eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 About 7 days ago my tank (250l) leaked about 1/3 of the way up from the base. Looks like I have managed to seal but now need to refill. Should I fill the tank to the top or do this gradually adding Stress coat and ammonia lock or should I fill the tank gradually bearing in mind that there is probably only 80l of water in the tank now. Not many fish in there at the moment.A dozen neons, couple of albino corys, 3 bristlenose and dwarf gouamis. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zev Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Hi eastcoaster What sort of filtration are you running? If it is a well established filter it should be able to handle the new water. And welcome to the forums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Thanks Zev....about 4-5 weeks using an old Fluval cannister type. Not particularly efficient Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zev Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Has the filter been running all the time, while the tank was partially empty? If so, you could try gradually filling it up over a few days. (This also gives you a chance to check that it is not going to leak any more without flooding the house!) Is the ammonia high? Otherwise I wouldn't bother with the ammolock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Filter has been running all the time. Ammonia is ok. Should I add maybe 60l or so per day? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zev Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Sounds good to me. Adding chemicals can really stuff up the cycling of a tank, sometimes it is best to let it sort itself out naturally. Someone else may have some other ideas on the matter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Thanks for the help Zev....much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Topping the tank up with fresh water should cause no problems if the filter is properly cycled. Just think of it as a 60% water change with a big delay in the middle. BUT topping up in stages might be wise, could save a lot of water ending up on the floor again if the repair doesn't hold I would top up to just above where it leaked and then wait a couple of days. Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Thanks Ian...will do as you and Zev suggest. Cheers and Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 If your tank is leaking like that it points towards failure of the joint. Be careful or you will have a major. How old is the tank and what is it's history?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Not particularly sure of history. Bought off TM and transported via furniture removal co. Thought that it may have failed due o the moving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Sounds like a strip down and rebuild to me, don't mess around and wait for the enivitable to happen. It WILL happen at the worst time. What are the colour of the joints? Especially near wher the leak is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Joints are slightly yellowed. Prob with rebuid is the tank and cabinet are a singular unit and cant take the thing apart. (poor design). I guess thats what you get buying sight unseen. May have been a bit impetuous. Any suggestions? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zev Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Come to the HBAS meeting on Wedneday night (7:30pm The National Aquarium of New Zealand, Marine Parade, Napier) see if you can pick up a new tank - it's auction night. Transfer your fish to a new tank (after you have tested it outside to see if it does not leak!!), re silicone the other one, after it has cured, pop your fish back in - just ask any of the members how to do this, they will point you in the right direction.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Thanks Zev...will do just that. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Yes, do come to the meeting!! I'll even do a special presentation for you about how to photograph and video your tank. I do 50-70% waterchanges on a regular basis so you should have no trouble filling the tank right up as long as it doesn't leak and as long as the water temperature does not drop more than 2-3'C - ie, preheat the water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Thanks Warren...will try to make the meeting. Is there anything specific I would need to bring or be prepared for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Yes, bring cash for the auction and raffle. There's usually a good range of fish and I'll be bringing some plants. Look forward to seeing you there. I'll be the silly looking bugger sitting up front doing all the talking. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Oh, and since it's cold, it's a good idea to bring a chilly-bin if you plan to buy heaps... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted July 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 I'll be there with bells on....best I bring a large chilly bin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Great, so now back to the thread after a short 'get another member' hijack!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paekakboyz Posted July 20, 2007 Report Share Posted July 20, 2007 Sounds like a strip down and rebuild to me, don't mess around and wait for the enivitable to happen. It WILL happen at the worst time. What are the colour of the joints? Especially near wher the leak is? Alan - I was interested to know if a certain colour of silicon indicates age or impending failure of the seal? I've seen it go milky white before rather than clear or slightly opaque... what should you look out for? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted July 20, 2007 Report Share Posted July 20, 2007 If the joints are real trustworthy they will show a clear green. The colour of the joining glas's depth. If you see blemishes, that could be airpockets from the date of manufacture, or it could be that algae has got thru the internal corner and breaking down the integrity of the joint. Milky white is normally the silicon under stress, or very fine air-bubbles. Heading for a leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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