How to Repair a Leak in an Aquarium

A leaky aquarium can be a nightmare. It can make a mess of your home and hurt your fish. Thankfully, a leak in an aquarium is not difficult to fix. As long as you take your time and use the proper equipment, your tank will be as good as new.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sharp Knife or Scalpel
• Towel
• Rubbing Alcohol
• 100% Silicone

1. Locate the site of the leak. Drain the water in the tank. If all the water cannot be drained, drain until the leaking area is dry and exposed. Dry the leaking area, inside and out, with a towel. It must be very dry.
2. Scrape away the silicon around the leaking area, using a knife or a scalpel. Make sure the glass is completely clear of any silicon residue. Rub alcohol over the inside and outside of the area surrounding the leak.
3. Apply new silicon to the leaking area. Run the silicone in a steady line, and smooth it out with your finger or a tongue depressor. Scrape away any excess silicone with a knife.
4. Wait at least 24 hours for the silicon to cure before allowing it to get wet. Fill the tank up slowly on a level surface, watching for any additional leaks. If there are no leaks, then your tank is fixed and your fish can once again enjoy their home.

Tips & Warnings

• If the tank continues to leak after using the above method, drain the entire tank and re-silicone the whole aquarium. Scrape away all the inner silicone, one side at a time, the same way as before. Dry the entire area and re-silicone the tank.
• Fill the tank up outside when checking your repair job to prevent water from ruining your home.
• Make sure you use 100% silicone, found at hardware stores. The other silicone has chemicals in it that may harm your fish.