Why the heck did my silicone crack/turn white?

[AydenLincoln]

Consider again, that I live in a cold part of the country. For any random Aqeuon tank to make it to my local PetCo, for example, that tank is going to come on a truck. That truck would have to drive through (possibly days) of freezing temps to get that tank to my local store. If freezing the silicon would damage these tank, none of my local pet shops could offer tanks for sale as they would all be compromised.

Oh 100%!

 

[rhitee93]

I don't know about the specific adhesive they used on that tank, but most silicone adhesives and sealants are rated for temperatures colder than -40F.

 

[C_AWOL]

More importantly than level is how flat the surface is for the tank when filling. It's very likely that the carpet has major uneven points causing the tank to twist in some way which resulted in the silicone looking the way it was.

Ultimately though if there's a way to get the tank replaced (preferably through some warranty if able), I would suggest for it since the integrity of the seals are now in question (120g of water on the floor is no laughing matter)

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

At our old age shouldn't we be in bed at this time of night instead of surfing R2R?

Sorry, I fell asleep after making my post. Speak for yourself old man! At least I know how to quote someone I'm replying to.

@AydenLincoln

Based solely on the provided images, it is impossible to definitively determine the situation at hand.

The resolution of this matter ultimately relies on your subjective judgment.

There is no urgency to expedite the permanant housing of your fish, the fish can sustain its well being in your interim setup indefinitely.

While the observed issue is likely inconsequential, this assessment is made from a position of detachment. Consequently, I approach the outcome with neutrality and am open to the results, regardless of the direction chosen.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

did you store the tank in the freezing temps before filling it? I was told not to let the silicone freeze in an unheated garage etc...

Unless you immediately added water to the tank, this shouldn't matter. Once the tank has acclimated to room temp, the silicone won't be adversely affected from the prior temp change.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I think the video if you use a computer is best. Also something else I wonder about does Aqueon and Marineland etc. leak test their own tanks? You think they would lol. But my guess is probably not.

Marineland I dont believe is any longer and based on history did not leak test and neither Aqueon

 

[KrisReef]

Does seriously no one know the answer?

Only Jesus Knows the trouble I seen.

Know body knows but Jeeeeeez zuzs

 

[Knucker]

So it disappeared as soon as I drained it. This is so odd. So I believe I came to the conclusion that it’s normal and it’s air bubbles.

That answers my question. I was thinking it's micro air bubbles. It's normal when starting a new tank. Eventually they will go away on their own.

 

[AydenLincoln]

The official answer from Marineland and multiple local fish stores I called!
“So when you filled up the tank did it started leaking or did it hold water. If it held water their is nothing wrong with the tank. Air bubbles are common. What is not common is the seal attaching from the glass which i don't see in the video. If it held water during a leak test then your tank is fine!” The odd thing is I’m still not 100% convinced it’s air bubbles but once I fill it up on the stand that will answer all my questions on whether or not I need to get it replaced.

 

[BubblesandSqueak]

The official answer from Marineland and multiple local fish stores I called!
“So when you filled up the tank did it started leaking or did it hold water. If it held water their is nothing wrong with the tank. Air bubbles are common. What is not common is the seal attaching from the glass which i don't see in the video. If it held water during a leak test then your tank is fine!” The odd thing is I’m still not 100% convinced it’s air bubbles but once I fill it up on the stand that will answer all my questions on whether or not I need to get it replaced.

you lost me at did it hold water or not

 

[Cool tangs]

The official answer from Marineland and multiple local fish stores I called!
“So when you filled up the tank did it started leaking or did it hold water. If it held water their is nothing wrong with the tank. Air bubbles are common. What is not common is the seal attaching from the glass which i don't see in the video. If it held water during a leak test then your tank is fine!” The odd thing is I’m still not 100% convinced it’s air bubbles but once I fill it up on the stand that will answer all my questions on whether or not I need to get it replaced.

I feel like that's a bit of a poor answer, as it might hold water now but doesn't mean the seam is going to hold long term if the silicone is compromised. I would fill with caution on the stand and see if the bubbles are trapped within the silicone or if it's water. I know it can be hard to get a gauge from photos and I hope that it's just microbubbles giving the illusion for your sake. It is just one side doing this right?

I'm still convinced the silicone has not bonded correctly. I've filled aquariums on carpet before, most floors are pretty even and unless your tank stank has adjustable feet will be as even as your floor

Goodluck and hopefully it all works out and was nothing serious

 

[rogueshrimp88]

I mean, all those failed RedSea tanks held water for months, sometimes years, until they didn't.

 

[Fish Fan]

Only Jesus Knows the trouble I seen.

Bum, bum bum bum...

Know body knows but Jeeeeeez zuzs

Bum, bum bum bum...... but Jesus.....

Dig!



@AydenLincoln - So sorry, I don't mean to derail, but sometimes I just break out in song lol!

 

[Dburr1014]

I'm not going through 5 pages for this but, refill it and rub your finger on the seam. Could just be micro bubbles from filling it. Very common.

 

[Tamberav]

I believe you have 15 days to register the tank for the warranty btw.

It may also be that you have to use their stand for warranty to apply in the future. I would double check all this. Terms have changed a few times.