Houston I have a small problem........

[D'sreef]

So in my home made AIO baffle system using a pvc baffle I have came across a problem. The outer seam on the return chamber has blown out, and so it is effectively bypassing the heater and filtration (I would say only about 10% of the flow through those chambers. So I temporarily moved the heater from the rear of the tank to the main chamber. So my main issue is, is there a sealant safe to cure under water with out draining the tank and moving the sand and ect?

 

[TX_REEF]

you could try reef-safe epoxy putty on the inside of the chamber so it's not an eyesore: https://amzn.to/47MZDCd

to my knowledge, silicone products need to be dry to cure and may be toxic before they are cured, so it seems the other solution would be drainage.

 

[D'sreef]

you could try reef-safe epoxy putty on the inside of the chamber so it's not an eyesore: https://amzn.to/47MZDCd

to my knowledge, silicone products need to be dry to cure and may be toxic before they are cured, so it seems the other solution would be drainage.

That's what I was thinking as well, I thought about using the ye ol JB water weld putty, but I know it works on Fowlr tanks no issue, but didn't know if my corals would take offense.

 

[exnisstech]

That's what I was thinking as well, I thought about using the ye ol JB water weld putty, but I know it works on Fowlr tanks no issue, but didn't know if my corals would take offense.

I use the water weld to mount corals and have read of many others also using it. Corals seem to encrust over the epoxy faster than superglue.

 

[Freenow54]

So in my home made AIO baffle system using a pvc baffle I have came across a problem. The outer seam on the return chamber has blown out, and so it is effectively bypassing the heater and filtration (I would say only about 10% of the flow through those chambers. So I temporarily moved the heater from the rear of the tank to the main chamber. So my main issue is, is there a sealant safe to cure under water with out draining the tank and moving the sand and ect?

I don't see why this wont work, it is a gel with a fast cure time. Used for anchoring frags . Another method again for frags is the sandwich

glue and epoxy

 

[exnisstech]

I have no experience with it but I just found This silicone that is supposed to cure under water and be safe for tank creatures.

 

[Freenow54]

As mentioned some may emit harmful chemicals while curing, Probably meant for a new build . do research. I am using some now for a project . It stinks like cleaning Vinegar for days even though its fast curing . The chemical is what makes it cure fast, What I suggested works for sure I used it For About six seven corals no effect on fish at all

 

[D'sreef]

So quick update, I went the aquarium epoxy route, drained the tank 50% to be able to reach most of the leak in the baffle. Epoxy on both sides of the seam and added a support in the rear chamber. Running hypersorb overnight as a just in case situation. I also filled the tank so no matter if both pumps are on the water level will remain the same or close to it. While on this adventure I took the time to clean my pumps, and change the way the second pump was plumbed so if or when I get a proper wave maker for this aquarium that pump could be removed.