Nothing is more annoying for a fish owner than a leaking aquarium. And for those who have carpets and rugs around the fish tank, it’s an absolute nightmare! Show
However, it’s a catch that comes with owning fish, and, at a certain point, it’s inevitable. That’s why all fish-owners should learn how to deal with the situation instead of being intimidated by it. Essentially, there are two ways to fix a leaking aquarium. The first and the easy way is to fix the tank from the outside without draining it, and the other way it is fixed from the inside. So today, you’ll learn how to fix a leaking aquarium without draining it! Why Aquariums LeakBefore we get into fixing the aquarium, let’s take a step back and learn the basics first. If your aquarium is leaking, it’s essential to know why it has happened so you can prevent it from happening again. And if you’re a new aquarium owner, understanding why it may leak is just as important to avoid the situation. Hence, here are a few of the most typical reasons why an aquarium might be leaking: Sealant wearing outPossibly the most prevalent reason why an aquarium leak is because of the sealant. The sealant refers to the silicone that is responsible for holding and connecting the tank’s glass panes. Its primary job is to hold the panes so close together that the water doesn’t leak out. Needless to say, when the sealant starts to wear out, break down, or becomes weak over time, it stops doing its job, creating holes and leakages in the aquarium. Depending on how damaged the sealant is and how large the hole is, water might trickle down or leak heavily. Construction problemsAnother common reason why aquariums and fish tanks start to leak is manufacturing faults. If a fish tank is new and you have just started using it, it is highly likely that there are construction problems with the tank itself. Pressure irregularitiesIf a fish tank’s weight is not evenly distributed, the base becomes weak. As a result, the pressure becomes uneven, and as the fish tank grows old, there is a high possibility of an eventual stress fracture, which causes leaking. In such cases, the leak usually happens from the bottom. Impact and traumaDuring transportation, storage, or while you are using it, if there is an incident of trauma, impact, or projectile, it might result in a leak. It doesn’t necessarily need the glass to break; if the impact is on the panes and it is strong enough, it might cause leaks from any part of the aquarium. How To Know That Your Aquarium Is LeakingNow that we have talked about how exactly an aquarium might end up leaking, let’s start talking about how to fix a leaking aquarium without draining it. The first and foremost step of this procedure is to know that your aquarium is, in fact, leaking. It might seem like it’s common sense, but many people don’t realize that their fish tank is leaking for hours and days at a time. The leak is so small, and water trickles down so slowly that it’s hard even to notice. Identify the leak and locate its exact origin. As simple as it seems, it’s actually quite a tricky task to do. Because more often than not, especially if the water is trickling down a path, it can be quite hard to tell where the water is actually coming from. It’s even more complicated if there are multiple leaks in the aquarium. Hence, here’s how to know your tank is leaking and how to locate that leak:
How to Fix A Leaking Aquarium Without Draining – A Stepwise GuideEvacuating the fish and removing the contents of the tank before fixing it can be problematic. Understandably, most people want to fix the aquarium without the hassle. If the hole, or the leaking point, is around 1 inch to 2.5 cm, you can quickly fix it without having to drain the tank. Here’s how to do it:
Next, there are two ways on how to fix a leaking aquarium without draining it: Fixing The Aquarium from OutsideThings You’ll Need for this method:
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Fixing the Aquarium from InsideThings You’ll Need For this method:
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Some Do’s And Don’ts Of Fixing The Aquarium
How To Make Sure Your Aquarium Doesn’t Leak AgainNow that you know how to fix a leaking fish tank without draining it, you should learn how to maintain it so that it doesn’t happen again. Use glovesWhen you’re handling or fixing the fish tank, make sure you’re wearing gloves. It just makes the process safer for both you and the aquarium. In addition, it ensures that you don’t hurt yourself if there is any glass breakage and prevents you from being harsh with the tank. Level the aquariumAs mentioned earlier, if the aquarium is not entirely leveled or flat, and uneven pressure around the base can cause leakage. To make sure that your aquarium doesn’t leak, keep the aquarium leveled so that the pressure remains even. Fasten and tie down any rocks inside the tankIf you have any rocks, props, or other items inside the tank, they can hit the panels and the glass if they move around. Children tend to be harsh when playing with aquariums and move them a lot. So, make sure that you fasten these props and tie them down if there is an earthquake or an impact. Also, when you are moving the aquarium while cleaning it, fixing the rocks will make sure that they don’t move around while you’re at it. Don’t overfill the tankExcessive water can increase the pressure inside the aquarium; after all, water has its weight! Increased pressure or weight inside the tank can cause leakage, so don’t fill the aquarium over the recommended mark. Inquire and check the tank before bringing it homeIf you’re buying a used tank from someone, or even a new one, ensure that you take a good look at it before paying for it. And, if you see any manufacturing faults or something odd about the tank’s construction, do not spend the money on it. If you don’t want to deal with frequent fixings, make sure you purchase a premium aquarium in the first place. Final WordsWhichever way you decide to fix the tank from draining, you must do it as soon as possible. The more time you waste before addressing the problem, the more damage might happen. Besides, no one likes a large puddle growing under their beautiful aquariums! On the other hand, if you feel like fixing the tank yourself is a risk, or you’re nervous about it, call a professional and let them do it for you. This way you can avoid any trouble but obviously at the cost of a few bucks. |