Help My Silicone Is Dying

ChitownRomeo

Active Member
Was doing a water change on this aqueon 55 gallon I have had up and running 9 years. Never moved it from the spot it's in. It's on a full stand and leveled since day 1. Today after the 20% water change, I noticed real small air bubbles in the right seam. From the top to the middle are these small bubbles. My paranoid mind has me nervous lol. The inside silicone has been chewed a little. You think its going to leak. Im kinda scared considering im on the 3rd floor apartment.
 

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DaveK

Well-Known Member
I don't think you have a serious issue. Yes, there does seem to be some separation along the edges where the silicone is very thin, but the basic part od the seal, the part actually in the corner seems to be sound. This isn't too unusual a condition.

However, if your worried about it, you could re-calk the tank. It's a big job, but doable, and will take some time, so your going to need to find someplace to house anything in the tank. Also with a 55 gal tank, you might find it easiest and less expensive to replace the tank, especially if you can find a new one on sale.

Of course you could always use this as a reason to upgrade to that larger tank you always wanted. (grin)
 

ChitownRomeo

Active Member
Hmmm I wonder could this be causing it. A few weeks ago my floor and stand got wet. Maybe it became uneven and causing too much pressure on the front glass..... Time to shim
 

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DaveK

Well-Known Member
Ideally the tank should be completely level, but if it's off a little in only 1 direction, your ok. Where you can get into trouble is if the tank is off level in both directions, front to back and left to right. In this case the tank will twish, causing long term issues.
 
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