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Remove glass, cut, and reseal Aquarium

jgraz

jgraz

Alright, I'll soon be taking down my 44 gal pentagon tank. At first I was just going to toss it since the top few inches of glass is stained/scratched. But then I though, hey it fits perfect where it is, why not make it a frag tank. It's too tall I told myself. Well then, cut it, myself told I. So heres what im thinking. The tank is 25" tall, way to high for a frag tank, and the silicon need resealing real soon. I want to take apart the tank, remove all silicon and cut the glass down to between 12"-18"(have not decided yet), then put it all back together. Drill it, add a small sump and presto a nice frag tank. My problem is I know nothing about replacing silicon in an aquarium and even less about cutting the glass down. Am I crazy for doing this? Any tips? Suggestions? Everyone add your 2 cents. In case you dont know what shape this tank is here is a pic. Thanks in advance.

4a19790a.jpg
 
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J

Jcurry@wesketch

I thought about salvaging the glass from a couple of 30 gallon tanks I had. After a few hours of cutting out silicone and trying to pry the plastic frames off I said screw it and put them on the curb.

It's not as easy as it sounds on smaller tanks because there is very little silicone between the panes of glass. I couldn't even get a razor blade between the panes.

Why not just raise the frag rack up and make a benthic refugium below the rack?
 
C

CONSTANTNE

I have done it before on a 40 breeder. I used a thin tape measure to slide between the glass panels. Some people suggest guitar string but I didn't have any. I will see if I can find my thread for you.
 
jgraz

jgraz

Cool let me know. If you find the thread. I also read that some thin wire works well too. Basically the same as guitar string for that matter. From what I read the hardest part is getting off the rim. I may have to get a replacement for that.

What is a banthic refugium. Is that the same as a DSB. If so that was my original plan if I could have fit it next to the 90. But that ain't gonna happen.

One of my reasons for wanting to try tjis purely selfish in nature. I have the tank and if I move it my wife will quickly reclaim the space for herself. I can't let that happen. Another reason is that I have the tank, and I like to tinker. If I decide to go through with this, is anyone here good with silicon maybe I can hire you if I'm able to get this thing apart.
 
kschweer

kschweer

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I have never done it but I have heard of using braided fishing line such as power pro to get the silicone between the panels apart
 
jgraz

jgraz

Thx. Looked like a nice project. I might have to pick you brain when/if I decide to do this. Hope you don't mind.
 
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