Replacing top frame on a bowfront

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mrunlucky07

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 19, 2007
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Hey all, I am looking at picking up an extra tall 110 bowfront (48x18x33tall). They are pretty rare (I think they were only ever available as store displays) I came across a leaking one 2 years ago, but passed on it and have regretted it. I have a 72 bow that I love, and the 110 would drastically increase the height from 22" to 33" which I think would make an awesome display.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124652&highlight=125+bowfrontI

Now I found another. This one has a crack on the top trim in the center front. I was told it held water fine though. I am assuming the height maxes out the strength of the top frame hence rarity of the tank and cracked frame on this one.

How big of a PITA is it to put on a new frame without chipping the tank? I have read how to do it and it sounds rough getting the old frame off. Would it be more difficult on a bowed tank than a straight frame?

If you have done it personally I would appreciate any advice and tips.
 
I just did this this weekend. The way I did it made it super simple, I wish I would have taken pictures.

All I did was take a dremel with the cut off wheel can cut all the way through the plastic around the top lip. Then cut down the corners to separate the sides. I only used the wheel in places where if I did hit the glass it would hit on the edge and not the face of the glass. Then slid my fingers under and peeled it off. Took about 10 minutes to get the frame off of a 55. Then use a razor to get all the old silicone off and your in business. feel free to hit me up with any questions.
 
All I did was take a dremel with the cut off wheel can cut all the way through the plastic around the top lip.
Click to expand...

Great, Thanks.

Where did you make the cut? Did you run the cutting wheel along the top directly over the top edge of the glass along all the entire top rim, or just cut the corners so the frame was 4 pieces?
 
along the top edge all the way around the frame, and the corners. so that the outside and the inside of the frame are separated, and each side is separated, then they just peel off.
 
I did this recently on a smaller bowfront. I used the dremel method as well after several days of trying to get a razor in there and pry it off. Sadly The trim didn't really survive in a usable form but that was my fault. Good luck.
 
Well the saga continues. Razor blading the top off was nothing compared to razor blading the paint off of both of the sides. The top came off fairly easy by just pulling with my fingers, no tools required. With the top off it revealed a large chip on one top side and a smaller chip on the other. Arrrgh.

I am am having doubts about the tank. It appears to have been resealed once already.

The top should come in tomorrow so we will see what happens. My fingers are certainly crossed.

Chip1.jpg


chip2.jpg


Opinions or bets if it will work????
 
Well the top fit perfect and went on great yesterday. I let it sit 24 hours and started filling it tonight. 3/4 full and going great and then the side seal started leaking much like I was afraid of. 3/8" and 33" tall just isin't rigid enough. The back can be pushed slightly away from the side allowing the leak.

It looks like I will get to do my first reseal. I am not sure if I will ever trust it and may have a new addition to build into my pond feature.:irked: It really bugs me since I paid a decent price for it because the reputable shop owner swore it didn't leak.

DSC00691.jpg


DSC00707.jpg
 
Oh no! I'm sorry... that really sucks! I spent today taking the top off a 55gal tank ... The rim was suppose to be in today but when I called the LFS they said it wasnt in yet. grr. What kind of silicone did you use, the regular 100% stuff or the stuff actually for aquariums? I'm trying to figure out if I really do need to just spend the extra money & get the "aquarium safe" stuff ... even tho it appears to be the same thing as 100% clear silicone.
 
I'm trying to figure out if I really do need to just spend the extra money & get the "aquarium safe" stuff ... even tho it appears to be the same thing as 100% clear silicone.
Click to expand...

GE I is the same as the AGA aquarium silicone. $3.82 at walmart for clear.
 
Man, that stinks to hear about the leak! I really hope to get it sealed up nice and tight, cause that tank has a real "presense"
 
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