Reseal or Replace?

[PaulineMi]

My 90 gallon tank sprung a leak. I bought it used about eight years ago.

I can get a brand new 75 for $100. .... or I can take the leaker to a person who lives 125 miles away to reseal it.  Can the resealed tank be trusted?

If this was a smaller fish room tank I'd attempt the repair myself or with hubby's assistance. Seeing as how this is a display tank in a carpeted room I'm a bit nervous.....

[Mugwump]

I've found resealed tanks to be reliable, if done right. If the guy sealing your tank has experience doing them, you should be ok.

[LizStreithorst]

Why not do it yourself?  It's time consuming but not difficult.  You remove the old silicone with a razor blade, wipe it down well with acetone, and apply new silicone.  If I lived closer to you I'd take the tank off your hands, re-do it, and use it for my fish. 

[BallAquatics]

If I lived closer to you I'd take the tank off your hands, re-do it, and use it for my fish.

That's what I was thinking.....  It's going to be good weather soon, you can fill and test it on the back porch without worry of wet carpets.   

Dennis

[PaulineMi]

I've found resealed tanks to be reliable, if done right. If the guy sealing your tank has experience doing them, you should be ok.

Yep he's a total "fish head".  He explained the process and the time it would take. He'll do it in trade for some fish I want to rehome.

I had someone cast doubt on the success of resealing an old tank. I just wanted to make sure it was okay to do.

[Mugwump]

Always a sceptic somewhere....he he...... 

[ilroost]

not really that bad to do. I'm resealing a old 150 gal tank now, should have been done but i'm taking my time to make sure it's right.I kinda feel like you about it. I don't want it to leak after all the work

[Mugwump]

not really that bad to do. I'm resealing a old 150 gal tank now, should have been done but i'm taking my time to make sure it's right.I kinda feel like you about it. I don't want it to leak after all the work

If you get all the old caulk out and clean the surface well, with something like acetone, or alcohol, you're good to go.....a dirty surface, or little bits of old caulk are the no no's...

[LizStreithorst]

I don't understand why you are sending this tank out when you could easily do the job yourself.  It's actually even kind of fun the first time cause you find out that you can do it.  Heck, I know nothing and I rebuilt a 100 gallon that I cracked the front pane on trying to move myself.  All it took was razor blades, acetone. a square, some clamps, and silicone.  I'm using that tank today.  Have a little fun!  Do it yourself!

[PaulineMi]

Spine issues and resulting muscle spasms interfere....sux.

[shatanka]

Spine issues and resulting muscle spasms interfere....sux.

Oh wow, I hear ya with that Pauline! I had been chatting with Lori on here about her surgeries she just went through and was asking her advice on my spinal issues. (BTW if you read this Lori, I hope you are doing much better now!) Yes, It does suck. Literally takes the life out of ya when you can't do things like you had before...have to watch every move you make for hopes in not doing too much or doing something the wrong way so as to cause more pain. I totally understand what you mean! Take care of yourself! You know your limitations ( and it does suck being limited, I know)!

I hope you get your tank all squared away. It is a beautiful show tank!

[PaulineMi]

I hear you too Shatanka.  I communicate with Beckie on the other forum regarding spine issues. This aging gracefully stuff is a joke. Lol. I did manage to scrub the tank out and a wrong twist of the body let me know I was pushing it.

I was assured by a person who is very experienced with planted tanks that my plants should be okay in the barebottom 40 that they are in as long as I keep the water circulating and provide good light.

Those crazy angels that were moved to temporary quarters are as happy as can be. Nothing fazes them. The diamond tetras, white cloud minnows and cories are fun to see swimming all over the tank. They're usually hard to see when they're cruising through all the plants. I'm sure all the fish will be glad to get back into their big planted tank when all this excitement ends though. 

[Barb]

Good luck with it Pauline, back pains are not fun when doing fish tank work.  Take it easy.
Barb