Do these need fixed?

[Miller Aquatic]

I have recently bought a used 135 gallon tank for a Christmas project 72” 24” 18” and it’s in alright condition except for two spots.
Btw that is silicone on glass not scratches.
Firstly the beads, they look a little banged up but I was wondering if I’d have to reseal because from what I’ve seen here on the forums it is the actual seam that is structural.
Second the cross braces, they have a slight crack that I noticed it isn’t fully and isn’t apart whatsoever. The tank has no bow. It only has that crack on one side of both braces. I was wondering if jb weld would work?
TIA

 

[Fish Fan]

That center brace is likely just fine, in my opinion. A little JB Weld may keep it from getting worse, just make that your back side of the tank.

The seals are likely OK, but it's always a good idea to reseal a used tank. Last thing you would want is to spring a leak down the road when your tank is up and running. It's not really that hard to reseal a tank, the hardest part is digging out the old stuff first. This tool can help, along with some razor blades:

3-in-1 Caulk Tool

www.homedepot.com

Once you get the old silicon out, I personally use some blue painters tape to keep the silicon looking nice and clean. Wipe the glass down really well with isopropyl alcohol or acetone (found in the paint section of the hardware store).

I have had absolutely zero problems using GE Silicon I (< Roman numeral "1") with fresh and saltwater aquariums. Do not use GE Silicon II, which has mold inhibitors in it. I'd get two tubes for a 125 just in case:

All Purpose Silicone 1 Caulk 10.1 oz Window and Door Sealant Clear

www.homedepot.com

Good luck!

 

[Miller Aquatic]

That center brace is likely just fine, in my opinion. A little JB Weld may keep it from getting worse, just make that your back side of the tank.

The seals are likely OK, but it's always a good idea to reseal a used tank. Last thing you would want is to spring a leak down the road when your tank is up and running. It's not really that hard to reseal a tank, the hardest part is digging out the old stuff first. This tool can help, along with some razor blades:

3-in-1 Caulk Tool

www.homedepot.com

Once you get the old silicon out, I personally use some blue painters tape to keep the silicon looking nice and clean. Wipe the glass down really well with isopropyl alcohol or acetone (found in the paint section of the hardware store).

I have had absolutely zero problems using GE Silicon I (< Roman numeral "1") with fresh and saltwater aquariums. Do not use GE Silicon II, which has mold inhibitors in it. I'd get two tubes for a 125 just in case:

All Purpose Silicone 1 Caulk 10.1 oz Window and Door Sealant Clear

www.homedepot.com

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply I have done other reseals on smaller tanks but this one will be a real job.lol as you can see in the pic it’s really only that one bead that looks rough. The other ones look brand new.
So as long as the cross brace doesn’t break any further I should be fine? I was worried I’d have to epoxy a diy acrylic brace. I’m glad this tank is custom dimensions because it’s the footprint of a 180 without the height so less pressure on glass.

 

[Fish Fan]

Thanks for the reply I have done other reseals on smaller tanks but this one will be a real job.lol as you can see in the pic it’s really only that one bead that looks rough. The other ones look brand new.
So as long as the cross brace doesn’t break any further I should be fine? I was worried I’d have to epoxy a diy acrylic brace. I’m glad this tank is custom dimensions because it’s the footprint of a 180 without the height so less pressure on glass.

I have a really high bar for questionable tanks, so yes, I would go with that center brace, but maybe wait for some other opinions ;-)

Same with the silicon. I would just reseal it. I know it's a big job, but it's not difficult, just kind of tedious.

 

[Miller Aquatic]

I have a really high bar for questionable tanks, so yes, I would go with that center brace, but maybe wait for some other opinions ;-)

Same with the silicon. I would just reseal it. I know it's a big job, but it's not difficult, just kind of tedious.

Is there a certain aquarium silicone that is the top notch or the strongest I am looking for a black one so it’ll look cleaner

 

[Miller Aquatic]

I have a really high bar for questionable tanks, so yes, I would go with that center brace, but maybe wait for some other opinions ;-)

Same with the silicon. I would just reseal it. I know it's a big job, but it's not difficult, just kind of tedious.

So the guy at my lfs said it would cost 150 for them to reseal it does that seem reasonable?

 

[FUNGI]

Re: The brace.....either JB weld or better IMO is to plastic weld it. Just need a zip tie and a soldering iron, but Harbor Freight has a kit thats cheap also.....

 

[Fish Fan]

So the guy at my lfs said it would cost 150 for them to reseal it does that seem reasonable?

You’re clearly paying for their labor here, but I don’t think that sounds too bad. If you don’t mind the price tag, it might be a good way to go. I’m assuming they’d do professional work and offer some kind of warranty?

For black silicon, I’ve never found like a hardware store version, so for that just look for aquarium safe silicon in black. I think they are all the same for strength, they should all be 100% silicon. One key to getting a good bond is to clean the glass of all grease or oils using isopropyl alcohol or acetone before applying the silicon.

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