Just got home with a 220 I found for 100 bucks! The tank is made from 3/4 inch glass for the front, back and bottom pane and 1/2 for the sides. It measures 72"LX24"WX30"H The only thing is the silicone is in bad shape. Im going to be scraping all the old silicone out and replacing it. The old frame at the bottom is broken and some is missing, the top frame is in pretty good shape but separated in one corner im going to epoxy glue it back together after the silicone is done. Someone has tried to seal it once before but didn't know what they were doing. There is a mess of silicone in the corners, but nothing a razor and time wont fix. The biggest thing im concerned about is the joint on one corner doesn't have much silicone so im thinking i may have to completely remove that pane and re silicone it back. This will be one of the 3/4" panels. Is there anything i need to know about taking a panel out? Do I need to use spacers to keep the silicone from being pushed out when I reinstall? If so, What? I know its been ask 1000 times but, What would be the best strongest silicone to use?
new 220! need some advice on repairs.
- Thread starter BIG-G
- Start date
GE silicone 1. silicone does not stick to silicone so you must remove all the exposed silicone and then clean the surface with acetone to get a good bond.
I would not try to remove the panes at this time, just reseal and allow at least a week for curing before water testing. Be sure to repair the frame so it is strong before filling.
I would not try to remove the panes at this time, just reseal and allow at least a week for curing before water testing. Be sure to repair the frame so it is strong before filling.
I have used GE I to build smaller tanks Im just wondering if it has the strength needed to hold a 220 together? I have to remove a panel. one of the joints has very little silicone between the panes. It must have been pulled out buy the previous owner. I thing this tank was being used for reptiles of some sort before I found it. I think I will disassemble the whole tank and put it back together.
The bottom frame is broken into many pieces and some of them are missing. Is it necessary to put a frame on the bottom. I have seen many tanks made without frames. Does the frame add any strength or is it just for looks? The sides are sitting on top of the bottom glass. I think the tank will be okay without a frame. Am I wrong?
No love for the 220???? okay. after my own research came up with GE RTV108 silicone is supposedly the way to (strongest, most resistance to shearing, and adhesion). I am still hoping that the tank will be okay without a frame. I was thinking of doing some internal bracing if necessary? Then doing some 6" strips of 3/8" glass front to back across the top on each end. Any experienced tank builders out there?