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FAQs on Glass Aquarium Repair, Silicone/Silastic... Aquarium- Use 100% (Aquarium Use) ONLY,  8

Related Articles: Aquarium Repair, Acrylic Aquarium Repair, Cleaning Aquariums, Marine Tanks, Stands and Covers, Used Gear for Marine Systems, Designer Marine tanks, stands and covers,

Related FAQs: Silicone/Sealant/Sealing 1, Silicone/Sealant 2, Silicone/Sealant 3, Silicone/Sealant 4, Silicone/Sealant 5, Silicone/Sealant 6, Silicone/Sealant 7, Silicone/Sealant 9, & Glass Aquarium Repair 1, Glass Aquarium Repair 2, Glass Aquarium Repair 3, Glass Aquarium Repair 4, Glass Aquarium Repair 5, & FAQs on Repairing Glass Tank: Scratches/Blemishes, Cross-Braces, Leaks, Chips/Cracks, Whole Panes, Tools: Cutting Glass, Moulding/Frames; Techniques; Olde Tank (Slate Bottom, Metal Frame, Pecora...) Repairs, Troubleshooting/Repairs, & Acrylic Aquarium Repair, Used Aquarium Gear,

Tank disassembly; Silicone      1/22/20
Hi,
I am trying to disassemble a tank and am having extreme problems. All the plastic trim is off, all visible silicone has been removed. However, I can't seem to get a razor blade into the seams. It's like the seams are almost glass to glass with the very, very thin layer of silicone holding strong. I've tried 32 gauge wire with handles, but still can't get through.
Any advice on path forward (before I take a hammer to it!)? I've found a lot of information on resealing, but not any detail on difficult to disassemble tank seams.
<This is not uncommon in well manufactured/constructed tanks, razor blades won't fit between panes, I suggest applying acetone with a piece of cotton all the way over the pane joints, leave it to penetrate the union for a few minutes and you should be able to introduce the blade in between, use a single edge razor blade. Wil.>

Need advice on resealing a tank    1/7/20
Hi folks,
<Hi Rina>
I need some advice with a resealing job gone wrong on a bowfront tank. Because the front pane meets the side panes at about a 120 degree angle, the two structural seams between the front and side panes are very exposed from the inside and I inadvertently cut into them when removing the inner bead.
<How many gallons does this tank hold?>
So, where those seams should be the thickness of the glass, they're now only half that thickness.
<Mmm, I would not trust this seam thickness to withstand the water pressure>
At first I thought I could fix my mistake if I used a strong silicone like SCS1200 and squeezed it into the exposed seam while laying down the inside bead. I know the new silicone won't bold to the remaining old seam, but if the new bead is very thick, could it do a decent job holding the panes together from the inside?
<It may do a decent job, but I don’t think it would look good aesthetically.>
Or does that pose too great a risk of leaks down the road?
<Most likely, yes>
If that kind of patch-up method just won't do, could I remove and reattach just the front panel?
<If this were my tank, I would just remove the old silicone and apply a new layer between the laterals and frontal panes.>

I know the new seams won't attach to the old seams so the tank could potentially leak at the two bottom corners, but if the inside bead is sufficiently thick, wouldn't that be sufficient to prevent them? I know the surest method would be to rebuild the tank completely but I might have to move and take the tank down in just over a year so it doesn't seem to be worth that kind of work at the moment. (If I don't end up moving I could always rebuild the tank then.) Would either of the two methods above work in the meantime?
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Rina
<You’re most welcome. Wil.>

