I dont know of any way to stop the leaking, but if it were me I would be in a hurry to take it down and repair it.
Leaking Tank
Hi all,
Today i just realised that my 2Feet tank is leaking in the bottom. And after examining it i found that i can't do anything because i can't find the leak. The tank have been matured for 8 month now and to revampt the gravel and all is heartbreaking.. My Yamato/Amano shrimps finally are now pregnant with eggs after 8 month.. I'm certain the step to change to another tank will cause them to stop producing. Is there any way to stop the leaking?
Today i just realised that my 2Feet tank is leaking in the bottom. And after examining it i found that i can't do anything because i can't find the leak. The tank have been matured for 8 month now and to revampt the gravel and all is heartbreaking.. My Yamato/Amano shrimps finally are now pregnant with eggs after 8 month.. I'm certain the step to change to another tank will cause them to stop producing. Is there any way to stop the leaking?
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
I second that advice with bells on.
You have dodged the bullet by getting a warning before the whole thing goes. Take the tank down, pronto. You can't fix it without completely emptying it anyway.
Once it's down, you could try to find the leak and reseal it, but you will have to have accomodations for your flora & fauna. It may be better to buy a replacement, depending on your pocketbook.
You have dodged the bullet by getting a warning before the whole thing goes. Take the tank down, pronto. You can't fix it without completely emptying it anyway.
Once it's down, you could try to find the leak and reseal it, but you will have to have accomodations for your flora & fauna. It may be better to buy a replacement, depending on your pocketbook.
You will have to empty the tank to fix it, there is no way around that.
The repair shouldn't take more than 3-4 days (silicone drying and tank testing). During that time you need to make sure that the bacteria on the gravel and in the filter stays alive, which is very easy.
The gravel - you can store it in a partially open deep container. Some of the bacteria on the gravel will die (the bacteria close to the surface will dry and the bacteria close to the bottom of the container will decompose and stink a little) but most of it will stay alive.
The filter - if you have a canister filter; There are 2 ways to keep the bacteria alive:
1. Unplug the filter from the electric outlet. Leave the filter full of water. Detach the hoses. Open the valves so air can get to the inside of the filter. Done.
2. Circulate the filter in a small containter with aquarium water.
You will be surprised how quickly your tank will return to normal once you use the old gravel and filter. It's more like an instant tank balance, not a shortened cycling. I have done what I described above twice in the last 6 months, and none of my 3 tanks had any problems.
--Nikolay
The repair shouldn't take more than 3-4 days (silicone drying and tank testing). During that time you need to make sure that the bacteria on the gravel and in the filter stays alive, which is very easy.
The gravel - you can store it in a partially open deep container. Some of the bacteria on the gravel will die (the bacteria close to the surface will dry and the bacteria close to the bottom of the container will decompose and stink a little) but most of it will stay alive.
The filter - if you have a canister filter; There are 2 ways to keep the bacteria alive:
1. Unplug the filter from the electric outlet. Leave the filter full of water. Detach the hoses. Open the valves so air can get to the inside of the filter. Done.
2. Circulate the filter in a small containter with aquarium water.
You will be surprised how quickly your tank will return to normal once you use the old gravel and filter. It's more like an instant tank balance, not a shortened cycling. I have done what I described above twice in the last 6 months, and none of my 3 tanks had any problems.
--Nikolay
Thanks guys for the advice n tips..
My dad will be getting a 3 feet tank the soonest by next week. Well i guess i have no choice but to take everything down. But for me i have added base fertillizer in the gravel.
If i were to tear down the tank and use the gravel, guess i have to use a new gravel to top over the old one to prevent algae bloom due to the base fert. Is this so?
Luckily i have another planted which has just finished cycling. I think its better to put in the fishes there. And fauna in a pail. As for the water i just save some if not all.
My filter that i'm using is an internal filter so i think i can just put it in the other tank.
Are my steps ok?
My dad will be getting a 3 feet tank the soonest by next week. Well i guess i have no choice but to take everything down. But for me i have added base fertillizer in the gravel.
If i were to tear down the tank and use the gravel, guess i have to use a new gravel to top over the old one to prevent algae bloom due to the base fert. Is this so?
Luckily i have another planted which has just finished cycling. I think its better to put in the fishes there. And fauna in a pail. As for the water i just save some if not all.
My filter that i'm using is an internal filter so i think i can just put it in the other tank.
Are my steps ok?
Fastlee,
Yeah you need to cover that fertilized substrate with a layer of inert gravel. And don't forget to put a plate or a bowl on the bottom of the tank and fill it slowly so none of the gravel stirs.
The fish will do fine for several days. Don't feed them at all (so they don't produce too much Amonia) but supply Oxygen with an airstone.
--Nikolay
Yeah you need to cover that fertilized substrate with a layer of inert gravel. And don't forget to put a plate or a bowl on the bottom of the tank and fill it slowly so none of the gravel stirs.
The fish will do fine for several days. Don't feed them at all (so they don't produce too much Amonia) but supply Oxygen with an airstone.
--Nikolay
Just another thought. I've heard a few people now who have thought the tank had a leak from the bottom, but like you couldn't find the source of the leak. It turned out it was just sloshed water that settled into the bottom frame and started seeping out.
Before you get drastic, try drying out the bottom frame and see if it keeps doing it. Of course that's unless it's really losing water at a quick rate.
Before you get drastic, try drying out the bottom frame and see if it keeps doing it. Of course that's unless it's really losing water at a quick rate.
Well, i kinda hope that was the case. But i keep measuring the water level and even switched off the fan to minimise evaporation, but i notice the water level keeps getting lower and have to top up water constantly until the new tank arrives.JanS said:Just another thought. I've heard a few people now who have thought the tank had a leak from the bottom, but like you couldn't find the source of the leak. It turned out it was just sloshed water that settled into the bottom frame and started seeping out.
Before you get drastic, try drying out the bottom frame and see if it keeps doing it. Of course that's unless it's really losing water at a quick rate.
I had to channel the leaking water to another tank under the leaking one.
So it's confirmed a leaking tank..
Sigh...
To Nikolay.. I have always practiced putting a plated on the bottom from day one. Thank you for your concern though.. Now must get a big pail for my fishes to stay until the replacement tank is ready..
Will keep you guys updated!!
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Aquatic Plant Forum
A forum community dedicated to aquatic plant owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about collections, displays, tanks, styles, troubleshooting, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
FernKing
54 Replies
PlentyCoup
31 Replies
johnwesley0
27 Replies
Recommended Communities
