halo@cognos.uucp (Hal O'Connell) (05/11/88)
In article <7892@ihlpa.ATT.COM> singlar@ihlpa.ATT.COM (Singlar) writes: }I am a rank beginner, and enjoy this news group immensely. I hope }it achieves permanence as it is an excellent source of information }for both the novice and expert. Does anybody know if a do-it-yourself }resealing job is a good idea on an older tank? I have seen inexpensive }tubes of silicone aquarium sealant on the rack at pet stores (not to }mention one of the local drug stores as well as one of the local hardware }stores). It seems this would be a cheap alternative to having it }professionally done. Are there caveats or risks one should avoid? Caveat #1. Make sure the surface of the glass is clean. Get rid of the old sealant completely before re-sealing. Otherwise, you wind up with new sealant stuck to the old and a potential weakness in the seal. Caveat #2. Buy CLEAR silicone, it will state on the tube it is safe for aquarium use. The other colours are NOT SUITABLE. Caveat #3. After the sealant has "cured" (at least 24 hours), gradually test the tank with different levels of water and let it stand for a reasonable period (I recommend a week). If it leaks, redo the seal. Silicone isn't like the old putty sealants, it doesn't flow under pressure of the water to fill air holes. I just successfully resealed three tanks which were moved several thousand miles. (Before you wags out there get cute, they WERE empty ;-}) Worked like a charm, even the old one with the slate bottom. SLATE BOTTOM, GOSH, MY GRANDAD SAID HE HAD ONE OF THOSE!!! There, beat you to it. Besides, like Richard said, this hobby is addictive, so maybe addiction is hereditary 8-) The sad thing is, I bought it new... -- Hal O'Connell decvax!utzoo!dciem!nrcaer!cognos!halo Cognos Incorporated P.O. Box 9707 (613) 738-1440 3755 Riverside Dr. Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA, K1G 3Z4