Aquaponic Gardening

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After filling my IBC Tote fish tank up all the way... I noticed a slow dripping underneath... must be maybe a small seeping leak underneath-probably along the main seam.

I'm going to fill the "raised" portion of the bottom of the tote with some soft support (like maybe foam),  but then I want to run a bead of sealant along the bottom seams in the hopes of stopping the slow drip.

 

I've done some research, and know that the manufactureres say that silicones won't work on these Poly surfaces...but I put some GE Silicon (the pretty good stuff) on a test patch and it seems to grab hold just fine.

 

It isn't a big deal if my sealing attempt fails, as I'm still setting up the system and if I have to I can always backdump the fish tank water into my sump and only loose 30 gallons of water worse case , but I was wondering what any of you have used silicone or aquarium silicone on IBC Totes that HAS worked ...in spite of the manufacturers disclaimers  ??

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Rob has a great link to where he installed a window in his tank using silicone. Sounds like it doesn't bond with some plastics very well but I dont think your tank is completely lost. Sounds like something similar may help you without having to replace it.

Polyurethane sealant is the best product I have used. It is available at big box stores. Silicone will peel off sticky surfaces in time. Polyurethane will stick to most anything and remain flexible for years. Polyurethane makes an excellent flexible adhesive as well.

You might get away with using GE Silicone, or 3M 5200Polyurethane adhesive/sealant in certain specific situations, but, there's actually a really good reason those manufacturers make those disclaimer statements for things like PE plastics...as nothing seems to make lasting or strong bonds with PE. So, the best way to join 2 pieces of PE together is to weld them. That is the only thing that I know of that will work long-term, and across the board... guaranteed. 

If it's not too big of a crack, you could probably manage welding it yourself...

My experience with polyurethane sealant stands back more years than my aquaponics!!!!!!!!. I have been using 3M 5200 on my commercial fishing boat for more than 15 years to seal through hull penetrations for fittings. It has held up the riggers of time, fishing, sunlight, and saltwater. I have used it in my aquaponic systems for more than three years new without fail so far. If you want a flexible sealant that will NOT fail you can trust polyurethane! 5200 has been named and approved for use in organic approved systems such as "Friendly" systems.

Thanks so much to all of you... I'll get some 3m 5200 sealant.  I knew you guys would know  this one :-)

You have all been a great help.  Thanks again.

(I WILL GET THIS SYSTEM OPERATIONAL)  <--Note the determination :-)

Bradly

 

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