Re-Siliconing Glass-HELP!

On a tank of that size I wouldn't trust a reseal without taking down the tank and a complete reseal of the joint. 225 gallons is a lot of water to wind up on the floor if it fails.

I would do what others said above. It really is not hard removing the glass and redoing the silicone, I have done it a few times (looks just like Leemar's when done). Let me know if you need some help.

I agree with you guys to do it right and do it right the first time however at this point we are just seeing if this could work. We have contacted Lee-Mar and they'll fix it for free but we are trying to avoid tearing down the whole tank. 

Edited by Sculpin - January 24 2011 at 7:32pm

I hate to tell you but that whole seam is popping very badly there is no way I would even have water in that. putting silicone on just the inside edge is not going to hold that together. The silicone you see on the inside of an aquarium is just the sealing bead (not structural) This bead actually just seals the structural silicone thats inbetween the glass. Its the silicone thats inbetween the two panels that gives the aquarium its strength.

I agree with Tyler. One other thing you need to consider is that the manufacturer will stand behind the tank now but if you continue trying to repair the tank on your own and it breaks you will be on the hook for the repair. Sometimes it's just better to bite the bullet and take down the tank, do it right and start again.

I'm not criticizing you for trying to save some money. I'm the King Of Cheap. Your father and you are very able to do that single repair. I have no doubt.

But where I am coming from is this. In case you don't know, I have a Masters Degree from the U of U and have worked mostly in my chosen field since 1983. But I would rather be growing coral and helping people with their reef aquariums. Remember, I maintained that tank for the previous owner when I worked at MSM for a few years. I know that tank and I know LeeMar tanks. I came up that night and saw it leaking. I even pointed out to my wife that I saw the seam separating for a good half of it's length. Your father on the other hand was more concerned in the quick repair. I don't remember whether I spent any time showing him the seam damage, but I was trying to put him at ease at the time. When we dropped the level a few inches and the river of water stopped, I was actually surprised and concerned about what that meant. In the end, my concern was well founded.

Micah, you can take my advice or not, but remember this. I've been at this a long time. I believe it would be unwise not to take Leemar's offer and let them make that tank like new. The other corner seams are in need of repair as well. LeeMar may find that the entire tank needs to be taken apart and rebuilt.

Randy can help. He picks up LeeMar tanks every month or two. You could ask him how he might help and save some shipping costs. Depending on the timing, the best logistics could allow it to be taken to Vegas for drop ship to LeeMar. LeeMar drop ships to Vegas at least as often as MSM picks up.


Edited by Mark Peterson - January 26 2011 at 6:34am

Well its done and it apears to be water tight. I know lots of you have exspessed your concernes about doing this and i get it. i dont want to seem like the guy who asks for advice and doesnt take it. Matter of fact almost everything i learn from you guys I apply. I know you think this is a very very bad idea but this last ditch effort appears to be doing the trick.

I sincerely hope that the tank lasts a long time. Knowing a little of you and your father, I believe that your work on that corner will make it last. 

lets hope this will be a permanent fix. looks sturdy

Awesome work. Is that all stainless, including the welds? It's easy to see that you guys have had a 'little' experience with metal fabrication.  You and your dads unique knowledge and experience with fabricating is going to help this tank last forever. This has been a learning experience for me. Please thank your dad for me.

Now for the algae control. At this point the very best money you could spend on this tank would be to buy more snails (in addition to your recent purchase). Actually, knowing what the rock is like in this tank I would go local and get a few Pacific Turbo Snails. If they go to town on the algae I'd get about 10-15 of them and watch the algae start to disappear.

I had suggested no feeding during the week you were in Las Vegas. Did they do that?
Right now I would cut way back on feeding. There are tons of algae nutrients in this tank. There are some very good herbivorous fish in this tank. I can tell from the look of it, this is the type of algae problem that would respond perfectly to the method described here: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3033
Two days of blackout and one day uncovered with Actinic light only. Repeat this 2-3 times. Place a clean filter sock under the drain and siphon out dead algae with the hose straight into the filter sock. I'd have several replacement filter socks handy. Also place a loose bag of PO4 remover at the return pump intake.