Sealant Issue

[goldenpuon]

I noticed today in my 40 gallon that there was some waste building up on the edges of the tank's sealant. For those of you that know, I sealanted this tank myself after I purchased it on Craigslist but when I sealanted it, I did a poor or so-so job being ti my first time. Anyway, the edges of the sealant is peeling a little (it should be fine as long as I don't mess with it too much). The waste is building up on the areas where the silcone is peeling. For this reason, if I wanted to get it off, I would have to push back the silicone if I wanted to clean it which would end up making it peel more. I am wondering if the waste building up there is a problem. Because if I have to remove it, it could end up damaging the silicone on the tank more.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Carl]

This waste build up should not be a major concern ( I have also observed this on many occasions in older aquariums).

A couple of ideas:

* Gently clean under the flap of silicone
*With a straight razor, gently trim the loose silicone away (this is what I generally did)


Aquarium Answers; Silicone, aquarium repair

Carl

[goldenpuon]

Thanks Carl. I'm gald I don't have to empty out and redo the whole thing. XD I'd rather have dirty silicone than try to use a razor to remove excess (too risky). I'll just leave it. I keep the tank very clean otherwise so if a little waste builds up there, it should not be a problem.

[kagome]

Maybe the gravel vacuum pointed in that direction could suck up the worst of it? Just a thought.

[goldenpuon]

That's a good idea although mine isn't that powerful and is made for a tank 20 or less gallons (my is a tall 40 so vaccumming is always a struggle since it is made for smaller tanks). I'll try doing it next time I vaccum though. Good idea Kagome!