underwater sealant (applied underwater)

[Essaf Victor]

so my tanks overflow is leaking to the tank so it doesn't hold water tank is 600 gallons full of water and scaped now fish are in holding tanks

what is a sealant/adhesive I can use underwater while the tank is full to patch up this leak without having to drain the tank

 

[wednesday13]

Hutton products “Gold label aquarium and pond sealer” its a silicone that cures underwater. Best silicone out there IMO. Hard to find in the states and expensive around $17-21 a tube but its worth every penny. Is ir tank glass or acrylic? If its acrylic id drain it and repair with the proper materials i.e. weld-on #40…. U can also just glue in the stand pipes to ur overflow to set the water level there so the box leaking becomes irrelevant. If ur fish are already in holding tanks take the proper measures now so it doesnt come back to haunt u when its stocked for another full tear down.

 

[Essaf Victor]

its a glass tank, any other alternatives “Gold label aquarium and pond sealer” would cost me around 50 dollars and take 8 days to arrive

 

[wednesday13]

its a glass tank, any other alternatives “Gold label aquarium and pond sealer” would cost me around 50 dollars and take 8 days to arrive

Yeah, drain ur tank and PVC glue ur stand pipes in properly to ur bulkhead at ur desired water level inside the box. While its dry u can use regular silicone to repair the box seal also if u want too. Gluing the stand pipes in is all u need to do. No way around not draining the tank. Right now if ur power goes out the tank will drain. U should glue in the stand pipes regardless as precaution.

 

[Essaf Victor]

yea I have taken the decision to drain the tank and do it the right way (silicone it while dry) only one issue tho the scape has plants stuck to it (glued down)
Anubis and java fern what would be the best way to keep those alive while the tank is dry I am thinking wrap them with tissues that are soaked in water and change the tissue out periodically

 

[Essaf Victor]

also will the waterlogged wood in the scape lose its water over the 24-48 hour period the tank is dry?

 

[Essaf Victor]

Any thoughts on these two questions? I should drain the tank tomorrow and get it patched up so gotta make sure the scape will be fine

 

[wednesday13]

Personally id place the plants and wood in rubbermaid totes/buckets using the water from the tank. Will help to jump start your cycle when ur ready to go again ??. Depending on the amt. of silicone you use it may take a few days to cure. Sucks to lose a good scape i understand, but its worth it in the end with the proper fixes made to the tank.

 

[phreeflow]

In a pinch, I’ve used JB Water Weld to patch leaks in my aquaponics and it worked great. But draining and doing it properly is best