As I understand it, the actual seal is between the 2 panes of glass. Very thin Sealant line. The Bead seal you see inside the tank is there for strength. After all you dont want all that water pressure on a 2-4 micron seal/seam do you. With that said, it is my belief your tank needs to be resealed.
Originally Posted by
usirchchris
http:///forum/post/2805446
I agree with the above poster that the silicone it is getting ahold of must already be loose. No way to know for sure if it will leak or not, but if it does I would say it is just a bad seal...not because of the fish. I can say, I have a tank that looks like your damaged part, all up and down the corners...when I scrape algae sometimes little peices will come off. i have had tanks running for years in this condition. I would not be concerned. JMHO
While this is quite possible, this would not allow me to sleep at night. Now that you know that the sealant is comming apart, are you willing to allow the things in your tank to die? You will never know when the seal will let go. It could be that tang ripping the wrong piece out causing a small seep. It could be you that disturbs the sealant causing a small seep. Once it gets started the whole seam can come apart quite quickly.
I would be upset if I allowed this to happen. To reseal a tank is not fun. Probly 2 or 3 tubes of sealant, and a week to allow it all to fully cure. This could also turn into an oppurtinuty for a new tank or new sump or new stand....
(Long winded) Grue