Re: accidentally cut into seam between glass while resealing an aquarium       9/9/19
Hello Bob-
<Hey Les>
Thank you again for your wisdom and experience. I don't mean to plague you; this is my last question on this tank (which after all this I am kicking myself for purchasing). I resealed the silicone, discovered it skinned faster than I was ready...and completely redid it (after removing all old silicone again...). The final result of the second attempt is not a professional job by any means, but I feel like it should work.
<Yeah, looks fine. Could trim up (w/ a single edged razor blade) a bit more>
I used a larger bead than recommended to be on the safer side (though areas are probably just at the recommended thickness.) A put it on a flat level board in a friend's garage and confirmed level and planar with a 48" level.
<Good; I see this in your pix>
Then I filled it up almost to the frame with water. After doing this I looked closely at the seams. (This tank does have glass that is 3/8" thick.)
The glass seams in the front right, front left and back left have white sections to about halfway the thickness of the glass. These are mostly at the top and go about half way down.
<Yes; better there than lower>
The right front and back left have the white toward the inside of the aquarium. The right left has the white part more towards the outside of the aquarium. These go about half way down more or less. The other seams seem fine.
I know you mentioned that the silicone in between the glass panes is actually possibly not even needed since the silicone bead is so strong.
That is very encouraging. I chose the RTV 108 version since people said it was quite strong and was a high choice of aquarium builders. (It was a nightmare to get off once it dried the first time, lol.)
<It/that is an old/er brand (RTV) that I/we used to use... less money than the specified "for aquarium use" products>
At this point I'm thinking if it passes the fill test for 24 hours that it is still safe to put in my apartment and run as a freshwater tank. I really would love your input and thoughts on that if you've got the time. I do
have a level sturdy stand in place. I just need to confirm this tank is fine to use in my apartment given what I'm seeing in the seams with it full of water (assuming it doesn't leak overnight). I will have to move it in the bed of my truck to get to my place once I empty it; I intend to transport it on the same piece of wood it is on now for testing.
Thanks bunches!
Lesley
<Well; I am not much of a "gambler" (asking gals out, trying to take photographs is about it), but I would go ahead and use this tank as is (rather than scrapping it, or taking entirely apart and redoing/siliconing.
Cheers, Bob Fenner>

 
   

Resealing a tank from the 60’s/70’s.     10/30/18
Hello, I was referred to you for a suggestion on how to reseal an older tank with a slate bottom and tar as an sealant.
<Oh yes; I recall... did reseal them w/ heated Pecora et al. and have done so for "retro" purposes in recent years>
I have a 5 gal with the original light the only thing I’m missing is the lid.
<Do seek out on eBay and such>
I would like to reseal the tank and showcase it since it’s special to me. Any suggestions?
<Yes>
Is there a tar base out there that can be used that’s safe for the fish?
<There are... sold as liquid asphaltum>
I'd like to keep it in the original condition instead of removing the slate. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Robin
<I encourage you to "cheat" and just use black Silicone (aquarium sealant). Folks won't be able to see it, and it will much more likely make a good seal (that is if you intend to fill it with water) than trying the tar-based material. Unless you're a big risk taker, I would NOT try heating the present packing material to remove the slate bottom or glass sides. DO read on WWM re such repairs... USE only "Aquarium" intended Silicone/Silastic. Bob Fenner>
Re: Resealing a tank from the 60’s/70’s.       11/1/18

Thank you so much for your help Bob. I'll try the black aquarium sealant.
<Ah good. This is the route I'd go, have gone for a long time. The asphaltous material is a mess... >
I didn't try it before because I was told it wouldn't seal.
<... The same formulation is used to hold glass buildings together>
I'll also look on eBay for the lid to go along with the light I have. Glad I was referred to you. Thank you again, Robin
<Thank you for your follow up message Robin. BobF>

