Annadvn

One of the 125g tanks has developed a leak at the top in a corner underneath the trim. Its not bad and only lets a few drops out per hour but i want to fix it before it gets worse.

Would it be ok to leave the fish in the tank but just drop the water level for 24hours down by 4 inches?

Or do i need to relocate the fish (have no idea where right now) and completely empty the tank?

Does anyone have any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Anna

EDIT: can i patch the tank or will i need to re silicon the whole tank?

Fishies-for-me

If it is just dripping by pulling water under the trim and releasing it to the front then I think your idea of dropping the water level by 4-6 inches and patching it might work..it is not holding any preasure or stress so I think it is worth trying that way 1st...keep in mind that this may be a temporary thing as once the silicone fails other spots may be ready to fail to. ....good luck.

Annadvn

Thats a good point, maybe if i patch it now and then when we move in 6 months time and the tank gets upgraded to a 200g i will have the time to totally re silicon it, before the new tanks mates (currently in the 90g) move in.

Thanks

Anna

Shawnie

I agree with fishies...dropping a few inches and letting it cure for 24-48 hours will be ok..but get the old silicone off first and be careful not to get any in the water...fishies will think its a snack!! goodluck!!

Dino

I would for sure look into resealing the whole thing once you move, Anna.
Otherwise, you plan should work.
Be VERY careful with the sealant while working on the tank.

Annadvn

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Im wondering if i should drop the water level by 6" or so and still remove the fish for 48 hours?

I can put them in the bath tub for a while so they still have space (don't worry about any cleaner/soap residue it will be the spare bath tub and i cant remember when it got used or cleaned) 48 hours shouldn't kill the cycle, i wonder if i will be able to catch everyone to move anyway. Hmm, maybe i answered my own question not being able to catch everyone?

Anna

Chief_waterchanger

Hi Anna!

You should be fine leaving the fish in, but I would suggest the same the others did, as long as no silicon gets into the tank and you let it cure for 24-48 hours you should do exceptionally well.

You could even make Levi hold a dustpan or something underneath where you are siliconing, which would just add another line of defense.