Thanks for the tip on the pro-caulk. I take it it is a caulk/sealant smoothing tool?
What for? Sorry, I don't follow.WyldFya;4324460; said:
Questions about resealing a tank for the experienced
- Thread starter macclellan
- Start date
I've started removing the old fillets, but I don't think I'll be doing a full reseal because the seam looks good so far.
An even better price:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3727921&CAWELAID=391041802
It's just a series of rigid plastic shapes and edges for removing and shaping the silicone that you put in. It has a variety of sizes and does a great job of smoothing it perfectly and removing any excess.
Here's how to use it:
https://www.buyprocaulk.com/
I did find the removal tool (the black piece in the pic) to be almost useless. I use a 1.5" putty knife to remove old silicone. Then I go back with a razor and get the surface perfectly clean and ready to go.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3727921&CAWELAID=391041802
It's just a series of rigid plastic shapes and edges for removing and shaping the silicone that you put in. It has a variety of sizes and does a great job of smoothing it perfectly and removing any excess.
Here's how to use it:
https://www.buyprocaulk.com/
I did find the removal tool (the black piece in the pic) to be almost useless. I use a 1.5" putty knife to remove old silicone. Then I go back with a razor and get the surface perfectly clean and ready to go.
One 10.1 oz tube was enough to reseal my entire 180 and place and hold a support for the crack on the bottom. The glass pane on the bottom took most of that. My 180 is 79.5x24.5x22. But I also run a small bead, and use my finger to get it pushed in the rest of the areas, so I waste nearly no silicone.macclellan;4324536;4324536 said:
Ah ha, Wyldfya. "Take a picture each seam from the side" - well why didn't you say so? 
Just kidding. I think I know what I'm looking for there, but I'll post a pic if I find any problem areas.
I take it you don't use masking tape with that caulking tool?
Thanks guys!
Here's the 75g I'll be moving the stock over from and then retiring:
Just kidding. I think I know what I'm looking for there, but I'll post a pic if I find any problem areas.
I take it you don't use masking tape with that caulking tool?
Thanks guys!
Here's the 75g I'll be moving the stock over from and then retiring:
I used less than one 10 oz tube of Dow 832 to reseal my used 72" long 125G tank. The silicone between the pane edges were fine, I just did the interior corner fillets plus under the tank trim lip to prevent any seepage.
I cut the nozzle tip just enough to allow the silicone to just touch both glass panes when applying it. I did use masking tape to help maintain a 'clean' edge but found I didn't really need it. I also used vinyl painter's gloves to smooth the applied silicone bead immediately after applying the silicone. I found it helped to keep the glove tight on the finger used to tool the silicone bead to prevent smearing and wiping that gloved finger off frequently.
BTW, I tried to maintain a silicone fillet about the same thickness as the glass panes of the tank.
I scraped most of the old silicone out with a paint scraper razor, then used many single edged blades to clean up any thin residue left. A shop vac helped to pick up the small bits of old silicone left.
Denatured alcohol, applied with a lint-free cloth, worked well for me as the final cleanup to remove fingerprints prior to applying the new silicone.
I cut the nozzle tip just enough to allow the silicone to just touch both glass panes when applying it. I did use masking tape to help maintain a 'clean' edge but found I didn't really need it. I also used vinyl painter's gloves to smooth the applied silicone bead immediately after applying the silicone. I found it helped to keep the glove tight on the finger used to tool the silicone bead to prevent smearing and wiping that gloved finger off frequently.
BTW, I tried to maintain a silicone fillet about the same thickness as the glass panes of the tank.
I scraped most of the old silicone out with a paint scraper razor, then used many single edged blades to clean up any thin residue left. A shop vac helped to pick up the small bits of old silicone left.
Denatured alcohol, applied with a lint-free cloth, worked well for me as the final cleanup to remove fingerprints prior to applying the new silicone.
