How to Repair a Glass Fish Tank

Glass fish tanks can be repaired rather than replaced.

If you have an older glass fish tank or one that you move around a lot, it may at some point develop a leak or a crack in the glass. Purchasing a new one can be costly, but you may not have to throw it away. Fortunately, you can repair a leak to save you the time and money of having to buy a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Single-edged razor blade
• Vise grip pliers (optional)
• Regular pliers (optional)
• White vinegar
• Silicone sealant
• Water

Instructions

1. Remove the fish and drain the water from the glass fish tank. Make sure the tank is dry before you begin to repair it.

2. Move the fish tank to a well-ventilated area. Silicone gives off a rather strong odor when it is drying,so perform this task away from the living area of your house.

3. Determine the location of the leak. If it's coming from the bottom seam, remove the trim to access to the seam.

4. Use a razor blade to cut away the seam of silicone where the leak is located. To prevent cutting yourself with the razor blade, you may wish to use a vise grip or regular pair of pliers to hold the razor while making the cut.

5. Wipe the area of the repair with white vinegar to clean it.

6. Run a bead of silicone along the area you are repairing. Wet your finger with water and run it along the bead line to smooth it out.

Tips & Warnings

• To repair cracks in glass, apply a small bead of silicone to each side of the crack line. Smooth out with a wet fingertip and allow to dry.

• Although it is often cheaper to buy silicone from a home improvement store, make sure that the silicone is clear and not made for bathroom use. Silicone made for bathrooms contains a chemical for mildew resistance that is toxic to fish.

References

• Angelfire: Aquarium Repair For The Beginner
• Fish Channel: Fixing a Leaking Aquarium