180 Gallon Tank fix possible?

[BMaxie]

I have a 180 gallon tank (6x2x2, glass is 1/2 inch) and the left side panel got badly smashed during the move into our new house. I have it sitting in my porch right now (only place to store it at the moment) but I was wondering if their is any way I could replace the side panel safely and have it up and running sometime in the near future.

If it is possible, how would I go about fixing it? Use regular waterproof clear sylicone? Do I need to appy pressure (such as claps or straps) to hold it together while the sylicone sets?

The crack is in the middle of the panel and sort of goes every direction from their. I have checked to see if maybe it also cracked the front or back panel but they are okay.

As much information as I can get the better. I hope to do this within the next few weeks if it is safe enough to do, if not I will either junk the tank or give it to someone with a reptile I guess

 

[rotccapt]

your best bet would be to replace that panel. you would need to cut the silicone that is holding the side panel in and clean up all the silicone that is left behind because new silicon does not stick well to old silicone. best way i have heard to do this is to use a electric guitar string or a razor blade. it would also be wise to remove the rest of the inside silicone and re do that so you have one continuous new silicone seal. to install the new panel apply silicone to all the mating faces of the existing tank then lay the new piece of glass in place. take tape or a strap and hold it in place. wipe up all the excess that squeezes out before it drys. once the silicone is dry mask off all the inside seams to give you about 1/2 inch overlap on each piece of glass and apply a nice thick bead of silicone to all the inside edges and smooth it into a nice radius with either a tool or your finger with a rubber glove. once it is all smooth and shaped remove the tape. let this cure for at least a week or two to ensure the silicone is fully set. then enjoy your new/old tank.

most people use ge silicone 1 for tanks or aquarium silicone but they are pretty much the same thing. just dont use anything that has mold inhibitors or fungicides just 100% pure silicone.

check out you tube there are lots of good videos like this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSKIT2OLOYQ

 

[BMaxie]

Yes after I posted this thread I actually found some videos on HOW TO but thank you very much. I will attempt to replace the glass and hopefully have my tank up and running sometime soon.

Thanks