Removing Old Glass Window from Pool (Human Aquarium)     6/6/18
Hello WWM Team -
I know you are mainly about aquariums and not swimming pools, so this is not a typical question. But not every pool has a window in it. I have to say I was inspired to put one in after seeing Harry's Underwater Bar in Hawaii (long since closed).
<Ahh!>
After reading your posts, it looks like you guys have the expertise to recommend a solution to my problem.
<Okay>
I've attached some photos of the pool window in question.
>Some?//// 28 megs of pix Matt? Why do we ask that folks limit pix to hundreds of Kbytes?<
The current window is approximately 2' x 6' and is comprised of four 1/4" sheets laminated together to made a 1" thick window. It doesn't leak, but there are stress cracks that started to form in the interior layers so I need to replace it. The window sits on a brass plate and rests against a large 2" x 2" solid brass frame with a significant amount of silicone sealing it to the frame (as you can see in the photos).
<Ah yes>
It is important to not damage the brass frame in removing the glass since we would want to use it to mount the replacement window.
<Yes; agreed>
We had the pool tiled after the window went in and you can see that they installed tile on the pool side to frame the window. We have removed the tile to see what we're working with. At this point there is nothing on the pool side of the window that holds it in. Just the silicone seal that runs the width of the brass frame - 2" wide and about 1/8" - 1/4" thick all the way around. Strong stuff to say the least.
<Yes>
What would you suggest I do to break, dissolve or otherwise remove that silicone seal? Heat doesn't seem to be an answer. It seems like an oil-based product would help loosen the seal on the glass side, but getting a sufficient amount worked into it appears to be near impossible.
<Mmm; no solvent will work, and no to heat. What you need, want are sturdy, sharp tools... AND careful use. There are "razor blade" tools that can, will cut the Silicone away from the glass AND brass AND surrounding area. Most all this needs to be cut away to remove the glass, THEN single edged
razorblades (in a holding tool) to remove most all the rest, THEN a solvent (Toluene is my favorite) to remove all the remainder of the olde Silastic>
FYI - Our plan is to replace the broken glass with 1" thick acrylic.
<Okay... 1.5" would be better, deform less... I'd put up a sign on the outside asking folks not to touch (scratch) the acrylic>
Looking forward to hearing back from you. Any help or suggestions are welcome including a company or someone in the Southern California area that may be able to remove it.
<Mmm, there are fabricators that could find you help here. Call Ridout Plastics (www.eplastics.com/‎)  in San Diego and ask them>
Thanks,
Matt B
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>


From outside

Silicone Mistake      4/18/18
So despite knowing not to use GE 2 silicone, I decided too many things were going right and said what the heck. Anyway, just spent hours scraping and cleaning the silicone and wanted to see how much trouble I was in. So the
project at hand were teeth blocks on the overflow to raise the water level in the display tank. Luckily, my T attachment for the return wouldn't fit and I never cycled water over the silicone. However water did make contact with the bottom most edge (skin thin) for around 18 hours. Also water made contact during application when I was using a paper towel to wipe excess and water ran off it into the tank. Finally a few specs broke free while cleaning, but I recovered most of these.
<Okay>
So with that info in hand and photos of my cleaning so far, would you mind advising me on my next steps (no live anything yet btw)? Am I safe to replace with aquarium safe silicone and move on?
<Likely so>

Is there anything I can do to neutralize the threat after covering it? Basically is this tank doomed forever?
Thanks in advance!
<Only time, experience can/will tell, but with the use of activated carbon regularly changed out...
You should be fine. Bob Fenner>

Re: Silicone Mistake     4/19/18
Thanks for the reply, I'll let y'all know if there's any issues.
<Real good, thank you. I might suggest trying some bio-assay "test fish" for a month or so. Bob Fenner> 

