Is my tank leaking or do I have condensation on my glass aquarium?

[CaptainReefer]

Just started noticing wetness on the outside of my all glass aquarium. The tank water is at 78 degrees and I do not have an air conditioner running. Started noticing wetness on the side of the tank directly above the skimmer. Yesterday I noticed a few water drops on the bottom of the tank, at the top of the stand, but on the glass. I'm just worried that I may have a leak in the seal somewhere. Going out of town next week for a few days and don't want to come back to an empty tank.

 

[greggnyce]

Is the skimmer not level and leaking down the back of the tank? or is the seal on the collection cup or intake loose?

 

[CaptainReefer]

Skimmer is in the sump underneath the tank. If the skimmer was leaking it would leak into sump. I'm thinking evaporation might be creating the dampness on the side and underneath. It's either that, condensation or a leaky seal.

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Sounds like you have a Leak

 

[CaptainReefer]

Is their any chance it could be condensation. If the tank is leaking, what do I do?

 

[CaptainReefer]

Does anyone have a good trick for finding a leak?

 

[Breakin Newz]

It is most likely leaking, I would dry it up real good and if the water comes back then you have a leak.. I would replace the tank ..

 

[masterswimmer]

It is most likely leaking, I would dry it up real good and if the water comes back then you have a leak.. I would replace the tank ..

+1

Don't mess around too long on this. If you decide to set up a new tank before you leave for vacation it would be a good idea to let the new setup run for a few days before you leave. New systems will reveal any hiccup in the plumbing or possible tank leak right away.

BTW, what size tank is it?

Good luck,
Russ

 

[CaptainReefer]

After drying it out, I did not feel any moisture until today. It's raining, 85 degrees, 90% humidity, 250 watt metal halide running and my water temp is 78. The glass feels a little bit damp all over, including the sump, which I know is not leaking. I'm thinking, maybe I'm in denial, that this maybe condensation building up. It has been raining a lot and I do not use air conditioning, but keep my tank at 78 with a chiller. I have befriended a guy at the local fish store and will get him to come by on monday to check it out. I'm really at a crossroads here, I just bought this set up used a few months ago and after everything else I bought I really don't know if I want to buy another tank. It might be easier to sell off everything and be done. I love it, but when do you say when.

 

[Brian65901]

Salt or not

If its condensation it will not taste salty if its salty its a leak or coming from somewhere else. Assuming you have a salt water setup. Clean glass first with fresh water to remove any trace of salt drippings before tasting

 

[masterswimmer]

If its condensation it will not taste salty if its salty its a leak or coming from somewhere else. Assuming you have a salt water setup. Clean glass first with fresh water to remove any trace of salt drippings before tasting

+1 mmmmmmm, yummy

 

[jrobbins]

Rofl!!