT AGAIN ! WELL, I HAVE JUST RESCRAPED ALL OF IT OFF AND I AM GOING TO TRY AGAIN, THIS TIME JUST ONCE!:-[

 

I know its tough when you see your finished work and there is only a TINY SLIVER of silicone and you are thinking to yourself - how in the world is this little bit of silicone going to do the job? Well while I may not know the chemistry behind it, I do know that it only takes a thin layer to seal and that that you can easily make it TOO THICK which means it will never cure properly.

When we resealed our 430 gallon, the person that built it (ca. 1988!!!!) did not know what they were doing and used silicone in too thick of a layer, and in 22 YEARS the silicone did not cure all of the way because either

A: it was bad product (seemed to have worked where layers were thin, tho)

or B: it was too think and never allowed the moisture in the air (which is what actually causes the silcone to dry, and not air which is why it will cure underwater!!!) to penetrate to the deepest layers of silicone.

So just be careful and work on a CLEAN surface. It will seem like you are not using enough silicone, that is probably the point at which you are using just enough!

Best of luck to you!!!

P.S. - I would love to come to Missouri!!! (just would need you to fly me out there and find someone who can put up with my boss for the few days I would be gone!!! hahahahah)

 

But it at your local Home Depot or Lowes. I bought it at Home Depot for about $4 dollars. It said right on it 100% Silicone and aquarium safe. Not all are aquarium safe, so you just have to read the label. Don't waste your money paying 2x-3x the price at a LFS.

Here's a link to it:

DAP Clear, 2.8 oz., 100% Silicone Household/Aquarium Adhesive Sealant - 00688 at The Home Depot