Leaky Fish Tank | Repair guide

Author: Water Well
Date Published: 2005-12-19

Some disadvantages of owning a glass aquarium is the potential glass breakage or at least a leaky fish tank. Breakages occur for obvious reasons. For tank leaks, most are usually caused by old or low quality sealant, made during construction of the tank, or over time becoming weak and separating from the glass.

Most small sized leaks can be repaired from the outside, without having to totally empty or dismantle the leaky fish tank. Larger leaks or glass breakage will require some reconstruction of the tank. Fortunately fixing a leaky fish tank is not a complicated job, but here are a few common mistakes not to make.

Common Mistakes

• Any silicone will not do; use only a non-toxic 100% silicone sealant for aquarium use.
• Not using enough silicone sealant.
• Not allowing the silicone sufficient time to dry.  
• Not preparing the glass surface properly and cleaning adequately enough.
• Not finding the exact location of the leak. A leaky fish tank will always have water at the bottom but the leak may be anywhere up seam where water is present.
• Not repairing a large enough area up, down, or around where the actual leak generates from.
• Don’t repair tanks under damp conditions. Silicone takes longer to dry.

So what will you need to repair a leak, as well as build a tank from scratch?

Things you’ll need for repair

• Cutter or razor blade.
• Acetone.
• A 100% non-Toxic silicone sealant.
• Kitchen paper towels.
• A non permanent felt tip marker.
• A roll of duct tape.
• Some emery cloth or silicone carbide sandpaper.

With a some cheap items and a bit of time you can easily repair small leaks in a glass fish tank using these easy instructions.

Instructions:

1. Pinpoint the exact location of the leak and mark it with the felt tip marker.
2. Lower the water level in the tank until it stops leaking.
3. Dry carefully and clean the area around the leak with a towel or cloth.
4.  With the cutter blade, remove the old silicone from the leaky area, and an additional 3cm area around the point of the leak.
5. Clean the area with the acetone on a paper towel, being careful not drip any into the tank. Allow to dry.
6. Apply the silicone to the clean area, pushing it into the joint area.
7. Allow the silicone to set for 12 to 24 hours. The longer the better.
8. Add water to tank bringing it to desired level
9. Check the leak is now fixed.

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