ok, UPDATES!
So after a few month of search for a glass with the same thickness and dimension on Craigslist and various platforms, I came to the conclusion that my only option was buying a new one. But before I go put down the money for a new glass, I needed to know that I can really get the old panel off by myself. So a few trips to homedepot later, I came back with all the razor blades and putty knives I needed and I started the grind...
It was a difficult task just because how much time it required. Slowly and painfully though, I did work my way around the entire backside...well, almost the entire back side. I just couldn't get to the bottom strip because there's an inner brace right on top of the bottom panel. But since the other sides are all stripped, all I needed to do was to push the top part of the panel to break the bonding of the remaining silicone.
So I just went to Grainger today for the silicone I'm going to be using. After some digging around, I found some very useful info on the best options for aquariums. I'm going to be using Momentive RTV100 series for the job. The reason for picking this one over SCS1200 is that SCS1200 is recommended not to be used for underwater subjects. Although I know quite a few people have been using SCS1200 with out any problems, Momentive RTV100 is said to be an even better option, and this is coming from the reef guys, so I will take their words for it. They debated on their forum and data sheets and manufacture info were tossed around, but I'm not gonna bore you guys with those details.
For the filtration, I will have most of it on the outside of the house. The overflow drain pipe will be directed across the wall out to my backyard, where I will have a huge sump that also will be used as benches along the wall, and return back to the tank. The reason for this is to reduce the noise of a pump and water siphoning...etc. inside of the house, also, to eliminate flooding inside of the house from the filtration. Two closed loop FX5s, however, will be situated under the tank. since they won't have any risk of flooding, and are rather quiet. The reason for me wanting to use the FX5s on top of the sump is to act as insurance so to speak. When the sump isn't working properly for some reason, I will still have a very reliable filtration system running without disruption.
As the tank will be a peninsula style show tank, I still have a ton of work to do after I finish building the filtration. My dog loves to sleep under the coffee table where it seems like a cave, she's quite timid, so small cozy spaces give her a sense of security I guess. So with that in mind, I'm building her a doggie house right under the tank. I have all that space anyways. I will keep on updating in the future, stay tuned.
pictures:
this is the under tank doggie house for my golden retriever. I have some leftover flooring materials from the remodeling of the house, so why not lol
this is a nook bench being built

I put 2x3s to support the top bracing. most of the silicone have been stripped away, so it's time for the cracked panel to come off
the new panel delivered!! starphire glass is just beautiful!
when I took off the smaller piece of the panel, a chunk of glass fell out. it's actually really beautiful, so i'm going to keep this piece
