Internal Seals on Aquarium Question

[TomTheWicked]

So I picked up a 90G on Craigslist and noticed the "internal" seals (I don't know their proper name, sorry) look a little worse for wear, but the previous owner said it has no leaks (I've yet to leak test). The "structural" seals look in really good shape; no bubbles or anything.

Two questions:
1.) Do they look okay to you guys as long as it doesn't leak?
2.) Would it be a pain to redo the inner seals if they're no good?

 

[Dkuhlmann]

It appears that you mean the silicone that attaches and seals the glass together. I personally wouldn't touch it and chances are it's going to be just fine. Those edges that you're looking at are probably from the glass scrapper while cleaning the glass.

 

[toothybugs]

I picked up a 10yr old 75 from a buddy and it was in similar shape. The glass-to-glass seals are great but the internals were shot to crap. I (easily) cut them out with a razor and taped off either side and reapplied a bead. If not for the subtle scratches here and there the tank looks brand new.

 

[ca1ore]

It's purely an aesthetic issue. It's a common misunderstanding (according to a tank-builder friend of mine) that the bead of silicone inside the corners is a 'seal', It's not. If a tank leaks, then the structural silicone between the panels is compromised and the thing must be disassembled and re-siliconed.

 

[MelloW33]

I'm with toothybugs...cut them in a straight line with a razor blade and reapply an even bead. That's if you're good with applying silicone/caulk.

 

[nuttyd]

Like everyone else says, cut and reapply a bead. use clear, easier to work with. Black you see every mistake and it wont match the glass to glass joint

 

[TomTheWicked]

Very cool...Thanks for all the help guys. I'll probably cut and reseal them...Thanks again!

 

[toothybugs]

Very cool...Thanks for all the help guys. I'll probably cut and reseal them...Thanks again!

Be EXTREMELY careful not to cut in to the seals between the glass. And clean the area well before reapplying silicone. Taping helps keep your edges tidy when you roll out the bead with your finger (or other) but be sure to rip it up right after applying the silicone so it doesn't get glued in and mess up your edges after the glue has cured.

 

[SaltBeast]

+1 To cut and re-silicone. Its very easy to do. Use vinegar to clean it before reapplying the Silicone. Be sure to allow it cure AT LEAST 24 hours before adding water. If you aren't aware, use GE Silicone I. It doesn't have mold inhibitors, which would be harmful to the tank.

 

[SaltBeast]

On the other hand, the seals look perfectly fine other than the rough edges. I'd be confident in leaving them as is, as well. However, if you want them to look pretty and have that "I FIXED IT!" feeling, as well as knowing that it has a good deal, redo the Silicone.

 

[TomTheWicked]

Thanks everyone for the feedback...I'm inclined to redo them since future cleanings will likely make the rough edges worse, and will also likely result in little silicone pieces breaking off.

I'll do it this weekend and post the results...Thanks again guys!

 

[SaltBeast]

Did you get it done?

 

[TomTheWicked]

Not yet...things got busy this passed weekend...I'll give some pics as soon as I get it done.