fixing a 250 gallon tank glass.

[rogergolf66]

Ok this is my first time fixing a glass tank so any interested in any oppinons u may have. Here is my plan. The back glass got cracked. I desided I am not going to remove the clacked peice. Instead I am going to get a new peice of glass and clean out silicone that is there now. Then use a shim and silicone the new peice in. What do u think?

Roger

Here r the tools
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb173/rogergolf66/IMG_20111219_223532.jpg

[Jamie9169]

Never replaced the glass in one but I have a 120 with a broken front panel. I will definitely be along for the ride.

[uncleof6]

First time fixing a tank..... I might ask if you have built a tank this size first of all, or any tank of any size.

The back panel is compromised, obviously, and it will no longer support any pressure. The only correct, safe way, to fix the tank, is to completely replace the rear panel.

How do you intend to get a good bond between the new glass panel ends and the side glass, without spreading the side panels, that will probably break in doing so; what thickness of glass are you going to use--since the new panel will not have any top support, (rim) and you cannot use the back panel to support it, will most likely need to be thicker. (unless it is a rimless tank to begin with, then it would need to be the same thickness.

Call me a pessimist if you want, but I give this a success probability of 30% for success, and with no experience even less.

The amount of labor involved is only marginally higher in replacing the panel, than what you propose; and the risk factor, is way lower. That is a lot of water to wake up to all over your floor, or to come home and find it running out under your front door. 100% risk free is to replace the tank.

I do wish you good luck however :)

[rogergolf66]

I am goin to use 1/2 glass. That is the size that is used now. The new peice will still be supported by the top and bottom rim. Thanks for your concerns who knows I may change my mind and end up removing the rear panel all together.

I have never built a tank of this size. I have built smaller acrylic tanks but never glass.

The tank will be time tested for leaks for a good time before it is moved into the house.

Roger

[rogergolf66]

ok I started today and removed the silicone on the edge of the glass. I only got back panel silicone removed but I'm going to remove all of it then add the new peice of glass then reseal the entire tank.

[rogergolf66]

Here r a few pictures of what I did. I used a blade that was under the silicone that was going to touch the glass on next panel. then I. Used another razor blade to cut out the silicone upto the other blade. This way I couldn't cut into the silicone seal between the 2 glass panels.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb173/rogergolf66/IMG_20111220_145910.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb173/rogergolf66/IMG_20111220_144326.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb173/rogergolf66/IMG_20111220_152444.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb173/rogergolf66/IMG_20111220_150553.jpg

[nemosworld]

Never replaced the glass in one but I have a 120 with a broken front panel. I will definitely be along for the ride.

You know i can help you fix that right, afterall i did do my 225.
just let me know when you are ready.

Felix:)