Replacing My Reef Tank Front Panel

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

Hiya Guys
My name is James, and this is my first thread. I am looking for some advice please.

I have a 200 plus gallon reef tank, and I am having to replace the front optiwhite panel which is 2200mmx700mm. The tank is under 2 years old but has developed a horrible white mist on the front panel which made the tank look a mess. I tried razors, vinegar, acids, cerium oxide, steel wool etc. The only thing that shifted it was a car polisher and using various grades of carbide wet and dry. However, I have caused some fine scratching that I cannot live with. I have spent close on 50 hours on this panel, and I am now going to do what I should have done immediately, and replace the panel. I have already removed it, and ordered a new piece. It will be with me in two weeks.

Due to being unable to find a pro to fit this for me, I am going to do it myself. I have decided on Momentive black 103 silicone adhesive, and have purchased clamps etc for carrying out the work. I have researched the procedure best I can, and am confident of a successful outcome.

I do however have a couple of queries.

1) Have any of the members used this particular silicone before? If so, how long do I have to play with it before it starts setting? I reckon it could take me up to 10 minutes before I get the edges, bracing etc siliconed and clamped in place. Will this particular silicone allow this? I have heard it is rather quick setting.

2) Can I retrospectively apply the sealing to the inside of the aquarium? I dont like the idea of a "cold joint" between the jointing and sealing silicone elements, but if time does not allow will this be OK?

Many thanks in advance.
James

sharpimage · Jan 30, 2020

All panes must come apart and be put back together. The cold joint will not hold water.

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

Thanks for that. I have removed the pane. It will be sealed along all joints of course. I want to know if I can run a bead inside the tank at a later date or if it needs to be done at the same time as the structural jointing work.

Reefs and Geeks · Jan 30, 2020

The real issue with replacing the pane is the part where the bottom and left (or right) panels met currently. There is a strip of silicone there between those panes that will not allow you to properly reattach the front pane since the new silicone will not adhere to the old silicone. This will be a leak point when the tank is back together and filled. A tank can have the inner layer of silicone carefully removed and replaced (I've done several times on 150 gallon tanks successfully. However, once you break the structural seal and take a pane off, than all 5 panes MUST be taken apart, leaving your aquarium in 5 separate pieces of glass. Then the 5 panes all need to be reassembled at the same time in order to have one continuous bead of silicone that holds all 5 pieces of glass together. Removing the front pane and putting it back on without doing this will not work and will begin to leak pretty quickly.

I have used the momentive silicone and it's good stuff. You do need to work very quickly with it, or any other silicone. It will start to skin over in 5-10 minutes. Closer to 5 minutes I'd say. Once it skins over, it's a mess to work with and risks not adhering. because of the fast work times, I've not attempted to rebuild an aquarium as it would certainly be a group effort to get everything together quickly.

If you were just replacing the inner seal, it's not too hard to work with as you just dispense it, smooth it over, and remove your tape. Maneuvering 5 panels of glass into place quickly is a whole different animal.

Cory · Jan 30, 2020

I reccomend using one of these: removes silicone easily.

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

Thank you reefs and geeks. I cant see the strip of silicon you refer to. The tank has a double bottom soforms a wee shelf as it where. It appears to be 100% glass to glass. If I post some pics would you be able to comment further please? Would really appreciate it. Thanks again

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

Thanks Cory, but have pretty much removed the silicone. Cheers

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

This is the tank as is..

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

Showing a close up of the step I referred to..

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

The gunk is silicone remover paste

Cory · Jan 30, 2020

Good luck with it. Im not sure if old silicone will bond to old silicone.

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

Hi Cory. I wont take the risk that it wont. I wont be putting any new silicone against old.

Foothill Corals · Jan 30, 2020

From my understanding the white haze on the glass is most likely from the manufacture putting the wrong side (float side) of the glass on the inside / water side when they assembled the tank. Make sure you don't make the same mistake.

Jaybrandnew · Jan 30, 2020

Hi Foothill. My research tells me the same, but of course the manufacturer of the tank isn't taking responsibility

rq786 · Jan 30, 2020

Foothill Corals said:
From my understanding the white haze on the glass is most likely from the manufacture putting the wrong side (float side) of the glass on the inside / water side when they assembled the tank. Make sure you don't make the same mistake.

How do you check to see which side is float side