Q&A for How to Repair a Leaky Aquarium

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

My leak seems to be in the bottom corner of my tank. Do you recommend resealing the whole thing?

Community Answer

I would definitely reseal the entire tank, just in case you had more than one leak.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 20
Question

I have a 250 gallon glass tank. I have resealed it several times now. This last time, as I was taking the old sealer off, I noticed that the glass itself was separating on one of the corners. Is this repairable?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

Since it's such a big tank, it's probably best handled by a professional. If what you mean is the glass is separating from the sealant/other glass, then all it needs is new sealant.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 13
Question

Can a 4'x2'x2.5' tank be repaired with silicon sealent if it has developed a crack from top to bottom along the rounded edge?

Community Answer

Since the size that you mentioned is big, if it has a crack or a lick at the lower side or at the bottom, it is a good idea to have a complete re-sealing on the inside. Simply peel off all the old silicone using a sharp knife and clean the residue with acetone or thinner and re-silicone that.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 17
Question

When can I put fish back in a repaired tank using marine sealer?

Community Answer

As soon as your sealant dries, let it sit for a day. Then set up the tank and allow it to cycle for at least a week, and then you may add your fish.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 9
Question

How do I seal the gap between glasses in an aquarium due to poorly cut pieces of glass? What type of glue should be used?

Community Answer

Use aquarium silicone. There should be no gaps. A millimeter can cause the tank to burst. If it's a bad cut, don't use it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
Question

Where do I get the trim that holds the aquarium glass together?

Community Answer

Aquarium trim is available for purchase from aquarium suppliers online. However, in many cases the trim that you can buy online does not actually hold the aquarium together. This type of trim is made for tanks in which the silicone connections hold the tank together. Make sure you are buying the right type for your tank!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
Question

My tank has a leak at the rear corner. Would it be worth repairing the rear panel or should I just do the whole tank?

Community Answer

If the leak is on the joint, then strip that pane off and re-silicone it. If it's a crack in the pane, get a new tank.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question

I have an octagon tank and its leaking somewhere. Is it the same to repair as a square tank?

Community Answer

Yes, it is exactly the same. If the leak is large or the glass becomes unseated, you need to get professional help, due to the difficulty of resetting the glass on an octagonal tank.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

Can a 100 gallon tank be fixed if there are two small leaks at the seam?

Raya Bastian

Community Answer

It's would be wiser to just buy a new tank, but if you are desperate, it's possible to seal the leaks with silicone. You have to keep in mind that you will have to buy another one eventually though. You can put it off now and keep the tank for a few months, or buy another one now.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
Question

How do I find leakage?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

Pour some water into the tank on a surface that shows water easily. Don't let any splash over the sides. Move the tank (do not to spill any water) and see if there's any water on the surface of the place you put the tank. If you spill water, it won't work.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 4
Question

If my tank's back glass is cracked diagonally from top to bottom, should I replace the glass or try to repair it?

Community Answer

Replace the glass. The water pressure will spread the crack and cause another leak if a complete pane replacement isn't done.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I know if a crack in a leaky aquarium is repairable? How do I know if it's time to get a new tank?

Community Answer

It isn't. There is no way to repair cracked glass and have it remain structurally sound. You'll have to replace the entire cracked panel if you want to repair the tank properly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I recently resealed a bottom seam. There is no leak now, but the water clouds up quickly and has done this with every change out for about 2 weeks. What do you think the problem is?

Community Answer

This sounds like the incorrect sealant has been used? Bathroom sealant clouds up this way. If so, it will need removing, and like the instructions above state, it needs to be 100% silicon and non-toxic.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I find out where my aquarium is leaking?

Community Answer

There will most likely be water trickling around the crack. Wipe down the tank with a dry towel and see where water starts appearing first.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I treat a leak at the bottom of my aquarium?

Community Answer

Move the fish and water plants into temporary containers, drain the water, then repair the crack that is causing the leaks.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can a molded fish tank side crack be repaired?

Tim C

Community Answer

If you mean acrylic, you should get a professional to fix it or buy a new tank.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0