Help dismantling 300 gallon glass aquarium

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
T

Tokay

Candiru
MFK Member
Apr 22, 2006
167
3
48
Finally decided to take apart my 300 gallon glass aquarium that is cracked.
Not cost effective to repair, no one wants to buy it so i can get some of my money back i invested, and no other use for it.

Im planning to take it arpart and use the glass for other projects or trash/recycle if i end up breaking it.

Haven't found any old posts on it but going to keep looking. ANyone have helpful tips on how to take apart a tank on such large scale?
Ive done small tanks with razor blade and acetone but this is on such a larger scale and so many more pieces.

The bottom is 2 pieces of glass, the inside is trimed with a 3" strip along the intire inside, there are two large overflows, there are support strips along the top and triangle glass pieces in all the top coners.
So many extra pieces of glass makes it seem like it will be a long hard process.

If anyone has any tips or helpful information id appricate it.
I want to have it apart before the rainy season comes.
Thanks for your time.
Pics below

300001.jpg


300011.jpg


300008.jpg
 
Acetone in a spray bottle. Spray down all the seams, close it up and let it sit for a day or two.

Vinegar also dissolves silicone I've heard, though i've never used it. The Google told me you can pour some 'cleaning vinegar' in the bottom, saran wrap the whole thing closed and wait a few days.

(The saran wrap is probably a good idea anyways to keep the thing from falling apart while the silicone is dissolved)

Once its in parts then use razor blades and lots of towels to scrape the silicone residue off.
 
I will go ahead and tell you now. There is no chemical that will break down the silicone. I have tried them all.

I used guitar string and Spiderwire fishing line wrapped around wood blocks to cut through the seams. That is going to be your best option other that forcing a razor blade in between the seams.

There is one other way, but try as listed above before I explain further.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom