Thoughts on a Solution for Tank Starting to leak while on Vacation

[SpaceCased]

Yes.... Im on Vacation. Turned on the Camera this morning to see drips coming down my tank. I called a friend to go over in which they show me it is coming from top corner of glass. One drip every 15 seconds or so. It seems to slow down when i turn my return pump off and let the water drain into the sump a bit. It must have started today. I sure hope it doesnt get worse.

I get home sunday. I have about 2 gallons in my ATO left. I just turned it off wirelessly. Between turning on and off my return pump and adding some water from my ATO, i need to try and make to sunday evening when i get home. My goal was to try and alternate the return pump to help with it leaking less.....and when my sump drys up, ill then slowly add some water from the ato....Im guessing it will dry out before i get home and i will eventually have to just leave the tank not running with a return pump. Im not sure if i am lucky or not, but i put the heater in the main tank. That could get ugly if the whole tank splits i guess.

Thoughts? Im looking at flights home, but i might also just have to accept whats happening.

James

 

[Kensington Reefer]

It ain’t gonna get better….
Tank location?
Tank size?
You’re gonna need a Rubbermaid tub

 

[PizzaOven]

Is it possible to have your friend drain the tank to below where it's leaking from? Heater (and sensor?) is already in the display. Ideally, also move the ATO into the display, but if you're gonna be home on Sunday evaporation may not be too bad.

 

[BAYMAC]

I have successfully plugged a leak by globbing super glue around it but you need to lower the water for a minute.

 

[CaseyP]

Do you or your friend have ratchet straps or clamps long enough to fit the length of the tank, like a bar clamp? It could help slow down the leak until you get home.

Times like these I wonder if flex seal tape will work, as gimicky as they may seem

 

[SpaceCased]

It ain’t gonna get better….
Tank location?
Tank size?
You’re gonna need a Rubbermaid tub

I completely agree.

Berkeley/Orinda
40 gallon with 10 gallon sump.

I have buckets and tubs. Im just not in the country.

 

[SpaceCased]

Do you or your friend have ratchet straps or clamps long enough to fit the length of the tank, like a bar clamp? It could help slow down the leak until you get home.

Times like these I wonder if flex seal tape will work, as gimicky as they may seem

Im working on this part of the solution. Im originally from north bay so I'd be having someone come from there.

 

[SpaceCased]

Can anyone help me understand what's better.... running my return pump, or letting it chill. Is there a minimum I should run it. Would an hour on, hour off help or hurt?

 

[CaseyP]

Sounds like the leak is above the overflow weir if it slows down when you stop the return pump? Open up the drain valve all the way so it'll have maximum drainage flow and keep your return pump on low. This way, the water level will stay at the lowest possible level while still draining and have water circulating through your sump. The water level would be no different than if you turned off your pump.

 

[SpaceCased]

Sounds like the leak is above the overflow weir if it slows down when you stop the return pump? Open up the drain valve all the way so it'll have maximum drainage flow and keep your return pump on low. This way, the water level will stay at the lowest possible level while still draining and have water circulating through your sump. The water level would be no different than if you turned off your pump.

I had my only friend in Berkeley do this this morning. That is the extent of their capabilities unfortunately. I have a about a 1" spacer on the down tube that I could remove but they where not comfortable doing that

 

[psidriven]

I’m headed back to Berkeley tonight. Have your friend contact me and I’ll go take a look. Pretty sure I can at least make a temp fix.

 

[SpaceCased]

I can pm you. And thank you for any help if it happens.

 

[Coral reefer]

Possible to run no return heater in tank with in tank circulation?

 

[Kensington Reefer]

Temp is low on your priority list
But if possible pull it from the sump and put it in the main tank

 

[BlueSallymandr]

Oh no this is nightmare fuel. @psidriven i will be around in Oakland tonight, let me know if a spare set of hands would help (you can just text me so i see it) I also have a ton of buckets I can contribute to the cause if that helps

 

[MichaelB]

If the tank is only 40gallons someone has a extra breeder laying around I'm sure? The home depot totes could work temp as well.

Yet I'm sure @psidriven will help alot at least so you can relax a bit.

 

[JVU]

Do you or your friend have ratchet straps or clamps long enough to fit the length of the tank, like a bar clamp? It could help slow down the leak until you get home.

Times like these I wonder if flex seal tape will work, as gimicky as they may seem

One of my all time favorite gifs

 

[BAYMAC]

Do you or your friend have ratchet straps or clamps long enough to fit the length of the tank, like a bar clamp? It could help slow down the leak until you get home.

Times like these I wonder if flex seal tape will work, as gimicky as they may seem

We were a distributor for that when I was at Reed. Stuff works awesome. Never tried the patches, only the tape.

I did that with my tank (ratchet strap). I made 2x4 corners. Its lasted a month until I had time to swap.

 

[JVU]

We were a distributor for that when I was at Reed. Stuff works awesome. Never tried the patches, only the tape.

I did that with my tank (ratchet strap). I made 2x4 corners. Its lasted a month until I had time to swap.

Is that you in the video?

 

[RandyC]

40 breeders are 50% off at Petco right now.