oops! ripped silicone...

Gopi · Dec 7, 2014

While enjoying the ease of my flipper algae scraper in removing coraline from glass...this happened.

Oops! Now, I know that part of the silicone isn't structural, but I am paranoid... I've had a 55 leak all over the floor before so...is this still OK? Can I just trim those pieces off and leave it or when I tear down and rebuild in the coming weeks should I go over it with silicone?

JMSKI333 · Dec 7, 2014

Hmmm did you scrape just the edge of the silicone or is it cut all the way to the other pane of glass?

Gopi · Dec 7, 2014

The smaller pieces are definitely just scrapes. The longer piece is hard to tell, I can't get a good angle on it (and my water is cloudy cuz I messed with the rocks) I don't *think* it's all the way to the glass, but it's close.

JMSKI333 · Dec 8, 2014

It would be hard for me to have a peace of mind with a rip like that. If your tank is a new tank, I would drain it and fix it. If it is a mature reef, it would be a toss up.

Gopi · Dec 8, 2014

Well, lucky me I'm rebuilding this tank and in the process of a slow tear down so I'll be able to fix it. (Or just reset up in my spare 55...) I'd be OK replacing just the silicone that lays over the joint...but I wouldn't trust myself taking the panes apart to reseal that portion. Or maybe I can convince hubby that I *Really* need to upgrade to a larger tank...