Re: Silicone Mistake; now: sand sifter choices      5/1/18
Not sure how I missed it but I now see the reply you put to that reply.
There have been 0 issues with the tank despite my mistake (at least nothing
I can see). I'm currently working the nitrates in the tank (no ammonia no nitrites) and watching golden brown algae bloom/assuring my family it isn't poop.
<Aye ya; reads as all is progressing as it should>
I did have a question though (surprise surprise) about a possible substrate cleaner in the form of a tiger tail sea cucumber.
<Mmm; not a fan of this Cuke... gets too big, and though apparently slow metabolically; produces copious wastes. >
I need to get the nitrates under control first but I was considering one as a sand sifter in my tank (150 gallons) to deal with algae on the sand and detritus.
<Am a much bigger fan of other sand sifter groups... Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marsiftfaqs.htm
Sand sifting goby species, Goatfish if you want/need something bigger... are really neat animals, and very productive. Some snails (Nassarius a fave genus) are also useful>
However, I am very concerned about a "Cuke nuke" as it's apparently called... I read on your site that you believed it was less threatening with this species but that was years ago and my searches on your site yielded little information on this subject.
<Mmm; well, the "Sea Apples", Australian and not, and other larger species with a propensity to extend their Cuvierian Tubules are to be avoided. Not so much for this reason the Tiger Tail>
What fish are actually a threat to these cucumbers?
<Well; the usual suspects: big wrasses, puffers, angels... Triggerfishes and oblivious eels...>
Can the nuke a 150 gallon with a 55 gallon sump running 500 ml of carbon?
<Could>
V/R
James Williams
<Bob Fenner>

120gal leaking from bottom rim!    2/15/18
Hello! I attached a photo to show where the leak was occurring.
<The old, original tank....>
I had purchased a brand new Aqueon 120 gal tank.
<Is this the same tank? The one shown in the pic?>

The silicone seemed fine, no pulling away anywhere. But as I was filling it up with water, by the time it reached past the bottom rim, I noticed water leaking. It was all around the top of the bottom rim.
<What? This is the new tank? Ugh!>

AS i quickly emptied the tank, I wiped up the water and it seemed to be originating from one spot (in the photo). I
see no cracks in the bottom of the tank, water has not pooled underneath thankfully (just whatever trickled down from the side). Is this just a resealing issue?
<Re? It's an original sealing issue. Take this tank back>

In this circumstance, what can I look for as the flaw in silicone... a small area with a gap?
<Yes; but it will NOT likely be obvious... I.e., the leak and Silastic will only show when there's water in the tank, lifting the seal>
Or maybe I wont be able to see it anyway?
<Likely, yes>
I'm concerned that at this size of a tank (48.5 × 24.5 x 29.5 about) I will have issue resealing the tank with the silicone drying too fast as I work with it.
<What language is this?>
Thanks for your time. If you need more pics, let me know.
<.... Have you read on WWM re Glass Tanks, Siliconing? BobF>

Re: 120gal leaking from bottom rim!   2/15/18
Yes, the tank in the picture is the new 120 gallon tank
I’m referring to with the leak. I posted another photo because I found what seems to be the point of leaking.
<Ah yes>
I meant a resealing issue as in I just have to reseal the tank.
<This is a poor initial job. Again; I'd return this tank>

Sorry for any confusion! I have read through WWM on other submitter’s leaking issues and resealing. There is always more to read though so I haven’t finished, but I will. In your opinion, could the structural seal have been compromised or can I only tell if that is the case by removing the inner silicone seal?
<What?>
Thank you for your time!

 

Re: 120gal leaking from bottom rim!   2/15/18
Aqueon is also telling me to return the tank, so I guess that’s that.
<Good>
Not sure how I’ll get it back out the house as I won’t have the same resources.
<Mmm; do you have friends, family that can help?>
What a nightmare. Could be worse.
I meant, if you could tell, is the hole just an inner silicone seam issue?
<Ahh!>
Or could it be seen somehow that the silicone joining glass panes is the reason?
<There is a defect in both seams; yes>
I attached an image I found to show what I mean. Thank you for your help.
<Welcome. BobF>

 

