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How to Seal a Cracked or Leaking Aquarium

An aquarium with cracked glass is a household disaster waiting to happen. An aquarium that's already leaking is a maintenance hassle at the very least. Short of buying a new tank, you can make repairs to your cracked or leaking aquarium. It takes a bit of work, but with a little care, you can ensure your fish have a safe home in which to swim, and you won't have to worry about cleaning up water from the floor.

Things You'll Need

Backup tank or container
Paper towels
Vinegar
Aquarium-safe silicone gel

Instructions

- 1
  Move the fish to a backup tank or container, using the same method you use when you clean the tank. Drain the water out of the tank, and remove any decorations and gravel from the tank. Dry the tank by wiping it thoroughly with paper towels.
- 2
  Wet a paper towel with white vinegar and wipe the glass in the vicinity of the crack, both on the inside and outside of the glass. The vinegar cleans the glass more thoroughly so the sealant sticks.
- 3
  Apply a thin bead of clear silicone gel on the crack. Smoothly spread out the gel with a wet finger. Do this on both the inside and outside of the aquarium glass. Let the silicone gel dry for at least 48 hours.
- 4
  Refill the tank with water to the level of the crack and check for any leaks. When the repair passes muster, refill the tank with the gravel, decorations, treated water and fish.

Animals & Science