Used tank with silicon on glass?

[try2catchmike]

Bought a used 225g tank. The previous owner had siliconed some slate and stuff to the sides of the tank. He removed the slate but there are huge lines of silicone from where it sealed. I used Vinegar water and a razor blade and didn't make a dent in it. Tried some goo gone for silicone as well as some nail polish remover (Yes I am going to clean the hell out of the tank now before fish). Whats the next step to get rid of this stuff? It seems almost baked onto the glass and is very unsightly.

Thanks,
-Mike

 

[E.C.]

hot water, but be careful, not that "boiling" one ok? then scrap it off...

 

[try2catchmike]

Thanks for the reply, I just tried it with some water that was almost boiling and did not get great results. Is there a way to buff it or use some kind of polishing stuff? This is on the side of the tank and looks baddd.

 

[TOMCAT858]

I can tell you my experience from resealing my last 3 tanks, I had to buy a 50 pack of razor blades and one blade holder that holds the blades like a scraper. I also had to find LOTS of Elbow Grease. There is a product that you can get for removing silicone unfortunately I can't remember the name. I personally just used Elbow grease.

I bought this one.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-1-1-2-in-Razor-Scraper-28-500/202262010#.UfCKyoso600

and this one.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203743502?productId=203743502&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&MERCH=REC%2d%5f%2dproduct%2d1%2d%5f%2d202262010%2d%5f%2d203743502%2d%5f%2dN#.UfCK2Yso600

Unfortunately with my 4th tank the glass was Calcium etched due to the previous owner and there was nothing I could do.

Good Luck

 

[pigoo]

Bought a used 225g tank. The previous owner had siliconed some slate and stuff to the sides of the tank. He removed the slate but there are huge lines of silicone from where it sealed. I used Vinegar water and a razor blade and didn't make a dent in it. Tried some goo gone for silicone as well as some nail polish remover (Yes I am going to clean the hell out of the tank now before fish). Whats the next step to get rid of this stuff? It seems almost baked onto the glass and is very unsightly.

If the "silicon" is not coming off with fresh-sharp razorblades...then it's probably not silicon...or not 100% silicon.

 

[try2catchmike]

If the "silicon" is not coming off with fresh-sharp razorblades...then it's probably not silicon...or not 100% silicon.

Well the guy before had the slate stuck all over the tank and they are 2 inch lines with a 1in break ll the way down the sides of the tank and on the back so its definitely something someone put there. I dont know exactly what it is. If I used a buffer is there a chance this will come out or anythign else? I am going to keep going at it with a razor because I have seen a very small difference. It is not coming off even close to as easy as the way silicone or the crud from leaving the tank partially full does.

 

[fobrinkle]

Pics might help. Close up of silicone. Usually razor and elbow grease get it. It can be very tedious though

 

[pigoo]

Well the guy before had the slate stuck all over the tank and they are 2 inch lines with a 1in break ll the way down the sides of the tank and on the back so its definitely something someone put there.

Oh I agree with you that it's "something". But if it's not coming off with a fresh sharp razor blade...then it's probably not silicon (as stated in post #1) or a 100% silicon product.

I am going to keep going at it with a razor because I have seen very small difference. It is not coming off even close to as easy as the way silicone or the crud from leaving the tank partially full does.

Be VERY VERY careful how aggressively you go about scraping with the razor blade. If you get too aggressive...you can permanently scratch the glass.

 

[try2catchmike]

Thanks alot for the help guys, I am calling it quits for tonight. I sprayed it down with a ton of Vinegar water solution and will get back at it tomorrow. I will also post up some pictures.

Thanks,
-Mike

 

[poppalina]

Try denatured alcohol.