Black silicone turning orange     12/27/17
Hello, I recently purchased a used 72 gallon bowfront aquarium from Craigslist. I filled it with water for a few days on my porch and there were no leaks however I noticed a maybe inch long piece of black silicone that has turned orange all the way through.
<Going bad...>
I'm a worrier and want to make sure it's nothing before I fill it with rocks and coral and fish in my living room on my new flooring. Please advise. Thank you K
<Is the orange Silicone in-between the glass to glass interface? Or just in the joint/corner? If the first... no bueno; if the second, I'd cut out that strip and re-do it. Bob Fenner>
Silicone turning orange.     12/27/17

It's definitely on both sides and it kind of looks orangey in the center on the 3rd pic. What do you think? Thank you K
<Mmm; I might try bleach... diluted about 50:50; with the tank tilted toward this corner, in the garage (to reduce exposure to fumes)... The spot doesn't appear to be "all the way through", so/hence the tank may be usable for years. BobF>

Re: 55 gallon glass cross brace    11/17/17
Hi again, Bob. I was going to up-date you with happy news, at least that was my plan. I got my fish back into the 1/2 filled 55 gallon. I redesigned all my filtration as my HOBs were no longer useful with the water level so low. I made all new internal filters with pop bottles, my fully cycled media, a power head, an air pump and an air stone. My goldfish was quite shocked by all the changes but was starting to come around again. (He's old and set in his ways and takes quite a while to adjust to change.
<Me too>
Kind of like his owner, I guess, heh hee). I was quite pleased... enjoyed the aquarium for yet another moment... until I saw this (pictures attached). I assume this spells the end. The inside seams all seem fine and soft and secure but what this looks like is a rather large bubble / weak spot in the structural seam between the front and side panel. I am a pretty handy person but I do not have the time nor the inclination nor the room to tackle a complete tear down and rebuild of this aquarium. Does this look as bad to you as it does to me?
<... it is bad. When the glass to glass (as opposed to corner joints) Silastic/Silicone rots like this, to this extent, it loses function. The tank might fail... slowly, as in splitting a seam>
Is a complete tear down and rebuild the only option for this aquarium?
<Practically, yes>
If so, I'm going to just pack it in and buy new.
<This is what I'd do as well. The tank is still useful... as a paludarium, critter container....>
Is there a particular manufacturer you would recommend?
<Mmm; for stock, I still like "All Glass Aquarium"; there are more sturdy more and real custom makers, but they're a bunch more money>
I would like warranty, customer service, quality work, and most importantly availability in Canada.
<Oh! I don't know much about what's available there... I do think  Glasscages(.com) ships to Canada; but would ask about re pricing, see re  alternates. I live in S. Cal.>
I really hope you are going to tell me that I'm wrong but I'm prepared for you to confirm my nightmare. P.S. It is not
leaking: has never leaked since I set it up.
<... not yet. Am a bigger fan of acrylic tanks... Bob Fenner>


Re: 55 gallon glass cross brace    11/17/17
P.S.S I highlighted the area with a red marker on the outside of the glass.
I have no idea how long this flaw has been like this. I will be watching my red mark closely to see if there are any changes. Thank you so much for responding.
<Good idea (to mark the limits of the fault)... it will grow unfortunately.
Bob Fenner>

Time to panic?       4/23/16
Hi WWM crew,
<Eddie>
I'm so sorry to bother you with this. I think I have been emailing too frequently. However, when I noticed this this morning I felt I needed an expert opinion. The photo is of my sump seam. You will notice the vertical white line.
<See it... not a bad joint...>
My tank has been set up for 6 weeks. This is a 30 gallon sump (standard 30G tank that I got used) divided into 3 sections (skimmer chamber, refugium, return chamber). The picture is of the side where the skimmer chamber is, so the water is deepest here (less than an inch below the top frame). The white lines go from the top frame almost 6" down the side. Also about 1 1/2" from the bottom there is a fainter line that runs up about 2 1/2".
There is another little one 1/2" long in the middle (6" from the bottom frame).
I'm not sure, but I don't think these have been here the whole time. I haven't noticed them before, so I'm not sure how long the have been there.
Sorry the picture is blurry. I can send a clearer one later if necessary.
So . . . Is it time to panic? Am I ok? Does it need to be repaired?
Junked?
<Do make the comp. for yourself by reading here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/acraqleaks.htm
Thank you so much for looking at this. You don't know how much I appreciate it.
Eddie
<I wouldn't panic. Bob Fenner>

