HELP leaking tank

[jrb1260]

I have a 220 gal. reef tank. It has a very slight leak near the bottom corner. Every 2 days I get a salt buildup on the bottom corner of the tank. Any suggestions on how to fix this? I have no idea on where to start. I would think I have to empty the whole tank. I have nowhere to put all the live stock while I am fixing the tank. Do I have to buy another tank? I just need some ideas on what to do. I have to make this as easy as possible. Thank you.

Jim

[ November 11, 2001: Message edited by: jimbocki ]</p>

 

[Carpentersreef]

You had better make sure that it is indeed a leak, and not salt creep from a power cord, air/waterline hose, or something else. Try and look closely around the area and see if you can spot the leak source. I've had salt creep at the bottom of my sump, and determined that salt creep from the upper lid was dripping to the outside bottom of the sump, appearing to be a leak. Once I solved the upper salt creep, the bottom stopped.
If you indeed have a leak, that sucks. You cannot effectively seal it from the outside. Along with acting as a water seal, silicone or the seam in an acrylic tank also act as the structural glue that holds the tank together. You'll have to empty it. For temporary facilities, Rubbermaid containers are the way to go. I don't recommend repairing your tank. If it was me, I couldn't sleep at night. Buy a new one. How old is your tank? Any chance of a warranty left?
Wish I could give you better news. Good luck.

Mitch

 

[RFK]

If you find that you definitely have a leak and are stuck for a tank, I have a 120 AGA reef-ready tank that you can use for the repair, if you'd like.
I am in NYC so it would be a bit of a drive but it's here if you need it.

Bob

 

[jrb1260]

It is definatly a leak I been keeping a close eye on it.The tank is about 7 years old. How could I use rubbermaid containers? I would have to use quite a few containers. This will take a day or so to make the switch. How do I keep the water warm in so many containers? This does suck

 

[fishnbarefoot]

I just went through it with my 180. I ended up buying a new tank and repairing and reslling my old one to cover the cost. Really just the tank itself isn't that big of a cost, and if you can recoupe some of your money back then it helps.
I went to Home Depot and purchased a few new large 45 gallon rubbermaid trash cans. I put my tank inhabitants in there with my old water and did a quick (1 1/2 days)switch out. I used the opportunity to do a rearrangement and moved the tank that foot I always wanted. I put everything back and used most of my old water and about 60 gallons of new water. A lot of work but if you have it all planned out and have all you fittings and stuff ready, it goes pretty well. I have a wet/dry and left it full of water and it didn't miss a beat. My water parameters really didn't do much. I was worried. It's been a month and all is well. My LFS offered to house my corals but I wanted them to stay in my water and I'm glad I did. Best of luck,Jim

 

[fishnbarefoot]

Oh yea, you can take back the trash cans because you don't get them dirty but I was in need of new ones anyway. AND that seemd sneaky cheaty

 

[Carpentersreef]

jimbocki,

Well then, yes, that does suck!
The rubbermaid containers could be set up as to cascade from 1 to another, if you drilled some crude bulkhead overflows and would only have to use one heater/skimmer and pump return to the first one. There are some larger ones available, dimensions roughly 3' x 2' x 3', used for storing "stuff" in, from Home Depot.
Seven year old tank means no warranty.
Do you have a quick supplier for a new tank? Even if the rubbermaid setup leaked a bit, it would do until the new tank arrived.

Things could be worse - I had a blowout way back when on a stainless steel frame 50 gallon I had.

Mitch