Help! Is the 20g gonna leak soon?

[SkarloeysMom]

I haven't posted in forever cuz my summer class is killing me but I need some advise.

I cleaned the 20g long today and notices some bubbles under the silicone that holds the vertical corners together. So far it is just on the part that is feathered out and not under the thick stuff that holds the corners together. I'm worried that it may work its way that way though and start leaking.

Anybody else have this problem before? What should I do??

[Lakea]

Usually bubbles under the silicone is a bad sign. If I were you and I had any doubt as to whether the tank would leak or not I would reseal it. It is not hard, esp on a tank that small. Just get some kind of container you can keep your fishes in and try and keep the filters running to save the bacteria.

Then empty the tank, take off all the old silicone (as new silicone won't adhere to the old stuff), grab some 100% silicone from lowes/home depot, its like 5 bucks for a huge tube, make sure it has no fungicides or mildew protectants, I think I used GE silicone I, not sure though. Run the silicone along the seams inside the tank, spread it light with your finger and let it sit for 24 hours. (And if you use your finger to smooth the silicone dip it in some rubbing alcohol first and the silicone won't stick to your finger)

[GreenTerrorNYC]

That is intersting to know, i dont have this problem but awsome advice, good luck SkarLoey

[mp3rp]

I have the same problem. Well for me it really isn't a problem. I had bubbles in the silicone for about a year or maybe a little bit more. The tank never leaked yet. I don't know if your tank will leak or not because I could just be very lucky that my tank hadn't leaked yet.

[SkarloeysMom]

Thanks for the advise Lakea! I don't know if I've had these bubbles all along or if I just happened to notice them today. I don't think I'll have time to reseal it until August when my class is over and I'm not sure what I'll do with my fish in the mean time but I am going to reseal it just in case. We just got brand new carpet in room the 20g is in and if it leaks there'll be hell to pay from the war department.

[Tolley]

Maybe sit the tank in a baby paddling pool until August? Just kidding. :thumb:

Seriously though i hope everything turns out ok! It's nice to see you back too!

[Algenco]

most likely the bubbles have been there all along, air trapped when the tank was sealed. I wouldn't worry about it.

[SkarloeysMom]

Seriously though i hope everything turns out ok! It's nice to see you back too!

Thanks Tolley! Unfortunately I have to head back underground to study. Note to self: Summer science classes and a normal life do not mix well. Hope I can catch up with y'all again in August in between semesters.

Oh and thanks Algenco! I'll keep an eye on the bubbles for the next month or so and see if I notice any changes.