Re: Time to panic? GLASS/Silastic seam concern       4/24/17
Hi Bob,
<Hey Eddie>
Thank you for your reply. I'm sorry to have panicked before.
<Mmm; well; the sense that a tank may come apart IS a reason to panic for sure>
I had studied the FAQS regarding Silastic seams before and these didn't look like a problem in that regard. My concern was that they were new or at least I hadn't noticed them before. I water tested this tank before making
it into a sump. I even sent you a picture of some bubbles on another corner. But I don't remember seeing these then or when I set it up. Of course, maybe I was so concerned about the other seam I didn't notice these. Anyway, I'm getting ready to put a DSB in the middle section of this sump, so I wanted to make sure it wasn't about to spring a leak or worse. Seeing something "new" scared me. Sorry about that.
<No worries>
I do want to clarify one thing about the previous email . . . This is a glass tank/sump. You linked me to the FAQS for acrylic seams. I didn't specify before that it was glass. I hope that doesn't change your answer.
<Oh; sorry about that... I should make sure I'm fully awake (a rare occurrence) before responding. But, same resp. I would not be concerned with this/these seams>
Thanks again,
Eddie
<Welcome. BobF>

Red Sea Max Leaking!!!       4/23/16
Hi, Any one have experience with this?
<Lots>
It's a fairly slow, oozing leak from the bottom of the vertical compartment that holds all the wiring at the lower right corner of the 34 gallon tank (130D). I'm hoping to find a way to fix without emptying tank but so far haven't found any caulking/sealing product that doesn't say "surfaces must be clean and dry". Thx in advance! Al Tribe
<IF the leak is coming from a seam, YES to draining, cleaning, drying.... and putting a new Silastic bead in all internal joints. I WOULD check first to make sure the water is not originating elsewhere... splash, spray,
condensation. EVEN if you go to the point of emptying, cleaning, FIRST fill w/ the tank being empty... over newspaper (to detect water) and piece by piece, put the gear back on... JUST to detect the origin of the leak/water.
Bob Fenner>
Re: Red Sea Max Leaking!!!       4/23/16

Dear Bob, Thanks so much for your quick reply, and on a wk-end too!
<Glad to respond Alex>
Your advice makes perfect sense except that I have no way to empty the tank with its critters, rock, etc. It would be a challenge even if I weren't recovering from recent shoulder surgery, having no extra tank available or
close-by LFS who could board everything.
<Mmm; are there other fish friends; perhaps a local club you could contact?
You NEED to borrow another system for your existing livestock>
The leak is only apparent at the bottom of that "wiring compartment", so, in desperation, I think I'll have to try a sealant that can be applied to wet surfaces.
<As far as I'm aware, there is no such thing>
It's not clear if the source is a seam but it definitely does not seem to be splash, spray, etc. I'll keep you posted. Many thanks again! Al
<Wish we lived closer to each other. Bob Fenner>
Re: Red Sea Max Leaking!!!

Wow! What a kind and "downright neighborly" thing to say! I did find something called Lexel which claims to be "instantly waterproof", sticks to almost anything, and sticks to wet surfaces. It's clear and I plan to try it tomorrow. Thx again, Al
<Seems to be a super product, but see here:
http://www.sashco.com/hi/pdfs/Lexel_TechData.pdf
Note they don't suggest using on/around aquariums... Toxic. Bob Fenner>
Re: Red Sea Max Leaking!!! Plus clownfish pairing       4/24/17

