How To Leak Test an Aquarium | BigAlsPets.com

Have an older aquarium that you want to use? Nervous that it may not hold water? Time for a leak test. It's a simple process, but follow these simple steps to avoid disaster!

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[ShaneZettelmier]

My favorite method is just to assume it’s OK and go ahead and start filling it up. 😂😂 it’s like 95% effective. ;)

[kevster]

I would put it in a bathtub to check for leaks. I prefer it over taking it outside or basement drain or many many towels. Great informative video!

[ALAPINO]

A flashlight, better yet a UV flashlight, makes spotting tiny chips, cracks and even irregularities in the glass super easy. It also highlights some sealant repairs or touch ups. If it's a used tank, seeing sealant that isn't the exact same as the others can indicate there was a leak repair in the past.

P.S.: Ikea Magnet Bar, FTW!

[opercula]

As always, a great video. But as you probably know Rachel O'Leary had TWO tank failures this past week, one of which was from a tank she purchased 5 years ago when it was brand new.
So when is it time to think about replacing an existing tank ?? 5? 10? 15 years ??? Yeah, tough question ...

[mariuszsobieraj]

All my tanks are second hand. All but one. I let them sit a whole week full of water to check for leaks. I did it because there were a few spots here and there I had to strip and reseal with new silicone. I let it cure 48 hours and water test a week.

[thefabviking]

Just got a 15 gallon tank in the mail and was wondering about this! Thank you for this nice informational video :)

[icegypsy]

Great tips..Nice to know I'm not the only one obsessed with doing leak checks. I've always just filled it right up. Like the idea of doing it a few inches at a time.

[zaink]

A fish keepers worst nightmare - waking up in the middle of the night and seeing water leak out the tank 😱. Best to always check 👍

[MrsRuiNas]

I love this channel, Thomas is the best guy to listen.... Keep on tanking...

[opercula]

Hey Thomas, Great video as always. Question: What do you do with 3 tanks currently in use, all of which have never leaked that are 18 years old, at least ? To make matters more prone to anxiety we can be out of town several weeks at a time. A slow leak is addressable when someone is around but could be deadly if undetected over a prolonged period. I don't even want to think of a spontaneous "explosion" many examples of which can be seen on YouTube. Needless to say they are horrifying. Any suggestions ??

[ummguy]

You always have the best t shirts. Awesome video

[nickkersten]

Hi Thomas, like you I'm paranoid about tanks holding water at first. I recently purchased a used 40 gallon breeder. No leaks, however there is a slight bowing to the front and rear glass panels from holding water. Some people online recommend adding a middle brace like longer tanks, it makes me nervous that it'll give out at any moment so the tank has been sitting empty and idle

[TNHawke]

So, what do you do if you find a leak? Is the tank trash? What if there are those shell chips and such, but not leaking? Is there a way to fix them?

[christinemchale]

Question: On average, how long does silicone sealant last on a glass tank - a tank that's always in use filled with water, not sitting around dry for who knows how long? And if the silicone sealant is getting really old, is it better/safer to re-seal the old tank with new sealant or ditch the tank and get a new one?

[kyratomek]

ahhh we have a mouse loose at the moment and those cricket noises (squeaks) made me jump out of my freaking skin!

[vinceolshove]

You mention "shell chips" at about the 40 second mark. I bought a used 75G that does have some minor rounded chips on the edges that I thought I could wet sand out the sharp spots to prevent injury, but I thought the tank would still be OK. Are you saying I got screwed, or can I just sand these out and still have a viable tank? I am almost in tears right now thinking I got screwed spending more money than I could reasonably afford to make a nice home for my growing goldie family. What should I do?  Help....PLEASE.  I really hope I get an answer from you...I planned on a major league washing of the inside of the tank and a re-doing the silicon this weekend, and moving the tank inside next weekend. Now I just feel like the tank is garbage and I got screwed. What should I do...am I really sunk on this project?

[abcdefghijklucy]

While cleaning my tank, I accidentally used hot water for a little and I’m worried that could have ruined the seal? Is that possible? Now the bottom part of the seal looks cloudy, and not clean and clear like it is on top. :(

[geezer_jeff]

I bought a second hand 65 gallon tank it had some cracks on the glass and the silicon was dry I resealed it and leak tested it for about a month is it okay to use

[thomvannieuwenhuijzen]

Do you need to cycle your tank before adding plants??

[AquaPeet]

It seemed you talked backwards! I mean in reverse! Hehe. Great lil vid. Just watched it because your presentation always is a joy to watch.