Is it possible that the silicon is just old and deteriorating? Are you saying I should cut all the silicon out then reseal it?
Custom Brace Question
- Thread starter 310FISH
- Start date
if it has bubbles due to stress/old age/deterioration I'd reseal it for sure...it's only a matter of time before you'll need to...310FISH;4078167; said:
Yeah that's what I'm sayin.. Do you think this will be sufficient enough? Or will I need to add a center brace too? Also I've never resealed a tank before and I was wondering what people meant by having to cut the silicon out but not the actual silicon that holds the two pieces of glass together... Does that mean you don't cut into the corner and only around the corner? Please clarify this if you know what I'm talkin about. Thanks for all your help/advice zennzzo.
Right, do not cut through the actual joint (where the two pieces of glass meet), just clean out the corner,(where the water makes contact) and let it dry thoroughly, I use acetone then soap and lots of water. While you are at it might as well brace it as well, can't hurt. Id do the ends as well as the center, and use fresh newly opened silicone, meant for aquariums...there are alot out there, GE I, GE II, etc. Do a search here at MFK on what Silicones to use, or just order from a reputable online joint like Drs.Foster & Smith .com ( http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3963 )
or Aquaticeco.com ( http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3137/Silicone-Aquarium-Sealant/silicone/1 )
or Aquaticeco.com ( http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3137/Silicone-Aquarium-Sealant/silicone/1 )
Ooo alright I think I understand now. And yeah I've bought that GE 1 silicon before. Gonna drain the tank either tonight or tomorrow, I'll let you know how everything goes. Thanks again.
You are certainly welcome...as a hint on the resealing, after you CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN it off CLEAN it again...best results with cleaner glass,
then
use masking tape to make straight lines along the corner, then about half way through cure time peel off the masking tape and reveal a perfect straight line of silicone...
then
use masking tape to make straight lines along the corner, then about half way through cure time peel off the masking tape and reveal a perfect straight line of silicone...
Alright sounds good. I actually have to reseal the bottom of my 40 gal breeder tank as well so I'm going to try it out on that one first. Is it ok to use rubbing alcohol to get the silicon off? Or what do you suggest is best for removing it?
I use a single edge razor blade in a holder with a generous amount of Acetone on a rag and of course "elbow grease"...
I like Acetone because of it's volatility and it makes it easier to cut the oils and such, and the residue it leaves is just about nil...easy to "soap and water" off...
I like Acetone because of it's volatility and it makes it easier to cut the oils and such, and the residue it leaves is just about nil...easy to "soap and water" off...
