How to Repair and Reseal Aquariums

Fixing a Leaky Seal or Replacing a Broken Pane of Glass in a Tank

May 20, 2009

Home Aquariums can be Repaired, Stonda @ wikimedia commons

An aquarium does not have to be thrown out because it leaks or the glass is broken. Seams can be resealed and panes can be replaced as a do-it-yourself project.

The average aquarium life span is approximately six years. There are several factors that can reduce the longevity of an aquarium, such as:

Exposing an empty tank to the air will dry out the seams. Even when the aquarium is not used, it should be filled with water.
Keeping an aquarium in a level position will prevent additional pressure on the side that is lowest. A stryofoam slab can be used as a base because the aquarium will sink into it and level itself.
Moving the aquarium to different locations puts a strain on the seams because each time the tank is moved, it twists slightly.

Detecting leaky seals can sometimes be tricky if it’s a slow leak. The water can dry on the glass before it is even noticed. The seams can be tested by periodic wiping with bathroom or facial tissue. It will show the wetness right away.

How to Repair Leaky Aquarium Seams

Materials:

tube of aquarium-safe silicone sealant
razor blade
rubbing alcohol
cotton balls
hair dryer

Method:

Drain the aquarium after discovering the location of the leak.
Let the aquarium dry out completely.
Use a hair dryer on the seam to ensure it is dry and to help loosen the silicone.
With the razor blade, scrape off the existing silicone seal. Even if a small portion of the seal is leaking, the entire seal needs replacement.
Apply rubbing alcohol to the seam and then scrape again. It is important that the seam is completely free of the old silicone.
Apply a bead of silicone on each side of the seam and ensure it stretches the entire length of the seam.
Blend the two beads of silicone by running your finger up and down the length the seam. It is important to overlap the two beads. If doing an upwards seam, it is essential to get the silicone right to the very top rim of the tank.
Let the seam dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Take the tank outdoors and fill it with water. It is advisable to test it outside in case the seal gives way.
If there are no leaks, empty the tank and set it up indoors again.

How to Repair Broken Aquarium Glass

Materials:

tube of aquarium-safe silicone sealant
razor blade
rubbing alcohol
cotton balls
hair dryer
glass cutter
pane of glass (either to be cut yourself or cut-to-measure by a glass company)

Method:

Remove the top frame of the aquarium by using a hair dryer to loosen up the silicone and then run a razor blade underneath the frame.
Scrape off the old silicone seams on all sides of the broken glass with a razor blade, hair dryer and rubbing alcohol. There shouldn’t be any silicone remaining on the seams where the new glass is being installed.
Remove the broken glass pane.
Measure the opening for the replacement glass. It is important to measure the thickness of the glass. The bigger the aquarium, the thicker the glass.Buy a piece of glass and cut to size with a glass cutter or take the measurements (with a piece of the broken glass to show the thickness) to a glass company to have a piece of glass made to order.
Fit the glass into the bottom frame and into the sides of the tank.
Place the top frame over the glass but don’t seal yet. The frame will help hold the glass in place while it’s being sealed.
Apply aquarium-safe silicone on all seams. Place a bead of silicone on each side of the seam and ensure it stretches the entire length of the seam. Blend the two beads of silicone by running your finger up and down the length the seam. It is important to overlap the two beads. Do not seal the top frame yet.
Let dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Take the tank outdoors and fill it with water. It is advisable to it test it outside in case the seal gives way.
If there are no leaks, affix the top frame to the tank by applying a bead of silicone sealant around the top of the glass.
Set up the tank indoors again. The silicone under the top frame can dry while there is water in the tank because it won’t be exposed to water. To be on the safe side, don’t fill the tank to the very top until 24 to 48 hours have elapsed.

Aquariums are worth fixing because the materials are inexpensive and it’s not difficult to do the repairs. Money can be saved by not buying a new tank or good deals can be found on broken tanks.

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The copyright of the article How to Repair and Reseal Aquariums in Aquariums is owned by Douglas DuHamel. Permission to republish How to Repair and Reseal Aquariums in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.