How to Reseal an Aquarium With Silicone II

For the safety of your fish or aquarium pets, your aquarium must be sealed properly. If water is leaking out at an alarming rate, this will not only damage your home, but will hurt your pets. GE Silicone II is a silicone-based caulk that adheres more quickly than other silicone-based caulks, making it great for sealing against water leaks. Silicone II will help in resealing your aquarium. Black or clear will keep it attractive, as opposed to other colors that may be more of an eyesore.

Things You'll Need

  • Caulking gun
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Masking tape
  • Single-edged razor blades
  • Paper towels
  • Cotton balls, swabs or pads
  • Latex gloves
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dry out the aquarium completely. If it is wet when the silicone is applied, it will not seal properly.

    • 2

      Put the latex gloves on to protect your skin from the silicone when you apply it. Some sensitive skin types can suffer greatly from skin contact with Silicone II.

    • 3

      Put the Silicone II container into the caulking gun. This will assure the Silicone II is evenly spread. Cut the tip of the Silicone II with the scissors and open it by jamming a pencil into the seal to break it.

    • 4

      Remove old sealant to make a clean area to complete the project. Pull on the sealant. Use the razor blade to cut away at the former sealant if needed. Swab the area with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will help clean that area, also. Make sure the alcohol dries.

    • 5

      Stick the masking tape along the four bottom corners of the aquarium around where the seals will go. Make sure it adheres completely.

    • 6

      Apply the silicone to the areas between the masking tape where you are resealing the tank. Use the caulking gun. Use a fluid motion so that the silicone is spread evenly. Dip your gloved thumb in alcohol and run over the silicone to smooth it out.

    • 7

      Let the silicone dry and cure. This usually will take 24 hours. Then, test by filling the aquarium with water. Wait a few minutes and check to see if any water is leaking. If it is, drain and dry the tank and reseal the leaking areas, following again by curing and testing.