Fish safe underwater sealant ~ yes there is such a thing

[DFishkeeper]

Hi guys,

I have recently had some issues with leaks in two of my large plastic sumps (Nally megabins) that have been setup for around 8 years now.

Replacing the tubs is my least favoured current option due to the way they are setup, so I wanted to be able to patch and repair them, preferably while they were still running.

After a bit of googling I came across the stuff in the link at the bottom of this post, Gold Label pond sealer, fish safe and sets underwater. So I got some to try.

In short, it works just like they claim. I was able to identify and seal a small crack in one tub with just the sealant, and use a piece of pond liner and the sealant to stop a leak in a corner of the other tub where I could not find the crack by sealing the whole corner. All while the sumps were running as usual. All seals were made underwater.

I have just bought another tube to keep in my fishroom as it will come in really handy whenever I have to deal with the leaks that eventually arise in all fishrooms. Anyone else with a fishroom would also find it handy to have sitting on a shelf. Its not exactly cheap at around $40.00 for a 290ml tube, but it was worth every cent to me for the time, cost and aggravation it saved me.

The top link is for the Australian distributor, you can buy it online at the 2nd link :

http://www.huntsupplies.com.au/goldlabelsealer.html

http://www.thetechden.com.au/Gold_Label_Underwater_Sealer_p/22634.htm

Cheers, Doug

[Buccal]

This stuff has saved my bum many times in the distant past, great stuff.

There also is another underwater product that's for pond liner.

It's similar to the tar gum like stuff in the flashing section at bunnings.

It looks like flat strap licorice but it's veery soft and tar like.

Peel the the protective paper of the sticky side and directly push firm and mould in thoroughly with finger tips.

It's meant for pond liner, and meant for dry applications,,, but it does work under water in tank to.

But the gold black silicone is the best stuff by a mile for trouble free patch ups,, providing hole isn't to excessive.

But don't forget the risk of the tanks strength in build maybe compromised by just patching and not stripping down and rebuilding.

Assess the situation realistically.

I come a cropper once,,, fixed up a leak, fine for six months then the whole thing just let go,,,, timber floor under, mmmmmm