So you’ve purchased a new tank! Maybe it’s not brand new - maybe it’s a steal you found on Craigslist. Either way, getting a new tank is excitement most of us can all relate to. It’s like a blank canvas with so many options and opportunities just waiting for you to let your sense of imagination and adventure run wild!

With every tank comes a risk

Imagine coming home after a long day at work only to find your most prized fish laying lifeless inside of a huge rug-soaked water stain, and your downstairs neighbors received a complimentary shower in the process. The last thing you want is a leak, but it can happen - even with tanks purchased brand new. If you’re going to use this tank to hold any amount of water, we HIGHLY recommend leak testing it first before deciding to go forth with your plans. Even a 5 or 10 gallon tank can make a big mess indoors if it springs a leak.

First, take a good look at the tank. How does the overall health of the silicone seals seem? Are they supple and tight fitting or loose with pieces breaking away? Sometimes tanks that have sat unused and without water for a period of time can have withered seals that lose structural integrity and potentially leak.

The good news is, leak testing your tank couldn’t be any more simple, really!

We recommend doing this outside, for common sense reasons. Fill the tank on a completely level, hard and sturdy surface. After it’s filled, wipe away any water from the sides that may have spilled on it during the filling process. You’ll want dry surfaces all around the tank and seams from the start. This way, you will notice if any seams have a slow leak. Observe the tank for a period of at least 24-48 hours. If everything seems good to go, drain the tank and move it to a stable, level surface inside your home to set up! 

Found a leak?

That’s no fun, but hey, aren’t you glad you discovered that outside? If it leaks, your tank will need to be resealed before you can use it for aquatic purposes. While this can be researched and done on your own, we recommend contacting a professional, especially for larger tanks that bear immense amounts of pressure from heavy, thick glass and, of course, the higher water volume. Should you do your research to feel confident enough in choosing the “self-help” venture, be sure to only use silicone that will be safe for your aquatic pets.  Clear Vivarium-Safe Silicone or our Black Vivarium-Safe Silicone are both safe for use in aquariums.

Leaks of Interest:

https://www.aqueon.com/articles/11-questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-new-fish-for-your-aquarium

http://www.tetra-fish.com/learning-center/getting-started/a-beginners-guide.aspx