That one isn't so impressive. Guy doesn't even use a quality silicone. GE I and II are sealants, not an adhesives. They are not designed to hold a tank together or prevent leaks. Using GE I or II to prevent leaks is just a bad practice.
Primary seal question
- Thread starter dent20
- Start date
If I had a dollar for every aquarium that was resealed with GE Silicone, I would be an extremely rich man.
Does not mean that it is the best course of action. It just means people are lazy and cheap. Rather than find the proper silicone that HD or Lowe's does not carry people take the easy path. It's kind of like bad information on the internet, just because it is there does not mean it is the best choice.
+1 patching tanks works for some people, but with a tank thats already had the primary seal sloppily redone once, its a total teardown situation, especially with a tank that big. I fail to see how thats bad info at all. More tedious, time consuming but ultimately more thorough than patching? Sure. Bad info, not in the least.
Don't really follow how that is funny? Are you laughing because you disagree? OP even stated he was planning on using the Momentive RTV series which is the correct choice. You can get it through Grainger's website. Do you prefer black-
http://www.grainger.com/product/MOMENTIVE-RTV-Silicone-Sealant-4UH10?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/4UH10_AS01?$smthumb$
Or clear-
http://www.grainger.com/product/MOMENTIVE-RTV-Silicone-Sealant-4UH12?functionCode=P2IDP2PCP
Yes, it is more expensive. Yes, you have to order it online or go to a Grainger store. But as I mentioned before, people take the lazy and cheap route and would rather avoid some extra cost and work. Kind of dumb when they plan to put hundreds of dollars of animals into their tanks
http://www.grainger.com/product/MOMENTIVE-RTV-Silicone-Sealant-4UH10?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/4UH10_AS01?$smthumb$
Or clear-
http://www.grainger.com/product/MOMENTIVE-RTV-Silicone-Sealant-4UH12?functionCode=P2IDP2PCP
Yes, it is more expensive. Yes, you have to order it online or go to a Grainger store. But as I mentioned before, people take the lazy and cheap route and would rather avoid some extra cost and work. Kind of dumb when they plan to put hundreds of dollars of animals into their tanks
Doesn't look like the top of the tank (frame) was ever removed when it was resealed. I'd rather not do a great deal of damage to the frame. Wonder is it possible to strip the bottom, reseal it and avoid completely taking the tank apart? I don't want to make the same mistake he did though. Also, is the frame necessary for support on a tank the size of a 175? If I do redo the whole thing, do I have to worry about preserving it?
It is possible to get the frame off without damage, it will take a good amount of work though. If you slip a razor up under the frame on both sides and cut the silicone it should be possible to eventually wiggle off. Most people end up cutting them apart to save time. If that is easier you may be able to order a replacement from the manufacturer.
As for resealing while it is still together, not a good idea. You cannot get the silicone between the glass where it needs to be or the glass cleaned properly. In the end you would just be going through this again.
As for if the frame is necessary, yes it is. You can replace it with glass euro bracing if you wish though
As for resealing while it is still together, not a good idea. You cannot get the silicone between the glass where it needs to be or the glass cleaned properly. In the end you would just be going through this again.
As for if the frame is necessary, yes it is. You can replace it with glass euro bracing if you wish though
Thanks for all the info. I'll have to do some research on the glass euro bracing before making a decision on how to proceed.
I've also noticed that the bottom frame was never resealed after he finished his reseal. It's actually loose in two places on the bottom. I'm wondering now if that also didn't play a part in the seal breaking. As I said, it did hold water for a couple of days.
Something to keep in mind, if/when you pull the top piece of trip off the glass will most likely not be polished on the top, so it will be very sharp. Just something to watch out for.
That is possible, bottom brace wasn't secure so the seams flexed and pulled apart. Combine that with a shoddy silicone job and it is not a surprise the tank leaked.
That is possible, bottom brace wasn't secure so the seams flexed and pulled apart. Combine that with a shoddy silicone job and it is not a surprise the tank leaked.
