Used Glass Rimless - Safe?

Globalbutterfly · 01/18/2018, 04:39 PM

Ok, this will be my first proper tank. Been trying to do my research ahead of time and search the threads BEFORE I post. Think I just need to ask and get a specific answer this time.

Bought a used 57 gal RR rimless (36 x 18 x 20). Don’t know the manufacturer (maybe Deep Blue or older Oceanic?) Looks good, no scratches etc. Haven’t water tested it yet since we’re having a cold snap here in Atlanta and it’s well below freezing. Noticed a little gap in the glass & silicone at the top corners.

Not sure if this is normal and just needs a bit of touch up silicone OR if it is a sign that there may be bigger issues and that it might leak or worse, fail all together. How do I know??

mcgyvr · 01/18/2018, 05:56 PM

Thats the non-critical seal thats just been hurt by algae scrapers over the years...it wont cause a failure at all..its just there to protect the main seal...you can repair it if you want or not

Globalbutterfly · 01/18/2018, 06:04 PM

Not to be completely clueless, but which is the primary seal and how would I know if IT had a problem?

billdogg · 01/18/2018, 06:32 PM

The structural seal is the thin filet of silicone that is actually between the panes. Like mcgyvr said, what you are seeing is cosmetic only. Personally, I'd leave it be - it's not worth the effort and unless you are good with silicone, will end up looking worse than what you already have.

Globalbutterfly · 01/18/2018, 07:34 PM

Gotcha! I’m not at all good with silicone so I’ll leave that be.

Thanks!

01/18/2018, 05:56 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Thats the non-critical seal thats just been hurt by algae scrapers over the years...it wont cause a failure at all..its just there to protect the main seal...you can repair it if you want or not __________________ Who me?

01/18/2018, 06:04 PM	#3
Globalbutterfly Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 16	Not to be completely clueless, but which is the primary seal and how would I know if IT had a problem? __________________ Super noob with an Evo 13.5 putting together first REAL tank system incl. sump, one piece at a time...So far we have a 57 gal RR and a skimmer big enough for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

01/18/2018, 06:32 PM	#4
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	The structural seal is the thin filet of silicone that is actually between the panes. Like mcgyvr said, what you are seeing is cosmetic only. Personally, I'd leave it be - it's not worth the effort and unless you are good with silicone, will end up looking worse than what you already have. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

01/18/2018, 07:34 PM	#5
Globalbutterfly Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 16	Gotcha! I’m not at all good with silicone so I’ll leave that be. Thanks! __________________ Super noob with an Evo 13.5 putting together first REAL tank system incl. sump, one piece at a time...So far we have a 57 gal RR and a skimmer big enough for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.