White Stuff On Tank Corner

HI so i'm setting up my old tank. Got no fish or even water in it right now.
The thing I'm worried about is that on all 4 corners, the black sealant silicon stuff which prevents leaks has white stuff on it. Anyone know about this? is it dangerous? Thanks

 

Can you take a clearer picture? It kinda looks like some kind of mold? possibly?

 

Can you take a clearer picture? It kinda looks like some kind of mold? possibly?

not sure if I can take a clearer one. if it is mold, what do ya think I should do?

 

It’s likely not dangerous and is probably mold/mildew/fungus growing on the sealant. I would wipe down every corner with a mild bleach solution (1:10) or white vinegar.
The bigger concern I would have is if the sealant has deteriorated to the point it’s no longer sealed.
Clean the tank and fill with water. Let it sit for a few days/week and see if there are any leaks.

 

It’s likely not dangerous and is probably mold/mildew/fungus growing on the sealant. I would wipe down every corner with a mild bleach solution (1:10) or white vinegar.
The bigger concern I would have is if the sealant has deteriorated to the point it’s no longer sealed.
Clean the tank and fill with water. Let it sit for a few days/week and see if there are any leaks.

Good idea. I'll use white vinegar.

Another problem I have is that I have ordered some plants but they will arrive before my filter will arrive. Is it safe to setup the tank without a filter and just plants? If not should I just put them in a container with water?

 

It could just be limescale, my tanks end up with it around the edges of plastic hoods or if water has dripped down the outside of the glass. Basically just the deposits in the water once it has evaporated (leaves a white residue), although I haven't really seen it on silicone before, but that would be my guess if it isn't mold or fungus.

 

If your tank is clean, holding water and set up, I would put them in the the aquarium. Too much change for plants can shock them and kill them just like fish.
If the tank isn’t ready, I’d put them in a container with treated water and a desk lamp over them. They would be fine like that for a few weeks.

 

It just looks like hard water buildup to me.

 

It could just be limescale, my tanks end up with it around the edges of plastic hoods or if water has dripped down the outside of the glass. Basically just the deposits in the water once it has evaporated (leaves a white residue), although I haven't really seen it on silicone before, but that would be my guess if it isn't mold or fungus.

yeah hopefully its just limescale. I tried to use whie vinegar but its pressed between the silicon and the glass so its impossible to get to without pulling on the silicon

 

It could just be limescale, my tanks end up with it around the edges of plastic hoods or if water has dripped down the outside of the glass. Basically just the deposits in the water once it has evaporated (leaves a white residue), although I haven't really seen it on silicone before, but that would be my guess if it isn't mold or fungus.

Good point!

 

yeah hopefully its just limescale. I tried to use whie vinegar but its pressed between the silicon and the glass so its impossible to get to without pulling on the silicon

Then the seals are starting to go bad. It only has full structural integrety if the silicone is actually glued to the glass. It could be fine for a few more decades, or it could fail - it's really hard to guess. If it was just a few spots I would probably ignore it, but if all the seals are like that I would personally think twice. I replaced my 20 gallon a while back because the seals were starting to peel back, probably from me being an idiot while scraping the glass during cleanings.

 

Then the seals are starting to go bad. It only has full structural integrety if the silicone is actually glued to the glass. It could be fine for a few more decades, or it could fail - it's really hard to guess. If it was just a few spots I would probably ignore it, but if all the seals are like that I would personally think twice. I replaced my 20 gallon a while back because the seals were starting to peel back, probably from me being an idiot while scraping the glass during cleanings.

Oh God ... I can't afford a new tank right now so I guess I'll either risk it or wait till I can buy a new tank. I probably need a new one anyway... 15 gallon isn't rly much I guess. It was left outside in a dirty shed with the door open for over a year so it's been quite exposed.

 

Oh God ... I can't afford a new tank right now so I guess I'll either risk it or wait till I can buy a new tank. I probably need a new one anyway... 15 gallon isn't rly much I guess. It was left outside in a dirty shed with the door open for over a year so it's been quite exposed.

Yeah, extememly likely the seals have weakened especially having been stored like that. I would personally not trust it. Reseal or replace it. Better safe than sorry. 15 gallons of water on your floor will be much worse than buying a new tank.

 

If you are in the US, Petco is having their $1 a gallon sale. Not sure if they carry 15s, but if yours is a long then a 20 High will fit in the same space and can use the same lid and stand!

 

If you are in the US, Petco is having their $1 a gallon sale. Not sure if they carry 15s, but if yours is a long then a 20 High will fit in the same space and can use the same lid and stand!

I'm UK unfortunately.

 

Well I recently bought a Fluval curve tank (I think it's called Vista in other countries), I had to go to numerous stores to find one with decent silicone, got the best one but it's still not what I would call decent -if you gently rub the silicone on the edges it starts to lift up as well -it seems these newer tanks are really cutting corners and using cheap horrible silicone, I'd say stick with the older, better made tanks, even though you say the silicone is lifting, if it's only the very edges it's probably still better and stronger than the newer, badly made ones. I'm probably going to return it and look for a second hand tank lol. I guess if Petco etc still have standard well made tanks on sale, then go for it, just stay away from Fluval I think, I'm pretty sure they're not designed to last..

 

There are some YouTube videos showing how to reseal tanks. I have never tried it myself, but plenty of people do it. So there is that option.

 

Yeah, I would try and re-seal rather than buy a new tank. If it doesn't work, then you can always buy a new one. I feel your pain tanks are expensive in the uk.

 

Yeah, I would try and re-seal rather than buy a new tank. If it doesn't work, then you can always buy a new one. I feel your pain tanks are expensive in the uk.

Me and my entire family are useless at DIY sadly. I'm going to risk it though. After closer examination I don't think there is much chance of a leak. And yeah they are so expensive : (((