Hi , I've inherited a couple of small tanks, I'd guess from the
1950's. They are really attractive as the edging is all chromed metal
so they look sort of art deco. However they are not water tight, the
sealing between the panels and the metal  must have perished. I'm
hoping it's possible to re-seal them with silicone on the inside , but
I'd appreciate any advice on doing this or which brand to use. I'm
thinking of having some tropicals , probably neons

thanks


jonathan

In message , 
jives11  writes
>Hi , I've inherited a couple of small tanks, I'd guess from the
>1950's. They are really attractive as the edging is all chromed metal
>so they look sort of art deco. However they are not water tight, the
>sealing between the panels and the metal  must have perished. I'm
>hoping it's possible to re-seal them with silicone on the inside , but
>I'd appreciate any advice on doing this or which brand to use. I'm
>thinking of having some tropicals , probably neons
>
I've repaired a few metal tanks, though it was years ago now. The main 
thing is to get the glass really clean and 100% grease free. I used to 
use Vodka as it doesn't leave a residue, and it's better than just about 
any other spirit based cleaner.

Then get silicone sealant from your favourite aquatic store and apply it 
steadily in one go to all the sides of the tank on the inside. Yes, I 
know you're not daft, but someone I know did put the sealer on the 
outside :-) It's important to do the job quickly at one sitting as it 
were, so the sealant forms one layer and hardens at the same time.

I don't think the make of sealant matters, just get the glass clean and 
work fast and get a nice uniform and smooth amount of sealant on all the 
sides.

Good luck !

-- 
Edward Cowling    "Must Go - Time To Change My Underwear !!"

In message , 
jives11  writes
>Hi , I've inherited a couple of small tanks, I'd guess from the
>1950's. They are really attractive as the edging is all chromed metal
>so they look sort of art deco. However they are not water tight, the
>sealing between the panels and the metal  must have perished. I'm
>hoping it's possible to re-seal them with silicone on the inside , but
>I'd appreciate any advice on doing this or which brand to use. I'm
>thinking of having some tropicals , probably neons
>
I've repaired a few metal tanks, though it was years ago now. The main 
thing is to get the glass really clean and 100% grease free. I used to 
use Vodka as it doesn't leave a residue, and it's better than just about 
any other spirit based cleaner.

Then get silicone sealant from your favourite aquatic store and apply it 
steadily in one go to all the sides of the tank on the inside. Yes, I 
know you're not daft, but someone I know did put the sealer on the 
outside :-) It's important to do the job quickly at one sitting as it 
were, so the sealant forms one layer and hardens at the same time.

I don't think the make of sealant matters, just get the glass clean and 
work fast and get a nice uniform and smooth amount of sealant on all the 
sides.

Good luck !

-- 
Edward Cowling    "Must Go - Time To Change My Underwear !!"

In message , 
jives11  writes
>Hi , I've inherited a couple of small tanks, I'd guess from the
>1950's. They are really attractive as the edging is all chromed metal
>so they look sort of art deco. However they are not water tight, the
>sealing between the panels and the metal  must have perished. I'm
>hoping it's possible to re-seal them with silicone on the inside , but
>I'd appreciate any advice on doing this or which brand to use. I'm
>thinking of having some tropicals , probably neons
>
I've repaired a few metal tanks, though it was years ago now. The main 
thing is to get the glass really clean and 100% grease free. I used to 
use Vodka as it doesn't leave a residue, and it's better than just about 
any other spirit based cleaner.

Then get silicone sealant from your favourite aquatic store and apply it 
steadily in one go to all the sides of the tank on the inside. Yes, I 
know you're not daft, but someone I know did put the sealer on the 
outside :-) It's important to do the job quickly at one sitting as it 
were, so the sealant forms one layer and hardens at the same time.

I don't think the make of sealant matters, just get the glass clean and 
work fast and get a nice uniform and smooth amount of sealant on all the 
sides.

Good luck !

-- 
Edward Cowling    "Must Go - Time To Change My Underwear !!"