Resealing my 75g

[superclown]

I picked up a 75g about 2 months ago ive been dragging my feet about getting it running. The people I got it from said it didn't leak but it has been sitting outside in the elements for the past few weeks plus the silicone looks crappy.

With all the seals blowing on these older tanks I figure it would be a good idea.

So I just peel off the old and apply the new> or do I literally need to seperate all the panes scrape off and reseal while clamping?

 

[jennm]

Don't separate the panes.

Scrape off the old interior silicone.

Clean the glass along the seams with rubbing alcohol.

Place a line of masking tape on either side of the seams. This makes for a cleaner end result.

Run your bead of silicone (GE Silicone I rubber silicone for windows works or Perfecto/Marineland makes a reasonably-priced silicone in a caulking-gun format.) Smooth the line of silicone with a wet finger.

Peel off your masking tape right afterward (before the silicone cures).

And be sure to leak-test the tank before you use it!

Jenn

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Jenn has described the process perfectly! It's really very easy and will leave a very nice, professional-looking result.

 

[stacy22]

How difficult is it to get the old silicone off? Is it anything like removing wallpaper?

 

[fish scales2]

Razorblades will remove it well. I have discontinued using type1 silicone as I have observed it turning yellow in time. I am now using 100% silicone. I get mine from a distributor but you can find it in the acrylic section of HD or Lowes.

 

[rbredding]

start at the top, along the top frame...


if the silicone doesn't come off "easily".. it probably doesn't need to be resealed..

(new silicone actually resists removal by razor blade, making it a PITA to remove "good" silicone from a tank's seams)

 

[superclown]

No this stuff is coming off pretty easy is yellow and brittle. I am going to use 100% silicone

Jenn thanks for describing.that process for me

 

[player_505]

Read this -----&gt; http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/27814-building-75g-all-glass-tank.html">http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/27814-building-75g-all-glass-tank.html</a>

and use RTV108 silicone

 

[superclown]

Picking up some silicone today hopefully tomorrow I can set aside some time to bring the tank into the basement, clean it then reseal it. thanks for all the info guys once again this is why I became a member always a big help thanks

 

[rbredding]

let it sit in the basement for a couple days.. it'll be easier if the basement is already air conditioned (not "unfinished")

if the temperature is in the 65-75 range, you'll have plenty of time to work the silicone without it setting up on you...

have fun.. take your time.. get pictures & post them here...