Must say again how much I appreciate your help, even researching this new product, above and beyond for sure! Since the area inside the wiring compartment of the red sea isn't really in contact with main tank water or fish, I may take a chance and try anyway, (even "AMA", against medical advice).
<Okay... DO provide plenty of air circulation... ALL the fans you can lay hands on easily, OPEN windows (the carrier has a strong smell while curing), ON a warm day!>
Actually I have only a few fish left after a disastrous heater failure about 1 week prior to detecting the leak. The original red sea heater failed; I woke up to see the tank at 70,F. and many dead critters, even the gorgeous 4in. female clown I've had for many years....very sad indeed. Put in two Ebo-Jagers I had lying around to provide redundancy in case of a repeat disaster.
<Good>
She had a bonded mate, much smaller of course, who survived; they were inseparable and used to spawn frequently. She killed her first mate (typical I know), but these two were happily married, so my anthropomorhic fantasy is that he'll be bereft/lonely and I'd love any advice you might have about this dilemma since I've never seen clowns for sale on-line or at LFS anywhere near his size, about 2-3in., and I don't remember just how clowns mature and change genders. i.e. if I got a much smaller one, would it remain or become a female simply because of his presence?
<As you hint... procure a decidedly smaller one still; and your present male will convert to female>
Or best to find him a new home and get 1-2 smaller clowns to really start over? Many thanks again, Al
<One new male/sexually undifferentiated specimen is what you want. BobF>
Re: Red Sea Max Leaking!!!      4/24/17

OK, good to know!
<Please do send along your further notions, progress. BobF>
Re: Red Sea Max Leaking!!!      4/24/17

I sure will!
Thx again,
Al
<Cheers Al. B>

Re: Questions about Sumps and glass tank seams and chips. And sump/fuge design f'    11/5/16
Hi Bob,
<Hey Eddie>
I’m back with what I hope will be my last ever silicon/seam question. After our previous exchange about my sump plans, I decided to scrap the plans for separate vessels for the sump and refugium and look for as large a container as I could fit to make into a combo of the two.
<Good; this is what I would do>
I looked around and found a used 30 gallon (36x12x16 approximately) for next to nothing. I had to drive almost two hours to get it, but that’s no big deal. Anyway, the plan is to make this tank my sump with some type of three chamber configuration (skimmer, pump, DSB/refugium). I’m still researching the details on how I want to arrange that part.
<Just saw a really neat new (to me) weir design for sumps et al. aquariums... on Facebook... A sloped bottom to allow easier, greater flow...>
I had them fill the tank when I bought it to make sure it didn’t leak, but in the bright sunlight I didn’t notice some bubbles in the seam at the bottom on the rear left of the tank.
<Some?! Wow; I'll say!>
The section in the pictures runs about 3 to 4 inches up from the bottom frame.
<Wish these were up near the top instead>
I went through the seam FAQs again the last few days and found some that were similar, but I also know that the size of the tank factors in as well as the fact that I’m planning on using it for a sump and 95% of the time it will be around half full.
<Yes>
It looks to me like a bad silicon job (you may can see the excess silicon sticking out between the plates in the picture), but if so it is just on this back corner. The rest of the seams look really good.
<Ok>
The first picture is of the tank full. The second picture is of the tank empty. As you can see there is no observable change.
<Agree/d>
I kept it full for nearly 72 hours without any changes. Please tell me that this tank is safe to use for a sump.
<Yes; I would use it for such a purpose>
I will make sure that the side with the bubbles is used for the shallower end of the sump (just in case). If it is not safe, can I possibly repair it in some way without resealing it.
<Mmm; not really... or not what I would do. One COULD put/Silicone strips (two or so inches) of glass over the bad corners; overlapping the glass there... on the outside of the tank. I would just use it as is>
Perhaps by somehow putting extra glass around this corner to help support it.
<Oh! Yes; the same idea likely>
Thanks as always for all your help. I would be lost without the kind help of WWM.
Eddie
<Glad to share with you; aid your efforts. Bob Fenner>

  
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