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Saltwater Aquariums

A small leak in saltwater aquariums should not cause too much panic. Although a leak is something that certainly requires attention, it does not necessarily require that the aquarium owner buy a new tank.

By following a few simple steps, saltwater aquariums that have one or more small leaks can be salvaged.

Step 1: The source of the leak or leaks in saltwater aquariums needs to be pinpointed and then marked with a felt-tip marker.

Step 2: Reduce the level of the water in the tank until the leak stops. This should require the water level to be below the area where the leak exists.

Step 3: The area around the leak must be cleaned with a paper towel or some other soft cloth. It is also important that this area is dried after being cleaned.

Step 4: After the saltwater aquariums have been dried in the affected areas, a razor blade should be used to scrape existing silicone from the area where the leak is located. The silicone should also be scraped from the additional one-inch area around the leak.

Step 5: Apply acetone to a paper towel or rag and clean the area that was just scraped. It is important to be careful to make sure that the acetone does not enter the water that is still in the saltwater aquariums.

Step 6: Next, apply the silicone sealant into the area that was just cleaned. It is important to be sure to work it into the glass joint area.

Step 7: Let the saltwater aquariums stand for the next 24 hours. If there is a rush, 12 hours might be sufficient, but if there is no rush, it is best to wait one full day.

Step 8: Refill the tank to the level where the water was before the repair process began.

Step 9: Check to see if the saltwater aquariums are still leaking. If there is no water outside the tank, this means the leak has been fixed.

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