Newly set up paludarium, and newer to this type of setup. I've been keeping fish and aquatic plants for likely over 25 years, always wanted a paludarium and this is my attempt.
I used lexan only because I wasn't going to see it behind hardscape and didn't need it to be clear.
I used 100% silicone made for aquariums, 1/4" thick beads on both sides (I didn't really care about it being perfectly pretty because again, it would be covered up) and I let it set for 24 hours. I then added black expanding foam around all edges in the dry section.
The problem is… Apparently there is a leak. Still. On the bottom right corner of the lexan there was a small drip, about a drop every 15 seconds. I removed the silicone from the area and applied fresh and waited 12 hours and applied the foam over the top of it again. I didn't notice another leak when tested… But… There's still a leak. After setting everything up again (filter was established) and adding my fish and shrimp back to the tank I noticed about 1/2" of water missing over night. It is in my drainage later in the plant section behind the lexan.
My question is, how can I seal this without taking it completely apart again?
Is it possible?
Should I just… Let it be and let the natural buildup of debris block the hole since it is draining into the plant layer?
If I can avoid taking it completely apart… That would be ideal. Any advise?
by maddogracer161
1 Comment
Not what you want to hear is but you probably won’t ever be able to stop the leaks. The silicone isn’t sticking to the lexan. You should have used a piece of glass for an application like this.
With paludariums you should just plan for whatever you do to leak. Plan for it and you won’t be disappointed. You can do that with false bottoms or picking plants that like to be soggy.