[theaquaticlife]

Pass pets was a deplorable place, normally I wish no ill will upon anyone... but I am glad they closed! I have re-sealed many a tank.

1. Razor blade every bit of silicone in the whole tank. make sure you get the stuff around the top edge too. DO A THOROUGH JOB.

2. Clean all joints with wet wash cloth and get even more old silicone, dirt etc

3. Clean all joints again with rubbing alcohol

4. Let dry thoroughly

5. Run bead of silicone thick enough along joints that silicone touches both pieces of glass being siliconed. Run the bead to next joint junction and just past. Ensure you do one smooth movement.

6. Wearing a latex glove or using piece of plastic run your finger down the joint and make contact with both surfaces while making sure ALL air is out of silicone...

7. Move immediately to next joint a whole aquarium has to be done at one time! Make sure you remember to get up around the edges of the plastic lid where every seem meets.

8. Let dry completely for 24 hours then with a razor blade trim excess very carefully. Excess on bottom will most likely be covered in substrate so I usually dont worry about it.

TIPS
When doing large tanks or many buy the tubes of silicone on line, it is much easier on your fingers and more cost effective. Also I have found it makes a more uniform bead.

Do your worst tank first to get the feel of it, after a few tanks you will not need to trim... hopefully

Do in a well vented area... the silicone stinks like hell

LET IT CURE FOR AT LEAST 48 hours I usually let it sit even longer if possible

If tank is going to be drilled, drill with old silicone in place, the pressure of drilling could cause your new seams to fail

Dont call me as they are pains in the rear, and time consuming he he! I usually repair tanks in my living room so I can watch tv while working on them... however the little woman doesnt seem to put up with my living room workshop for too long!