Advice request, leaking fishtank
Dave Watkins
Member Posts: 159
in Equipment
I have a 4 foot fish tank that I got off a friend about 15 years ago, about 7 years ago it started to leak in one corner, I have since moved all my fish into a new year home or they’ve died. I guess I am after advice on what I should do, I could attempt to fix the tank but not knowing where the leak is, I would need to reseal the entire tank and that isn’t something I haven’t done before or should I get rid of the tank and start from scratch.
I’m tempted to get rid of the problematic tank but it’s the expenditure of getting rid of it and then buying a new one is stopping me.
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
On another subject I have seen a lot of photos on this site with good looking tank setups, this has spurred me on to try and emulate this with my tank creations, I am a novice at the moment.
I’m tempted to get rid of the problematic tank but it’s the expenditure of getting rid of it and then buying a new one is stopping me.
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
On another subject I have seen a lot of photos on this site with good looking tank setups, this has spurred me on to try and emulate this with my tank creations, I am a novice at the moment.
“A fish tank is just interactive television for cats.”
Comments
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Putting up with a leak for 7 years?
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Sounds to me as though your tank ought to be retired. You should start fresh again I think.
You could try to reseal it if you wanted to if you don't want to buy a new tank. To find out where the leak is, try draining the water out slowly ( over a number of days ) and when it stops leaking, you've found the height of the leak. Completely empty the tank before sealing.
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Resealing the tank is a hard job and can cause more problems. I would just start from scratch, much easier.
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Hmm, ok I have decided that it is easy to get rid of the tank and get a new one to go with the current stand. I know of aquarium stores that'll deliver big fish tanks but doesnt anyone know of a store that would take an old one away ( I realise that is asking a lot)“A fish tank is just interactive television for cats.”
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Buy a new one
do a diy fix up & Use the old one for a frog or turtle tank
"I'm a Doug Addict" 
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Sounds like a great idea to me Mooo. Get White-lipped or Magnificent Tree Frogs. B-)
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Everyones a novice at first!
A leaking tank ? 7 years ? Its curtains, all the best on the new tank, keep us up - dated =P~ -
I agree it's RS as an aquarium but it's life doesn't need to be over recycle ;;) "I'm a Doug Addict"
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You could use it as a plant propogater, or give it to some one for that purpose 8-}
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The only way i know to truly reseal a tank is to cut all the old silicone away and clean it up spotless (leaving no old silicone at all) and then putting the new sealant down .
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Your right, you have to dismantle the tank completely, de-rid all of the panes of all old silicone, clean joins with turps, re-silicone, properly, etc...etc...buy a new tank, 25 to 35 years use pretty much. Cheers
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Spoke to my local aquarium shop today, they will deliver a new 4 foot tank and take the old one to the guy who makes tanks and recycle the glass into new tanks. I am happy to get rid of the old problematic one. Does $220.00 sound a fair price for a new tank?“A fish tank is just interactive television for cats.”
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Does that includes delivery and removal of the old tank, then yep good price indeed.Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes & dreams.
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Go for it \:D/
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Yes it does include the removal of the old tank, I knew the length was 4 foot but couldn’t tell them shop the width & height of the tank off the top of my head, I found out later is 14 inches wide and 21inches high, The price is in that ballpark anyhoo. I got my old via aqua 750 canister that I plan to use to clean and circulate the water. I'm excited !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!“A fish tank is just interactive television for cats.”
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Sounds great :-bd
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One more question, I read somewhere here on the forum regarding glass thickness. 6mm wasnt thick enough and I should be asking for 10mm glass for the new tank?“A fish tank is just interactive television for cats.”
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I would, It has to be stronger one would think :-? But also heavier
What type of flooring will it sit on? "I'm a Doug Addict" -
Second storey wooden floor. I worked out a 4 foot tank with the dimensions I measure would have 230 litres of water in it. Water weighs 1 kilo per litre so I would guestimate that the entire setup would weigh close to 250kg“A fish tank is just interactive television for cats.”
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You will find that 6mm is standard for that size tank and 250 kg will be fine up there.Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes & dreams.
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Thank you Mooo and Heintz for your advice
“A fish tank is just interactive television for cats.” -
I don't think floor boards are the best base for a larger tank as when I had my 5 foot, there was no dancing in the lounge room., the tank would dance too, very scary "I'm a Doug Addict"
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I had my old leaking 4 foot tank in the same position, I wanted to move the new tank slightly further away from the glare of the afternoon sun, but I was planning the put the new tank in the same possie.“A fish tank is just interactive television for cats.”
