How to Apply Silicone Fish Aquarium Sealant

Keeping an aquarium can be time consuming. Just taking care of the fish and plants can take up several hours a week. But, for many fish owners, caring for an aquarium is worth the time and effort. Fish make harmless pets as they rarely bite or destroy your furniture. So when a leaking aquarium endangers your fish, it̵7;s only sensible to fix the leak and save your fish. Sealing a leaking aquarium is as simple as applying a silicone aquarium sealant.

Things You'll Need

  • Permanent marker
  • Cloth or paper towel
  • Razor blade
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Silicone aquarium sealant
  • Cotton swab
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark the exact location of the leak in the aquarium using a permanent marker. Remove everything from the aquarium and drain the water.

    • 2

      Dry the area surrounding the crack using a soft cloth or paper towel. If the area is already covered with sealant, remove the sealant using a razor blade. Scrape the existing sealant off the aquarium until none remains.

    • 3

      Wipe the area surrounding the crack with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol. This should remove any adhesive left from the sealant. Rubbing alcohol also cleans the area, which is makes the new sealant more effective.

    • 4

      Allow the area surrounding the crack to air dry for a few minutes. While the aquarium is drying, remove the cap from the silicone aquarium sealant. You may have to cut the tip of the sealant using a razor blade or scissors.

    • 5

      Apply the sealant to the crack evenly across the entire length of the crack. If you can, work the sealant into the crack using a cotton swab. If the crack is present on the opposite side of the glass, apply sealant to the other side as well. Clean the opposite side thoroughly before applying the sealant.

    • 6

      Allow your aquarium to sit in a safe, dry area for at least 24 hours while the sealant sets. After 24 hours, your aquarium should be ready to use.