Resiliconing. Is it worth it?

[Rbuck143]

So I found a 300 gallon tank but the silicone was removed. Does anyone have experience with building or repairing tanks? The price has me drooling but I'm worried that I may end up with 5 sheets of nice glass rather than an aquarium. How difficult is it to redo the seals? Is it worth it?

 

[abrinn23]

I hate it's extremely tedious and it has to be perfect, but it can be done. I tried it twice and couldn't get it perfect so I just payed an lfs to do it for me haha

 

[Grizz]

The hardest part is getting ALL of the old silicone off after that it's easy lay a bead down then use the tip of a plastic spoon to smooth it.Cut the tip of the tube at a slight angle it helps You'll want about 3/8 in bead For practice use a cheap tube of bath silicone and a few pieces of cardboard set at a 90 degree angle (L) Once you've run a few feet you'll get the knack + side is you know the seals are good for the next 20 or so years.

 

[tonedogz]

you also might want to tape the seams so that you get an even line and don't have silicone all over the place. Also make sure you use 100% silicone with no additives such as mold inhibitors

 

[Phranque]

It's not really difficult, but it is tedious to do correctly..... With a large, expensive tank like a 300, I think it'd be well worth the effort. There are plenty of YouTube videos on the subject, and I'd recommend practicing on a small, inexpensive tank first...... pick up a cheapo leaker off of craigslist or if you've got a 10g laying around.