What to do about a small leak

[aklausing]

I have a 29G JBJ all-in-one that I purchased new four months ago. Today I noticed what appears to be a very small leak in the seal on the back corner on top of the rim at the bottom of the tank. It is a very small leak in that after I wipe it off, I don't get any moisture until 20-30 minutes later. In fact it either has just started, ir it si so small I don't even notice a salt trail.

In any case, does anyone know what I can do short of emptying the tank to repair? Since the leak appears to be so slight, are their sealers that could be put on from the outside while the water is still in the tank?

 

[Bcollins111900]

Better off to drain it and re-seal it. Small leaks will become big leaks... you get the idea.

 

[zensaiyan]

+1 on that. i know its a PITA, but it will become a serious problem sooner or later. i would also be looking into the warranty on the JBJ! send them an email.

 

[aklausing]

I was afraid that would be the answer. Unfortunately, I am still new to the hobby and don't have any other tank to move corals and fish into while I try to repair the leak. The other problem is even if I drained it. I'm not sure where or how to repair the leak from the inside of the tank. It would be int he return area and I can't hardly get my hand in that column, let alone try to put sealant in a specific area, which is why I was hoping there was something that could be put on the outside.

Looks like it should still be under warranty, so tomorrow when people wake up in California, I'll call and see if they'll send a replacement before I ship this one back.

 

[kmacartney]

I had the same problem, but worse on my 75. I used a two part epoxy on the outside of the tank that was sold for stopping radiator leaks and it has held for the last two years.

 

[aklausing]

Good to know. If JBJ doesn't come though for me, I'll give that a try. These warranty issues always make me nervous.

 

[MarineFishGuy]

If you need a holding tank while you do the work, I have a 40 gallon breeder I used for my old refugium. It has a 3/4" drain (too small for me) which is why I replaced it, but you could plug the drain (top corner) if you don't want to use it.
The tank is dirty with old dried coralline, but should work fine for temporary storage.

 

[aklausing]

Great, and thanks for the offer. Let me talk to JBJ and see how difficult they will be. If it looks like I need a temporary location, I'll take you up on it. I live North of Westerville. Where area you located?

Even if they send me a new tank before I ship this back, I'm thinking I need someplace to put the animals while I empty old, move in new, replace water in new. I'll get back with you.

Thanks!

 

[MarineFishGuy]

No problem, it has been sitting in my deck (under the overhang) for several months so it would need a good cleaning/vinegar bath.

I am located in Gahanna, about 2 miles south of Phishy off Hamilton road.

Take your time, it is not going anywhere. I have kept it around just for this type of reason (temporary holding tank).

 

[aklausing]

Thought I'd give an update. I filled out Request for Maintenance form on Sunday and emailed it to JBJ. Didn't notice any further leakage on Sunday or Monday. Got a response from JBJ that they would replace the tank ($79 value), but I would have ot pay S&H of $49. I decided to wait until I notice a leak again. It's now Wednesday evening and no leak.

I sit here with egg on my face because I think what likely happened was while doing a large water change, I likely splashed some water on side of tank. I cleaned the glass when I was done, but I can't remember remember wiping down by the rim. I have a feeling the leak was overflow splash.

I have 6 weeks left on warranty. I'll continue to monitor and deal with it if I notice water again.

Thanks to all who offered advice.

 

[ariffle11]

i had the same scare when i had my 24g jbj... that plastic lip that runs around the top side holds water under it when it splashes out and salt creep developes there too... it happened to me all the time and i kept getting scared of leakage... turns out just me scaring myself...

 

[Easily Distracted]

While reading this I kept wondering if it could be salt creep. I have a 40 breeder as a display tank and when I drip a good amount of water down the side, I will often notice some salt creep in one spot or another along the bottom rim where the water has decided to pool. This can happen a couple of days or so afterwards. That being said, I live in westerville and also have a spare tank that's not being used right now if you find yourself in a pinch.