Leaky fish tanks require immediate attention, even if the problem is just a tiny leak coming from the aquarium’s seams or edges. It may not seem like a big issue, and some owners might even ignore or forget about it. However, a leak isn’t going to get better by itself. In the worst case, the entire aquarium could suddenly break and fall apart. This can be devastating for the fish and a headache to clean. Let’s look at everything you need to know about fixing or replacing a fish tank now.
Ensure the Fishes’ Safety Above All Else
The safety of the fish should be paramount in this situation. There’s the risk that the entire tank will shatter and leave the fish gasping for air. The stress could also seriously harm them with fatal consequences. It’s better to be too careful than to hope for the best. Owners should put their fish in a backup tank until they replace or repair their primary aquarium. Always keep a spare so you can easily clean the main tank or separate sick fish. A leak or crack can affect the aquarium’s water parameters and damage your fishes’ health. Unfortunately, this is something that many owners don’t consider.
It’s relatively simple to transfer fish from one tank to another. First set up the backup tank with the correct water quality. Then use a net and a clear pitcher to capture the fish. Dunk the pitcher into the tank and guide the fish with the net. Don’t pour the fish into the new tank. Instead, lower it into the water so they can swim out. This is less stressful and protects them from injury.
How to DIY Repair a Fish Tank
If you’re confident in your abilities to patch a leaky aquarium, you have some options. Before we get started, note that not all aquariums are fixable. It may be cheaper and ultimately safer to purchase a new fish tank. This prevents you from waking up one morning and finding that another leak is threatening your fish’s safety.
That said, if you’re looking to fix an aquarium, you should:
1. Drain the Water
First, you’ll need to remove enough water to access the leak. You may not need to empty the tank or remove the fish if the crack is higher up. However, it will be necessary if it’s at the base of the aquarium. Then you should also remove the plants, rocks, and fish tank decorations, too.
2. Remove the Sealant
Use a razor to remove the silicone around the leaky area. You don’t want to separate the glass panels. This is a delicate task so exercise care. Avoid dropping the old sealant into the aquarium because the fish could accidentally eat it.
3. Clean the Affected Area
Clear debris from the leaky area with a microfiber cloth. Use a solution like acetone to disinfect it. Then dab the space with a paper towel and leave it to air-dry for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial because leftover grit or residue can create another leak.
4. Apply New Sealant
Use a caulking gun to apply a nontoxic silicone sealant to cover the leaky seam. Less is more, so only run a single bead down the affected area on the inside of the tank. Don’t do it on the outside because the weight of the water will push the panes outward. Finally, smoothen it with your finger to fully seal the leak.
5. Let the Sealant Dry
Finally, you’ll need to leave the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours. Don’t return your fish to the tank without testing it first. Refill the tank and leave it for another 24 hours to see what happens. If there’s no sign of leaking, you can set the tank up again and reintroduce the fish.
Are All Fish Tank Leaks Repairable?
As noted, it’s not possible to fix every fish tank leak. If there’s a major crack, it will compromise the aquarium’s entire structural integrity. Immediately remove the fish from the tank and replace it. You may be able to find a professional to repair it. However, this could be more expensive than buying a new tank. Your budget, expectations, and leak’s severity should inform your decision when choosing how to proceed.
What Causes Some Fish Tanks to Leak?
Glass fish tanks are surprisingly fragile. Even high-quality aquariums may suffer from structural issues. It may not even have anything to do with the owner’s care. Maybe the transportation truck went over a bump in transit or the delivery person hit the door on the way into the house. This can be frustrating, but it’s out of the owner’s control. Meanwhile, the water pressure within the tank may degrade the sealant over time.
As a responsible aquarist, regularly inspect your fish tank and check for any signs of leakage or above-average wear and tear. This can help you make important decisions regarding the safety of your fish.
How to Reduce the Risk of Leaky Tanks
There are a couple of ways to reduce the risk of your fish tank leaking. First, regularly check the outside of the tank for dampness. Some leaks aren’t obvious, and you may even mistake them for condensation. Treat your tank with care; it’s delicate! Be super careful when cleaning your aquarium.
Always supervise young children and keep the aquarium out of reach of other animals. Be careful when adding rocks and other natural items into tanks because these can also cause damage. Gently insert them into the aquarium to reduce the risk of something going wrong. It’s also worth testing new tanks before putting fish into them. Fill it and leave it for 24 hours to ensure it’s safe for marine life.
