Completely resealing an aquarium

Radman73 · Jan 15, 2020

Looking for input from those that have done this before. I have a 60 cube that started leaking. In the mad dash to limit water on the, thankfully, tile floor I drained it as fast as I could. I am fairly certain it wasn't from a bulk head but rather a glass to glass seal.

Rather than ditch a tank that I actually really like, I'm considering stripping off all of the old silicone completely and reseal it from scratch. If this really isn't feasible, let me know, but I am pretty sure it's possible, with the largest challenges ensuring that ALL of the old silicone is actually off and then getting the tank square when reapplying.

Any advice?

Schnizzle · Jan 15, 2020

It's absolutely feasible. The more effort you put in to ensuring it is properly cleaned and prepared, the better the new seal will end up being.

JoshH · Jan 15, 2020

I haven't done it personally but for a 60 Cube it should be a pretty easy reseal. As mentioned above the hardest part is scraping and cleaning the old stuff off. Once scraped use acetone to remove any residue. Spacers to maintain an even gap on the joint, clamp it all together and go to town.

I know easier said than done but the tank size will make it a pretty reasonable project for any first timer.

Scrubber_steve · Jan 15, 2020

Radman73 said:
Looking for input from those that have done this before. I have a 60 cube that started leaking. In the mad dash to limit water on the, thankfully, tile floor I drained it as fast as I could. I am fairly certain it wasn't from a bulk head but rather a glass to glass seal.

Rather than ditch a tank that I actually really like, I'm considering stripping off all of the old silicone completely and reseal it from scratch. If this really isn't feasible, let me know, but I am pretty sure it's possible, with the largest challenges ensuring that ALL of the old silicone is actually off and then getting the tank square when reapplying.

Any advice?

It will be just like brand new.
Just watch some instruction videos & go for it.

Radman73 · Jan 15, 2020

Thanks all. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something that was screaming "Don't try it!" Maybe I'll rope my son into helping me. He probably won't enjoy it, but I'll get that 'annoying my teenage son satisfaction' out of it at least.

sharpimage · Jan 15, 2020

you have to do all 5 panes at once. You cant do the 2 sides one day and the other 2 the next.

Cathics88 · Jan 15, 2020

Resealed several tanks. Make sure to remove all the spare bits of silicone. You can buy "aquarium" silicone from brs or marinedepot or anywhere but you can get less expensive silicone from homedepot or Lowe's. Just make sure its 100% silicone with no antimicrobial in it.

I used 90% iso alcohol to clean where the new silicone would go and worked methodically from left to right. Preference is up to you. Use your index finger dabbed in water to help set the bead of silicone in to the corners and along the seams. Let it set and then water test it.

For your size of tank it's a half day project and a 1 or 2 day wait to see if it all went as planned. If it doesn't rinse and repeat, but you should do just fine on the first try.

Good luck!

Reef-junky · Jan 15, 2020

It’s the trim that will be a PIA to get off.

mfinn · Jan 15, 2020

If you are taking the tank apart and starting from scratch you should get a tank that will last for years.
Absolutely get a spare set of hands.
Also, get some plastic speed squares ( minimum 4 )and double stick tape.
Plus plenty of outside clamps.
I would also look into getting a 10 oz. tube and a good caulking gun. Get one that has a pressure relief button on the handle.
One of the better aquarium sealants in Momentive RTV 108 which is clear or do black which is Momentive RTV 103.
Have rags handy and make a plan for putting back together. Go over it with your help so each of you knows exactly what the next step is.
Good luck.

Radman73 · Jan 15, 2020

Reef-junky said:
It’s the trim that will be a PIA to get off.

Rimless.

Reef-junky · Jan 15, 2020

Radman73 said:
Rimless.

In that case I’d go for it.

Radman73 · Jan 15, 2020

So, no panels are tempered. How hard is it to cut the glass? Or is that best left to a local glass shop? I’d thought of replacing the 60 with a 45 since it’s a second tank anyway. If I’m going to take it apart....

mfinn · Jan 15, 2020

I'd leave cutting anything thicker than 1/4" to the pro's.
Then there is the cleaning up the edges part.

Reef-junky · Jan 15, 2020

The only way I’ve seen glass cut is like this.

How to Cut down a Glass Aquarium

Chapter 1 of 2 How To Cut Down A Glass Aquarium First let me state a few things. The descriptions include methods/tools I used, and the results I received. Just because something worked/didn’t work for me does NOT mean that you will get the same results. It does mean that this result is...

www.reefsanctuary.com

Seaaquariumdude · Jan 15, 2020

Actually done this to a Marineland 60 rr cube recently. Start at the top with a razor blade and work to the bottom slowly( don’t force it). After every thing is pulled apart scape as much off with a razor blade changing as often as needed. To do it right you’re probably going to go through about 50+ of theses. Then use acetone to help dissolve the silicone. And alcohol to clean the glass up. Layout and mask off where you want no silicone. Use Ge ses1200. It comes in black and clear. It’s the best stuff out there. I’ve done 4 different tanks this way ( a 220,180,a 360 which was known as my Frankentank because it was 180 and a 120 a euro bracing pieced together.and the recent 60. All with no leaks 6 years strong for the 220 until I took it down. Any questions just ask.

Rcpilot · Jan 15, 2020

I use 220 grit sandpaper to sand the edges. Removes the silicone and smooths any rough edges of glass. Then wipe down with an alcohol soaked sponge.

Use latex or nitrile gloves to protect your skin from absorbing the alcohol and acetone. Small kitchen sponges work great for scrubbing with acetone.

ljc · Jun 25, 2021

Seaaquariumdude said:
Actually done this to a Marineland 60 rr cube recently. Start at the top with a razor blade and work to the bottom slowly( don’t force it). After every thing is pulled apart scape as much off with a razor blade changing as often as needed. To do it right you’re probably going to go through about 50+ of theses. Then use acetone to help dissolve the silicone. And alcohol to clean the glass up. Layout and mask off where you want no silicone. Use Ge ses1200. It comes in black and clear. It’s the best stuff out there. I’ve done 4 different tanks this way ( a 220,180,a 360 which was known as my Frankentank because it was 180 and a 120 a euro bracing pieced together.and the recent 60. All with no leaks 6 years strong for the 220 until I took it down. Any questions just ask.

Hi Dude,

I've just purchased a used 210 gallon Oceanic. The guy before me took most of the silicone off and I'll finish cleaning it up before resealing. It's a rimmed aquarium and I was not planning to take it down completely. Do you know if acetone or alcohol will degrade the silicone that is holding the glass edges?

NowGlazeIT · Jun 26, 2021

ljc said:
Hi Dude,

I've just purchased a used 210 gallon Oceanic. The guy before me took most of the silicone off and I'll finish cleaning it up before resealing. It's a rimmed aquarium and I was not planning to take it down completely. Do you know if acetone or alcohol will degrade the silicone that is holding the glass edges?

It helps to clean off residue but doesn’t disintegrate the glue completely.