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View Full Version : Removing silicone joints

ghostshrimp
09/20/2015, 02:35 PM
Hello everyone! I have 75 gallon tank that has hideous looking top supports. I need to remove them and reapply a neat looking support because I need to hide the supports from view while using a new hood with a custom made aquaroum stand. I cannot do any changes to the stand. Please advise on how will I be able to do this in the best possible way. I also need the glass to turn out very clear. Thanks!http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/20/fe416427ccc5679fe1ef06999fbbfa69.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/20/e3dbb2707b0d2bedd946851aa0134750.jpg
ghostshrimp
09/20/2015, 04:49 PM
Anyone? :(
billdogg
09/20/2015, 05:02 PM
Cut them out with a razor, scrape and clean EVERY TRACE of old silicon, and try again. You can use masking tape just like you would if you were painting to keep the new silicone where you want it. Just be sure to peel it as soon as you possible can.
jimmyj7090
09/20/2015, 05:31 PM
Thin guitar strings can be useful in some cases. Just be careful with your fingers....
Cdodge1
09/20/2015, 06:46 PM
I've had to replace a few overflows and I always use a razors. Spend a couple extra bucks and get some good ones. Be extremely careful. Make sure to remove all the old silicone- new silicone wont bond to cured silicone.
ghostshrimp
09/21/2015, 08:47 AM
Ok thank you. I removed it with razors. There is one problem though there is foggy appearance where the Silicon was and everything else has been scraped off. Should I use a sandpaper or something
billdogg
09/21/2015, 03:04 PM
I would guess that there is still silicone residue. Acetone, I think, will take it off. Sandpaper will just scratch the glass.
sleepydoc
09/21/2015, 09:09 PM
or MEK
Mountain Reef
09/21/2015, 10:19 PM
90% rubbing alcohol and grade "0" steel wool.
jason2459
09/21/2015, 10:25 PM
lol I've used all the above ripping apart my 180 to reseal it. It all sucked and it all took a lot of elbow grease. Lots of fresh razors and steel wool and rubbing alcohol was used. Tried the steel strings for a second. Then more swipes of fresh razor blades because there was miraculously yet another microscopy layer that could be pealed up...

Good luck. You'll never want to do it again. At least I don't with this size of a tank again. No way.