Need Help Taking Apart My Tank!!

Robert_Popa_918 · May 21, 2020

I recently bought a 100 gallon used reef tank as a project build. The tank has a large scratch on the bottom panel of the aquarium. This is because the previous owner had tightened a bulkhead way to much. I’ll be replacing the bottom panel and taking the entire thing apart. So far I’ve run into an issue. No matter how hard I try I just can’t take the bottom trim off the aquarium. I’ve tried taking it apart with box cutters and putty knives but nothing seems to budge. Does anyone have any idea on how to take off the trim without breaking it? I’d also appreciate any advice on disassembling the tank and putting it back together. This is my first time doing this. Thanks- Rob

andrewey · May 21, 2020

Hey Rob, do you have any space at all that you've made inroads with the silicone? My first tip is to buy a ton of fresh razor blades and use a new one at the drop of a hat- I went through 10 or 20 the last time I took apart a big tank- it will save you hours! On cutting apart my last tank, I was able to gouge out about an inch in the corner using repeated razor blade slides until I could slip a PVC cable saw in and finish the job. You'll have to be careful about your angle to ensure you don't scratch the opposite pains with the cable saw, but it turned out to be the fastest option to disassemble the 5 pieces of glass. After that, a ton of time with fresh razor blades to clean up the remaining silicone before resealing.

ReeferSteve · May 21, 2020

A heat gun and a putty knife will be your best friends.

Robert_Popa_918 · May 21, 2020

andrewey said:
Hey Rob, do you have any space at all that you've made inroads with the silicone? My first tip is to buy a ton of fresh razor blades and use a new one at the drop of a hat- I went through 10 or 20 the last time I took apart a big tank- it will save you hours! On cutting apart my last tank, I was able to gouge out about an inch in the corner using repeated razor blade slides until I could slip a PVC cable saw in and finish the job. You'll have to be careful about your angle to ensure you don't scratch the opposite pains with the cable saw, but it turned out to be the fastest option to disassemble the 5 pieces of glass. After that, a ton of time with fresh razor blades to clean up the remaining silicone before resealing.

when it comes to the trim, I have created some space between it and the glass on certain parts. On other sides of the trim, I can’t even manage to fit a razor blade in it. At this point I don’t care if the trim comes out in pieces. I’ll go ahead and try the cable saw. Thanks for the advice!