Tank Builders - panel swap, silicone spacers advise.

[Mr. GoodStuff]

Hey guys. Currently have a 125 gallon with 1/2" glass built in 1992 but the front and back panels are heavily scratched up. I was able to get a second 125 gallon from someone for free that has a cracked panel so I was planning on using one of the good 6ft panels to on my other tank. Already have both tanks completely disassembled - just need to clean all the silicone residue off the glass pieces.

Will be using GE SCS1200 to bond the pieces together and have a few questions:

1) Can I also use the GE SCS1200 to run the seal on the inside of the tank after it's all assembled or should I switch to the regular GE Silicone 1 or equivalent for that?

2) What can I use and where can I get some sort of spacers that would go in between the glass panels like most newer aquariums have nowadays? From some research I've heard people putting small beads of silicone and letting it dry before doing the assemble - but I'm afraid if I do it this way I may get varying thickness and the glass would sit uneven.

3) When I lay the bead that goes in between the glass, is it recommended to do a specific thickness or it doesn't really matter as the weight of the glass will squeeze out any extra (obviously not putting an excessive amount or too little)?

Any other tips or recommendations are appreciated.

 

[scriptmonkey]

I'm sorry but I cannot help with those questions. So your plan is to strip all the silicone and and silicone all the 5 panels again correct?

 

[RobW]

I would run a good bead of silicone down the seams when sticking it together. On the inside of the tank seams run some painters tape down the length of the seam just a bit wider then the edge of glass panel that you are sticking it to. Don't push the glass together so tight that you squeeze out all the silicone and have actual glass to glass contact. Because then the bond is not as strong. Wipe the excess with your finger on the insides. Once the glass is set for a bit you can peel the tape off leaving a super clean and straight edge on the silicone. Then you shouldn't need to reapply more inside.

 

[RobW]

This video is a little long but the guy shows how you can do it.

 

[Mr. GoodStuff]

I'm sorry but I cannot help with those questions. So your plan is to strip all the silicone and and silicone all the 5 panels again correct?

Yes but I'm using the front pane of glass from another tank due to scratches on the old one. The old tank didn't have any spacers where the glass panes touch each other so it was glass on glass contact - I would like to avoid that and use the proper 1/16" gap in between the glass panes where they join, just trying to figure out what to use to achieve that gap.

 

[crusso1993]

I hate to be the one to tell you this but new silicone WILL NOT adhere properly to old silicone and you'll have to reseal the entire tank. If it is not resealed the tank will leak. Maybe not immediately but, at some point, it will leak. Therefore, I would highly recommend stripping all the seals prior to removing the panel to be replaced.

In addition, I have been using ASI silicone for quite a few years and I would not use any other silicone. Its strength is stronger than that of the silicone you are considering and it's also completely reef safe. I recommend you research various materials used in manufacturing silicone. Here is a link to a very good article to check out;

https://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html

Also, here is a link to ASI silicone sold for less than 1/2 of the price BRS sells it.

https://www.bestmaterials.com/detail.aspx?ID=19108

Edit; Apologies as I reread your post and saw you have both tanks disassembled. Therefore, I would simply use ASI silicone to assemble and seal the new tank to be built.

 

[Mr. GoodStuff]

I hate to be the one to tell you this but new silicone WILL NOT adhere properly to old silicone and you'll have to reseal the entire tank. If it is not resealed the tank will leak. Maybe not immediately but, at some point, it will leak. Therefore, I would highly recommend stripping all the seals prior to removing the panel to be replaced.

In addition, I have been using ASI silicone for quite a few years and I would not use any other silicone. Its strength is stronger than that of the silicone you are considering and it's also completely reef safe. I recommend you research various materials used in manufacturing silicone. Here is a link to a very good article to check out;

https://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html

Also, here is a link to ASI silicone sold for less than 1/2 of the price BRS sells it.

https://www.bestmaterials.com/detail.aspx?ID=19108

Edit; Apologies as I reread your post and saw you have both tanks disassembled. Therefore, I would simply use ASI silicone to assemble and seal the new tank to be built.

Ok I'll probably go with that silicone, it has pretty much same specs as the SCS1200 but it's even cheaper so why not. Thanks!

 

[Mattman1977]

I just reassembled my first tank and man it’s more work cleaning off the old silicone then one would think. Lots of new razor blades and time.

I used scs1200 black and unless you’re experienced would recommend clear, you see everything with the black. Plan your joint thickness and tape off all panels. I used one of those silicone joint shaper things, honestly think it was one of those as seen on tv purchases, but the seam is uniform. Think you can get them at HD now square blue things with different corners

For spacer I peeled the old ones off and reused them. I was 2 short so I used one of those cutting boards that you can curl up to dump stuff in pots, thickness wasn’t perfect but close cut them out with a razor knife, tried a hole punch but they kept curling up. And silicones then in place and let dry awhile, like a week I think life happened.

I would also suggest having 2 extra sets of hand to help. My wife helped me on my 125 that I cut in half but could of used more help.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes
Matt

 

[Mr. GoodStuff]

I just reassembled my first tank and man it’s more work cleaning off the old silicone then one would think. Lots of new razor blades and time.

I used scs1200 black and unless you’re experienced would recommend clear, you see everything with the black. Plan your joint thickness and tape off all panels. I used one of those silicone joint shaper things, honestly think it was one of those as seen on tv purchases, but the seam is uniform. Think you can get them at HD now square blue things with different corners

For spacer I peeled the old ones off and reused them. I was 2 short so I used one of those cutting boards that you can curl up to dump stuff in pots, thickness wasn’t perfect but close cut them out with a razor knife, tried a hole punch but they kept curling up. And silicones then in place and let dry awhile, like a week I think life happened.

I would also suggest having 2 extra sets of hand to help. My wife helped me on my 125 that I cut in half but could of used more help.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes
Matt

Yeah I think I used like 50 blades to take the tank apart and still have more silicone to clean off lol. And unfortunately both tanks only had like 3 of the silicone spacers that’s why I’m trying to find some sort of alternative to use. I heard zip ties or toothpicks are being used.

I also resealed my 75 with clear silicone and it started yellowing or getting algae showing after like 2 months of having water in it, would like to avoid that this time. And the only seems I care about looking good are the sides, the rest will be covered by the trim or substrate lol

Thanks for the info!