Urgent silicone problem...

[Reef Wizard]

So we have 3 cats and one cat likes to watch the fish and pat at them through the glass...

We stop the cat from doing this but it appears she has caused some chips on one corner...

My question is should I try to fill in the chips?

Tank is a waterbox... and under warranty but really don't want to change out the whole tank.

 

[Quietman]

Minimal damage shouldn't affect tank integrity. I would take steps to get the cat to stop though. Eventually it could cause enough damage to warrant repairs which are a pain.

You can't just fill in silicone as it doesn't adhere to old silicone or glass unless very clean.

As it is, very little concern from what I can see.

 

[BryanM]

I don't like declawing cats, but I probably would in this case, and make him/her an indoor cat only.

 

[Quietman]

You could get a piece of black plastic corner molding (1/2" to 1"). Attach it with double sided tape. Just to stop the cat from the habit then you can remove at some point. I'm sure it's pretty satisfying to have the claws stick in the silicone.

 

[exnisstech]

Throw a set mousetrap at the cat a few times so it snaps and scares the crap out of it then velcro one to the tank and the cat will stay away. It also works for dogs, children and some adults lol

 

[Harpo]

I'm wondering how your cat caused this damage

 

[BryanM]

Throw a set mousetrap at the cat a few times so it snaps and scares the crap out of it then velcro one to the tank and the cat will stay away. It also works for dogs, children and some adults lol

lol, "and some adults"

 

[Reef Wizard]

I'm wondering how your cat caused this damage

she paws on the glass alot trying to get to the fish. We always stop her she doesnt have claws out and intentionally doing it. Its when her paw press on the glass the tip of the claws protrude and grab the silicone causing the chipping.

Its only thing I can think of on this happening. Kids dont mess with the tank and they are 10 an 11.

I only wipe the outside with a safe cloth

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

IMO nothing to worry about structurally but over time with deep enough gouging, it could become a problem. More to worry about if the gouges were from the inside out.

 

[Reef Wizard]

I don't like declawing cats, but I probably would in this case, and make him/her an indoor cat only.

wife wont go for that haha.

 

[Reef Wizard]

IMO nothing to worry about structurally but over time with deep enough gouging, it could become a problem. More to worry about if the gouges were from the inside out.

Thanks that does make me feel a little better. I will see if I can get something to protect the sides thats not super intrusive to the rimless look

 

[Fish Fan]

Please don't declaw your cat, it's absolutely inhumane for a number of reasons:

 

[Tamberav]

I don't like declawing cats, but I probably would in this case, and make him/her an indoor cat only.

Noo it’s torture and painful.

 

[Tamberav]

No don’t put silicon on silicon. Pointless as it sticks poorly. It won’t affect the integrity and waterbox warranty does not cover damage from cats or people or aliens. It’s for manufacturer defects.

Buy some of that double sided tape they sell to deter cats from scratching. Put it on there for a few months so they learn to hate touching that part. Worth a shot. Works for me to get them not to scratch walls. They hate the sticky feeling.

 

[FUNGI]

dont bother with the silicon....it will bond over old, but old has to be super clean.
Create a corner piece with some kitchen foil and put on there. Cat wont touch that area again.

 

[Reef Wizard]

Thanks all for the input. She only wants to do it when the fish swim to that side she sits on the recliner next the tank and thats how shes able to even reach the corner anyway

 

[Jedi Knghit]

wife wont go for that haha.

Declaw her too?

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

Declaw her too?