Not a highjack at all, this is exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping to find/hear.
I'm still uncertain which route to take on this project. The whole thing is really academic, it's not as though I have an emergency repair that must be done. I've already replaced the tank in question with another...an actual store-bought new all-glass tank, first one in many moons...so I really am just playing with ways to repair the old one.
Currently, I'm torn between three options:
First, just forget about it as an aquarium and use it for a terrarium or other cage. This is of course the easiest option, so naturally the least attractive.
I have granddaughters, and they have other grandparents doing their level best to make those girls grow up afraid of everything, including snakes...so I feel a responsibility to at least demonstrate another path of thinking to them; having a snake for them to handle is just one step in that direction.
Second, the liner idea. I'm even considering going a bit beyond the typical 45mil fishpond liner and instead go with a 1/16 EDPM sheet sold locally for industrial and other purposes. This should be far stronger and more durable; if I do this I think it will be glued to the sides/back/bottom as individually pre-cut sheets, and with the corners reinforced with additional strips bonded in place with the same contact-cement-type sealant as used for the wall-wall bonds. I became interested in the Gold Seal as mentioned above, but a bit of research indicates that I can get 4500 for about $16 Canadian per tube; the Gold Seal will need to be special-ordered, at more than three times that price! Still waiting on word from the manufacturer about Geocel 4500's adhesion to glass.
Third, and rapidly moving forward in the running, is a paint-on liquid rubber coating. This one's appealing to me for its simplicity. Relatively few different products to buy and use, relatively easy to get locally, relatively much cheaper, and definitely the simplest actual procedure. Just clean the interior, paint the stuff on, going right up onto the edge of the glass. If I go this route, I will likely lay some reinforcing mesh fabric along each corner seam, mainly to strengthen the membrane and give it some "body" in these areas where its minimal adhesion to existing silicone makes it problematic. The manufacturers also sell an adhesive tape specifically for use with this product; it's designed to have the liquid rubber applied right over top of it, and I might use it around the edge of the glass before painting.
So there I am right now, completely undecided. I will hold off making a choice until I hear more about Geocel 4500 from the makers. Decisions, decisions...
