I woke to a leaking Red Sea Reefer 350.

[REEFRIED!]

Anyone have the over under on how long g the "fix" holds? I'm going with 2 hrs, any takers?

What fix?

 

[punchy7080]

Can anyone comment on whether this is an issue on the smaller tanks? I just picked up a used reefer 28 nano for my seahorses. I’m hoping this is not an issue on the small tanks that don’t have nearly the pressure on the front pane of glass and it also is a much shorter span.

 

[exnisstech]

Can anyone comment on whether this is an issue on the smaller tanks? I just picked up a used reefer 28 nano for my seahorses. I’m hoping this is not an issue on the small tanks that don’t have nearly the pressure on the front pane of glass and it also is a much shorter span.

I've not seen many reports of smaller tank failures. I have a gen 1 reefer 170 that has been running for probably 4-5 years with no issues. I'm approaching 2 years on my gen 2 reefer 300. I don't think I would purchase one of thier large tanks.

 

[billyocean]

Even if you get rid of everything...would still see if it's under warranty for a replacement.

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

Step 1) Take the RSR350 and place it outside in a well ventilated area, free of any other debris or other flammable material.
Step 2) Light said RSR350 on fire with the aid of gasoline or any other oxidizing accelerant of your choice.
Step 3) Scream at said tank while on fire and throw large heavy projectiles at it. Sledge hammers also work well in this endeavor as the large, heavy, mass is very effective at shattering glass. Please be sure to have a trusted cameraman film said activity as this can be very effective during subsequent counseling sessions and/or testimony in a court of law.
Step 4) Purchase another tank that does not have the same silicone/seam issues.

Sorry - had to add a bit of levity to a horrible situation. Red Sea tanks are notorious for this and I wouldn't wish something like a seam failure on my worst enemy. Everybody else has provided some excellent advice on how to proceed. God speed good sir.

 

[njtile]

I sealed bottom seal on 300xl , 2 months and no leaks. I cut front glass out, scraped old silicone, sanded, wiped with acetone and applied new silicone. You need to use 1/32 spacers between glass, I also cleaned and reused plastic edges. I watched some info on youtube before repair. Good luck.

 

[Isaac Alves]

I’m so sorry. A nightmare for the holiday season. What’s the status of the inhabitants?

 

[Sharbuckles Reef]

Thank you! I purchased some aquarium sealant. and tips on how to go about this? I don't think that a bead on top of the existing seal will hold effectively enough.

No that won’t work at all. The existing silicone will need to be completely stripped clean, and alcohol used to rid the glass of any excess.

 

[Tahoe61]

I awoke to a leaking Red Sea Reefer 350. After I drained, I found a bad front bottom seal. Do I need to replace the seal? or can it be fixed with new sealant?

Hope you're doing OK! What a daunting way to spend the holiday.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I appreciate your candor, however, I have buckets and tubs of corals and fish etc. that need a home now. and besides, I don't have a few thousand to spend nor the time right now to set a new one up. so, any suggestions on how I can properly reseal this 350 in order for me to re group and decide what I want/need to do. any advise will be appreciated.

You can't.

Sorry but that's the honest truth.

You have to either dismantle the whole tank down to sheets of glass and rebuild it OR find another tank to replace it.

What you wish to do will be a disaster waiting to happen in a couple of weeks. You will end up with the tank and all the inhabitants over the floor.

Bad news I'm afraid.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

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[mjszos]

Many folks here are suggesting resealing the tank, which aside from purchasing a new one is your only reasonable option.

However, this is not something you should do yourself. While it’s not a difficult thing on paper to accomplish, I would contact a few LFS near you and see if anyone is willing to do it for $X

Alternatively, contact Red Sea if the tank is under warranty.

If none of the above are options; stock tank, cheap breeder + HOB filter, etc. Don’t destroy your house, and risk the animals well being over cutting corners.

 

[VintageReefer]

@Riggins44 hello,

Unfortunately this brand of tank is known for this issue and they are time bombs.

To explain how tanks are built, the silicon on the inside corner that you can feel with your fingers, is non-structural. If you use aquarium sealer on the inner corners/seams, you aren’t doing anything to fix the problem. This area is not what holds the tank together

Where the face of one pane, meets the edge of another pane, this is where the glue is that holds the panels together. This is what’s failing for you.

To repair you need to cut all seams on the tank until it is a bottom, and 4 sides. All separated. Then scrape off all old silicon. Then apply new. Then brace the tank perfectly square and glue it back together hoping it dries square and without bubbles or thin spots. It’s incredibly challenging and not something I would attempt

I urge you to not line those inner corners with silicone thinking it will help. It’s not even a band aid. It will do nothing