75 Gallon Tank Help! Tank leaking

[Maya Boone]

I’ve had a 75 gallon aqueon tank set up for about 9 months. Leak tested it before filling and have never had any issues up until now. This morning woke up to a small puddle on the floor (thankfully I have laminate floors). Some water inside the stand as well but maybe a quart at most total. There’s a slow drip coming from the bottom of the tank, about a drop every 3 seconds or so. I can pretty clearly pinpoint where the water is coming from (see 2nd pic). I’ve currently got a bucket under it and am in the process of draining the water / transferring my fish and plants to a couple of smaller tanks.

Trying to assess how to move forward. My dad is really handy and is picking up some caulk/sealant to try and reseal the tank after I drain it. However I’ve seen conflicting opinions about how successful this can be. Some people have said it’s almost more worth it to get a whole new tank. Obviously I’d rather not have to do that, but I’m hoping I can get some clarity!

 

[TClare]

With such a small leak its worth repairing it. My husband has done this with one of my tanks that was in storage for a while and leaked when we tried to fill it. Just make sure its thoroughly dry before adding the silicon, and wipe with alcohol first. It is probably best to remove the old silicon from the area of the leak (using a Stanley knife) before adding the new as it will stick better.

 

[Maya Boone]

2 questions if I’m going to repair it:

Any recommendations of what type of sealant to use?
Also, how much of the existing silicone should we peel away when we go to add the new stuff?

 

[KingOscar]

I would remove the entire inside length of the section leaking. Use razors to scrape away all original sealant on this line. Then clean well with isopropyl alcohol. The section needs to be completely dry and clear of all traces of old sealant. Fresh sealant will not adhere properly to old sealant. No need to do the other 3 inside edges that are not leaking. Sealant must be specifically made for aquarium use. ASI is a good brand, and comes in clear or black.

 

[Maya Boone]

Update: before trying to fix it, I contacted Aqueon to see if they would replace/refund the tank since it’s still under warranty. Thankfully they’re going to send me a check for the cost! I’m still going to try and repair the tank but want to have time to make sure it’s fixed. In the meantime, I’m going to buy a new tank so I can move my fish/plants back and not have them be cramped in my smaller tanks for very long.

Debating between getting another Aqueon or Marineland, or another brand. I’ve read many reviews for both online, and it’s such conflicting info. Seems like a general consensus is that Aqueon’s tank quality has fallen off in recent years but I’m not sure what to trust. I’d rather not spend a small fortune (a Waterbox 75gal is like $900) but also don’t want to set myself up for failure again!

I’m definitely going to get a foam mat to increase my ability to ensure the tank is level and not being bent in any weird ways, but curious if anyone has opinions on what brand to go with. Thanks!

 

[wranglerEd]

Only my opinion, if Aqueon is going to warranty the tank and I’m assuming what you paid for the tank, I’d take it and apply the money to a new tank. You’re set up is beautiful, and if you got to drain, remove everything, and try to re-seal, I’d start with brand new… You’re doing everything over again anyway. Put the warranty money into a new tank. If Aqueon is paying. You would be starting from scratch anyway. If you’re paying out of pocket for a new one, at least you have some money to pay for other accesories. I have not had any issues with Aqueon. And if you check, there’s only a few Mfgs. that actually make tanks, just like box store Brand Names for washers, dryers, stoves. They are just re- branded..

 

[Fishfur]

Update: before trying to fix it, I contacted Aqueon to see if they would replace/refund the tank since it’s still under warranty. Thankfully they’re going to send me a check for the cost! I’m still going to try and repair the tank but want to have time to make sure it’s fixed. In the meantime, I’m going to buy a new tank so I can move my fish/plants back and not have them be cramped in my smaller tanks for very long.

Debating between getting another Aqueon or Marineland, or another brand. I’ve read many reviews for both online, and it’s such conflicting info. Seems like a general consensus is that Aqueon’s tank quality has fallen off in recent years but I’m not sure what to trust. I’d rather not spend a small fortune (a Waterbox 75gal is like $900) but also don’t want to set myself up for failure again!

I’m definitely going to get a foam mat to increase my ability to ensure the tank is level and not being bent in any weird ways, but curious if anyone has opinions on what brand to go with. Thanks!

A mat won’t help if the tank is rimmed. A rim carries all the weight of the tank & contents.

The glass in a rimmed tank never touches the surface that it’s resting on. So long as that surface is clean, flat & level, that’s all a rimmed tank requires.

Rimless tanks are very different in most cases as their weight bears on the entire surface of the bottom glass. Even a grain of sand on the supporting surface could cause cracking on a rimless bottom. That’s why mats are used underneath them, as a bit of insurance against that sort of problem.

It never hurts to put a slab of plywood under a tank no matter what is being used for a tank stand - they’ll take up a surprising amount of water without swelling or falling apart so they can help some in the case if a leak.

 

[RayClem]

In an all glass tank, the silicone sealant between the joints is what seals the tank. There is usually excess sealant on the inside of the tank, but it is there primarily to give the purchaser assurance that the tank has been sealed. The excess does not really make the seal better.

I have had tanks still in service after 50 years without ever leaking. If a tank is properly sealed, it should never leak unless something stresses the joints. A tank should always be flat and level. If not, there will be stresses that can eventually cause leaks. The silicone sealant is a sealant, not and adhesive. It provides little in the way of structural strength to the tank.

Once the seal between the joints of the glass have been disrupted, there is really no good way of resealing it . You can add sealant to the inside of the tank and that might work, but there is no guarantee.
Also, trying to determine the exact location of the leak is a fool's errand as water can be leaking from one spot only to run along the frame and drip from another location.

If you can get a new tank, that is the best option. Remember that a 75 gallon tank contains about 750# of substrate and water. That is a lot of stress put on the joints of the glass. Make absolutely sure that the new (or repaired) tank is absolutely level. I like putting a 1/2" sheet of exterior grade plywood under the tank to help reduce stresses.

 

[Maya Boone]

Thanks! I was able to purchase a Marineland tank at my LFS after chatting with the owner about his recommendations. The money from the warranty won’t fully cover it (I bought the OG 75gal at the 50% off sale, but the new tank still costs about $40 less than the original one would have at full price). I’m planning to pick it up this weekend and then still make an attempt to repair the old one. If it doesn’t work, no harm done, and if it does, I’ll throw it on FB marketplace for cheap and make a few bucks back.

 

[bgarthe]

I came across this thread (regrettably a bit late), but I do want to toss out something to think about. It is rare, imo, to actually have a company stand by their product like Aqueon appeared to do via the warranty. Unless there was a design flaw, poor service, or bad overall quality, I would have suggested (had I seen this earlier) you buy another Aqueon. I’m not trying to be condescending or critical, but feel that with so many unethical businesses and all, it only seems fair/appreciative to give a honorable company a second chance……that’s all. And….I have had both Marineland and Aqueon tanks through the years. Btw…..your tank did indeed look awesome.