Anyone ever re-silicone a tank?

[cowboycove]

You tubed a video. Looks simple but time consuming. Anyone ever try it and had success or failed and sprung a leak? Thinking about resiliconing my tank before I set it up. The outer edges where the silicone is thin looks like its peeling. The thick part looks fine. Anyone have experience?

 

[RVJ]

You tubed a video. Looks simple but time consuming. Anyone ever try it and had success or failed and sprung a leak? Thinking about resiliconing my tank before I set it up. The outer edges where the silicone is thin looks like its peeling. The thick part looks fine. Anyone have experience?

What did you use to yake video?

 

[cowboycove]

What did you use to yake video?

What Now?

 

[RVJ]

I was trying to help with utube video upload.

 

[cowboycove]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...3wZbhdSPEdWPlLTkA&sig2=-1XOnRj4UYpSahCOpYzvSA

 

[happaman]

I have resealed multiple tanks over the years. I have a 135 running that I resealed about 4 years ago. Removed all the old silicone, cleaned with vinegar, buffed with a clothed and resealed. Same with a 55 and several smaller tanks. Never had a leak. Buffing and vinegar are key to removing all the old silicone. If you want a clean line (I used black once) use masking tape.

 

[cowboycove]

I have resealed multiple tanks over the years. I have a 135 running that I resealed about 4 years ago. Removed all the old silicone, cleaned with vinegar, buffed with a clothed and resealed. Same with a 55 and several smaller tanks. Never had a leak. Buffing and vinegar are key to removing all the old silicone. If you want a clean line (I used black once) use masking tape.

Vinegar to wipe down or a full vinegar bath? And pollish as in quick pollish just to wip all the old residue off?

And is it true the silicone is only for leak proofing tank? It doesn't actually hold the glass together right? That's my main concern. Having a panel bust.

 

[cowboycove]

This OK? I used it with novus before. Is that an issue? Or can I cycle the tank after

 

[xmas_one]

You have to tear the tank down and rebuild it. Anything else is halfass.

 

[cowboycove]

You have to tear the tank down and rebuild it. Anything else is halfass.

Moo what you mean tear down? Remove the panes?

 

[happaman]

I've just resealed and not rebuilt in most cases. I've also replaced chipped panels. If you break the entire thing apart I'd use a fine sandpaper to clean the edges of each panel. This will ensure all the old silicone is removed. If you reseal, as I've done with half a dozen tanks, I'd clean with vinegar (no bath) and buff really well around the joint and then seal. Silicone is quite strong and while the bond between the old seam and new silicone isn't very strong the new silicone holds the panels together quite well. Tanks crack or break because of being out of square or not level. Just my experience not saying it's the one and only way to go.

 

[cowboycove]

I've just resealed and not rebuilt in most cases. I've also replaced chipped panels. If you break the entire thing apart I'd use a fine sandpaper to clean the edges of each panel. This will ensure all the old silicone is removed. If you reseal, as I've done with half a dozen tanks, I'd clean with vinegar (no bath) and buff really well around the joint and then seal. Silicone is quite strong and while the bond between the old seam and new silicone isn't very strong the new silicone holds the panels together quite well. Tanks crack or break because of being out of square or not level. Just my experience not saying it's the one and only way to go.

I just didn't know if a job like this took a complete professional or not. I wouldnt weld a car frame myself. But it sounds like something I should be able to do. If I fail I'll post a fairwell /quoting the hobby post.

Any idea how thick of a line I should leave between the corner and tape? And the video shows the guy using his finger to paste the silicone. Should I just buy one of those caulk things to spread an even line? Or is the finger the best way? And is black silicone any weaker then clear?