Tank Silicone question

ckalaca

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I picked up a second hand innovative marine 100 EXT system. I noticed on the corner guards someone went a little overboard with their scraper.
Would you
A: run it as is
B: cut off lifted portions
C: cut off corner guards and lay a new bead
IMG_9257.jpeg
IMG_9256.jpeg
IMG_9255.jpeg
 

Fish Fan

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I'm assuming it was holding water right before you purchased it?

I would run that as is and here's why:

You can't apply new silicon over the old, so the old must be entirely scraped away from the whole tank, and the whole tank resealed, not just the damaged areas.

And even though I have personally resealed tanks that way on maybe like a dozen or so tanks over the years, I have since been told here on R2R that it's not a good idea to reseal a tank. I've been told the only way to really do this is to completely separate the glass panels, cleaning all the old silicon off the glass, and basically rebuilding the tank entirely, which can be extremely difficult if you don't have the tools, the fixtures, or the experience to do so.

So long story short, water test it outside or in your garage, and if it's holding, I'd run that tank as is 🙂

Good luck!
 
OP
OP
C

ckalaca

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I'm assuming it was holding water right before you purchased it?

I would run that as is and here's why:

You can't apply new silicon over the old, so the old must be entirely scraped away from the whole tank, and the whole tank resealed, not just the damaged areas.

And even though I have personally resealed tanks that way on maybe like a dozen or so tanks over the years, I have since been told here on R2R that it's not a good idea to reseal a tank. I've been told the only way to really do this is to completely separate the glass panels, cleaning all the old silicon off the glass, and basically rebuilding the tank entirely, which can be extremely difficult if you don't have the tools, the fixtures, or the experience to do so.

So long story short, water test it outside or in your garage, and if it's holding, I'd run that tank as is 🙂

Good luck!
It’s only been dry a couple weeks! I picked it up when it was still running so it holds water!
 

Fish Fan

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It’s only been dry a couple weeks! I picked it up when it was still running so it holds water!
I would think that you're in good shape then. I think unfortunately many people slice up the silicon with their scrapers, and while I'm sure it's not good, it's not like tanks are failing left and right because of this. I would definitely watch to see if it gets bigger, and certainly be careful not to slice it any deeper 🤪
 

get-salty

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the 2nd image - left main glass panel looks like it is completely missing silicone ? like couple of inches

other than that, ive seem worst..
 

Freenow54

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I picked up a second hand innovative marine 100 EXT system. I noticed on the corner guards someone went a little overboard with their scraper.
Would you
A: run it as is
B: cut off lifted portions
C: cut off corner guards and lay a new bead
IMG_9257.jpeg
IMG_9256.jpeg
IMG_9255.jpeg
As fish fan said , and from guidance and my own experience don't start down the road of removing old silicon especially not parts. A tank is a carefully assembled unit not a mish mash of parts each part is paired with the other . I could go on . However injecting an epoxy product might be some thing to ask about . I personally have no idea on that
 

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