How to disassemble big glass tank

[Velodog2]

I have a 135 custom built glass tank in my wall that is over 20 years old and getting leaky and generally beat up. I want it out. The glass is about 1/2" and it has a bottom made of plastic sheet (supported by plywood). There is a glass cross-member across the top.

How can I disassembe the panes of glass so I can get it out of the house more easily? The joints are tight. A razor blade seems pretty ineffective in separating them. Any clever way of doing this? I am nursing a completely torn bicep repair that probably won't be ready to do the kind of lifting it would take to get it out whole for possibly a year.

 

[cdness]

There is a chemical used to soften or dissolve silicone. You can use that in the seams to make them easier to separate.

FYI I tried to take apart a 40 breeder without the chemical and it just shattered... I couldn't figure out how to do it. I did research after breaking the tank and it was a face palm moment...

 

[Reefing Madness]

Disassembling an Aquarium.mp4 - YouTube

 

[Velodog2]

Well so there is! A lot of silicone caulk removers and some more general purpose silicone removers. Worth a try. There are lots of them on Amazon and maybe I can find some at the local hardware. Thanks for the tip! The idea of using any kind of force to separate glass panels that big and thick is frightening.

 

[cdness]

Hopefully you can find someone who can use the panels for something so they don't end up in the trash...

 

[Velodog2]

Hopefully you can find someone who can use the panels for something so they don't end up in the trash...

Doubtful, but good thought. I can't see what they are using in the video but it looks like one of them has a hacksaw blade. The panels on mine are so tight together that a razor blade can't get between them, so I don't think that would work either.

 

[cparka23]

Try the thicker, flat dental floss like OralB Glide. I used it to disassemble my sump, and it took hour long razor job down to about 5 minutes. Regular dental floss breaks easily, which is why the thicker kind is better IMO.

 

[Velodog2]

Try the thicker, flat dental floss like OralB Glide. I used it to disassemble my sump, and it took hour long razor job down to about 5 minutes. Regular dental floss breaks easily, which is why the thicker kind is better IMO.

No way! Dental floss will cut that stuff? Now I have to try it just to know!

 

[Reefing Madness]

They are using a piece of a Tape Measure to cut the silicone.

 

[kschweer]

Try the thicker, flat dental floss like OralB Glide. I used it to disassemble my sump, and it took hour long razor job down to about 5 minutes. Regular dental floss breaks easily, which is why the thicker kind is better IMO.

+1. That or power pro braided fishing line. Ask any fisherman who uses the stuff it can do some damage.

 

[cparka23]

Yes, it worked on my Elos sump. Their silicone is a little different, but I think it will still work on more conventional aquarium silicone.