Seal blew need help

bdooley

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I have a 75 gallon rr and the top corner seal blew about two inches from the top. I got the leak to stop by using a hang on the back over flow and lowered the water level below the blown seal . If I reseal the corner that blew, will it hold up to raise the water level back to normal or is this just a bomb waiting to go off ? Any help will be greatly appreciated .
 
Is the center brace intact? How old is the tank, how does the rest of the silicone look.

Edit: also is the trim around the top in good shape?
 
More details on the tanks history...i would give chris at fish scales a call in the am
 
here is a replacment tank on sale here

showthread.php
 
I have had the tank running for four years, but I got it used so no idea of age. The center brace is still on it , the silicone below the blown seal looks good just the top inch is separating .

Edit: The trim around that top corner has a 1/8 inch gap, the rest looks good.
 
Is the stand perfectly level, If not it can kinda rack it and cause this. It may just be past its prime and time for a newer one. I've resealed some but havent messed with any that have actuall seperated. What the do is actually run a bead where the glass connects, clamp it then run a bead on the inside. After it dries they cut the excess off of the oustside seam. I dont know if I would feel comfortable just resealing the inside. If the actual connecting seam is compromised the safest thing to do IMO is to remove the whole pane and do it like I explained. I just don't know what I would do in the situation.

Chris at fishscales like geoff mentioned is the man and will give you the best advice and will take the time to help you out. He really is a great guy. Check with him and get a pros advice. Untill then you might want to brace it with clamps and some small pieces of wood to keep the seam from splitting further. Hope you get it worked out bro.
 
If it is leaking i would not trust a "QUICK" fix. I would reseal whatever is needed to make it right
 
Not worth the risk. There should be plenty of good deals in the FS section; or make this an opportunity to upgrade.
 
first things first... use a strap clamp like THIS to take the pressure off the separating panels..

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(not tight, just firm pressure)

just because it's not leaking, doesn't mean that there's not still a great deal of pressure acting on the joints, still trying to force them apart..


as soon as possible.. replace the tank..
(when you get it emptied and cleaned up, go ahead and replace all the silicone or have a professional do it... you'll be able to sell the tank after it's got a proper repair)
 
I would leave it below area of concern continue to remove items place in tub with all equipment turned off. then with all items transferred plug back up. I just have a concern of even being below that level it's still got a lot of stress on that area. I think items will be fine in tub until you figure something else out. I have seen this done before hope it helps so for your problem.
 
Here is another problem I have , the stand and canopy is a one piece deal the stand
goes up the back sides of the tank and runs into the canopy. So really there's no way to get to the back corner of the tank , so it's not possible to put a strap or clamp on the problem area . Here is my plan I bent a piece of lexan to fit the corner today at work so I'm just gonna clean the area real good and reseal the corner then seal the lexan into the corner . Maybe it will hold up long enough to replace the tank , I always wonted to get a 150 so I guess now is the time . Thanks for all the help I really appreciate it .
 
Amici;666297 wrote: Lexan needs to be bonded to something and not adhered. Everytime I have seen acrylic siliconed or glued to glass it has not held. I wouldn't risk a catastrophic failure of 75 gallons if it were me. You can probably find a rubbermaid tub to move everything into.


he is correct. I've never seen it hold either.
 
Amici;666297 wrote: Lexan needs to be bonded to something and not adhered. Everytime I have seen acrylic siliconed or glued to glass it has not held. I wouldn't risk a catastrophic failure of 75 gallons if it were me. You can probably find a rubbermaid tub to move everything into.


I agree! Rubbermaid tanks are your best temporary option to hold everything until you get a new tank! It might be best for you to get a completely brand new tank, then you will have warranty on it!:thumbs:
 
Amici;666297 wrote: Everytime I have seen acrylic siliconed or glued to glass it has not held.
Smallblock;666302 wrote: he is correct. I've never seen it hold either.
JCampbell;666366 wrote: I agree!


you guys have obviously never tried to remove an acrylic overflow box out from within a glass tank..

it's as close as you can get given the situation..

the silicone will hold the glass together, the acrylic will just be a "form" to hold the silicone in place until it sets..




make no mistake.. that's a bandaid (and not a good one)..

you're tank could pop any day..
 
Hey BDooley, I have a 46 Bowfront w/ Stand I'm not using at the moment... You are welcome to use it until you figure out your next move... I'm in Oakwood off 985,just south of you...
PM for info...
 
Silicone will not make a strong bond to acrylic like it will with glass( actually it will just peal right off the acrylic). And your best bet would be to cut the inside silicone out( not between the glass) and run a new bead of silicone all through the edges.
chris c
 
Just a FYI.
The Petco on Barrett Parkway is having the "$1 a Gallon" sale. dont know if they carry a 150g
 
BuddyRo thanks for the offer ,I have a 125 standard and a very large octagon it's gotta be around 100 gallons if I have to I can use them but I appreciate the offer if theres anything I can ever help you with just let me know . And thanks to everyone for the advice im going to get it straightened out this weekend.
 
Bdooley;666175 wrote: I have a 75 gallon rr and the top corner seal blew about two inches from the top. I got the leak to stop by using a hang on the back over flow and lowered the water level below the blown seal . If I reseal the corner that blew, will it hold up to raise the water level back to normal or is this just a bomb waiting to go off ? Any help will be greatly appreciated .
-
My 180g did the same thing last week, though it is a 30yr. old tank...

On mine it just got worse with leaks developing farther down the seam, I put a a bunch of silicone on the outside and clamped it up til I got the new tank.
 
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