Last week I found a small puddle of water on the floor under the desk that my 50 gallon tank sits on. I initially thought it was a leak, and since I couldnt find any along the sides, assumed it was on the bottom of the tank. After drying the water up, I couldn't find any more drips. I marked where the water level was and monitored it over the next few days and there was no change or any more water on the floor.

Last night there was another puddle on the ground. The only cause I can think of it that my oscar enjoys splashing (especially when he eats), small amounts of water splash out the back where its open from the filter, thermometer etc going in, dripping down and collecting under the tank (there is a drip line along the back, but no evidence of damage to the actual tank).

My idea was to raise the tank about an inch onto some blocks. This would allow the water that has collected onto the desk to dry out and I'll also be able to put a towel underneath to absorb any future splashes. I was told that lifting a tank while there's still water in it could cause seal damage (obviously I'll have to drain out a good portion of the water just to be able to lift it on one side to slide a block underneath). Any one know if this is true or have any other solutions?

Welcome to our community

Yes, you will definitely need to drain quite a lot of the water. However, I think that is probably a lot of work to do to when it may not really be necessary. As long as you don't leave the water there too long, I don't think it will cause any damage.

However, you should have a firm base underneath an aquarium if that is any help.

Hey there, and welcome.
I have a double layer of glass on top of my tank.
The first one is to keep the water and fish in the tank.
Mainly because i use a pond airator that splashes water from the surface all the time.
on top of that are my lights and the whole thing is topped of with glass slates just to finish the look.
Any way you could create the same construction?

how about placing a towel (not very sightly I realize) where the puddles occur?

if your tank is acrylic, it needs full support along the entire bottom - so the blocks wouldn't be a good idea

I have what we call drip, or splash trays.
I made them myself and showed a member them. At your local hardware store look for the plastic double runners and get some sheets of glass cut to just over half the length of your tank. Put one in the bottom runner and the other in the top that way they can slide all the way along the length of the tank.
This way, when fully closed it will vastly reduce water evaporation and stop any water from spilling out.
Keep us posted ..... Jamie

JamieM wrote:


This is sliding cover glass. Not only does it stop splashes but it also reduces evapouration. I have these on all my tanks. Then on top of that i have a lid. A lid is a really good idea, we have had quite a few members who have come to their tank only to find their oscar dead on the floor

Hi
yes if you want to lift the tank you should drain out a portion of water to make lifting easy. but applying towel underneath the tank to drying out the puddle of water is not the permanent solution.
You must check out the leakage, from where it is leaking?. If you found it and can handle it by yourself then do it, otherwise i would like to suggest you to do consult this problem with a expert,to make permanent solution.


Flood Damage Restoration

Noddy wrote:


Noddy.... can you send me pics of that? You know I lost one for jumping... yours sounds like it would look better than the 4x4 I have sitting ontop of mine !!