Dis-Assemble 800 Gallon Tank and put it back together !

[audifusion]

Need a little advice here.

I have the opportunity to get an 800 gallon custom built tank at a significant discount, the only problem is that i have to disassemble it (ie,remove the sections of glass from one-another).

Here are the basic specs,

800 gallon L-shape tank,
Starphire glass (i think it is either 5/8" or 3/4")

Has anyone ever done this before ?

Is it doable without breaking the glass?

I will post up some pictures of what the setup looks like aswell if that will help give an idea of the task at hand,

thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Pharaoh]

You can take them apart. It isn't easy, but it can be done. I tore apart my 540 and was planning on putting it back together in my basement, but other things came up and I listed it for sale.

Just take your time and be careful and it should not be that hard to do. Just make sure you get the glass clean before you reassemble the tank.

 

[ziggy2]

It can be done. Let's see some pics.

 

[MaddMaxx]

That sounds like a GREAT opportunity! I say definitely take it! A tank like that, at a deal, is worth a lil work!!

During dis-assembly, just take your time. Buy a big pack of fresh razor-blades. Work on one pane at a time. I'd first remove the inner-seal (the quarter round silicone, in the corners). Then slowly work a fresh blade inbetween the panes, cutting the silicone holding the two pieces together. If the two pieces of glass are so tight together that you can't get the razor in, you can use a piece of 2x4 or other wood to wedge (carefully) between the front and back panes.

G'luck and take lots of pics for us!

 

[spirofucci]

"L" shaped??? Taking it apart will be hard enough but, putting it back together?????

Sounds cool so keep us updated!!!

 

[audifusion]

Back with photos and measurements,

* L Shaped
* 8' x 42" front section
* 7' x 36" side section
* Front and Left side are Starphire ultra clear glass
* Custom Built by Aquarium Obsessed
* Dual Overflows
* Euro and Cross braced





Going to see it in person this weekend.

Has anyone ever used a heat gun or torch to weaken the bond of the adhesive silicone ? Just to make it easier to cut with a razor blade

thanks again for the advice guys, much appreciated

 

[Pharaoh]

Has anyone ever used a heat gun or torch to weaken the bond of the adhesive silicone ? Just to make it easier to cut with a razor blade

It doesn't work. Silicone is very resistant to heat.

 

[rustyspurs]

hi, ive heard from a few people that guitar string works well for cutting through the silicone.

 

[Inglorious]

I second using guitar strings

 

[Jake95]

I too second piano wire or guitar strings. ive taken apart many tanks, and if your panes of glass are together real tight, when you try to get the razor blade in between the panes of glass, you chip the glass. something i wouldnt risk on a tank that size.