taking apart glass tank-

saltysteven · 09/26/2008, 09:25 PM

okay im taking apart a 15 gallon glass tank to use it for a sump build. i got the top and bottom brace off. i started cutting out all of the visable silicone but now i still cant get the glass apart and im afraid ill break it. is there a way to get the glass apart?

Jandree22 · 09/26/2008, 09:32 PM

this isn't encouraging, but I tried doing it with my 20L and gave up. It can and has been done, but I guess I just didn't have luck. You'll need some kind of fine string or similar to shimmy down between the panes to break that silicone seal. I tried floss but it ripped.

there is an important reason I'm replying though, and it's to say be careful. thank God it wasn't deep, but in applying too much force to the glass, I cracked a pane and sliced my finger.

but like I said, hopefully someone can chime in with a pointer, because I've heard that it can be done, good luck!

gregod · 09/26/2008, 09:34 PM

try a guitar string, I've never taken a tank apart like that but I have taken a windshield out with it.

gregod · 09/26/2008, 09:35 PM

have a video camera running

saltysteven · 09/26/2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gregod
have a video camera running

LOL

saltysteven · 09/26/2008, 10:02 PM

how about a heat gun? maybe than i could get it apart enough to slice with razor

saltysteven · 09/28/2008, 05:21 PM

anyone know how this is done before i burn and cut myself?

customcolor · 09/28/2008, 05:26 PM

heat gun will crack the glass. trust me, cuz i washed a 55 with hot water running through a hose and split a long pain when i moved the hose after it sat for a wile. im just glad it was an old one that i used for water changes

saltysteven · 09/28/2008, 06:09 PM

so how should i separate these panels?

chin · 09/28/2008, 06:18 PM

I used razor blades when I dismantled a tank. Why are you taking it apart? If it leaks, just scrape out the visible silicone and then reseal it. The only reason I would completely take apart a tank is to replace one panel, other than that IMO for a 15 gal I would just buy a new tank and save yourself the headache.

saltysteven · 09/28/2008, 06:47 PM

i want to use the side panels for building a sump. a razor does not fit in between the two pieces of glass

saltysteven · 09/28/2008, 06:47 PM

i want to use the side panels for building a sump. a razor does not fit in between the two pieces of glass

gotbags-10 · 09/28/2008, 07:25 PM

i would use an adjustable Olfa knife or other brands not sure what their called. It uses about a 4 inch thin blade that you could go right through with.http://www.drillspot.com/products/71..._Utility_Knife

like i said you dont have to use that one but you could find one similar at any local hardware store

saltysteven · 09/29/2008, 08:37 PM

i got them apart with hitting a razor blade down the top with hammer. thanks i guess you were right

09/26/2008, 09:25 PM	#1
saltysteven Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: bethany, ct Posts: 851	taking apart glass tank- okay im taking apart a 15 gallon glass tank to use it for a sump build. i got the top and bottom brace off. i started cutting out all of the visable silicone but now i still cant get the glass apart and im afraid ill break it. is there a way to get the glass apart?

09/26/2008, 09:32 PM	#2
Jandree22 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Middletown PA Posts: 762	this isn't encouraging, but I tried doing it with my 20L and gave up. It can and has been done, but I guess I just didn't have luck. You'll need some kind of fine string or similar to shimmy down between the panes to break that silicone seal. I tried floss but it ripped. there is an important reason I'm replying though, and it's to say be careful. thank God it wasn't deep, but in applying too much force to the glass, I cracked a pane and sliced my finger. but like I said, hopefully someone can chime in with a pointer, because I've heard that it can be done, good luck! __________________ Tank Info: 120g

09/28/2008, 05:26 PM	#8
customcolor Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: kaukauna, wi. Posts: 3,879	heat gun will crack the glass. trust me, cuz i washed a 55 with hot water running through a hose and split a long pain when i moved the hose after it sat for a wile. im just glad it was an old one that i used for water changes __________________ PLEASE DONT USE GREAT STUFF (THE YELLOW STUFF) IN YOUR TANK........USE POND FOAM (THE BLACK STUFF).. I BEG YOU! Great stuff====$5 a can 24-48 hour cure Epoxy to cover it====little as $5 for small projects or up to $100+ for larger projects and another 24-48 hour cure I hope you covered it well cuz if you didnt it will start to break down in a few months sand is another added cost to cover up the yellow. Pond foams====$9-$15 a can 24-48 hour cure DONE! You can cover it with sand if you want to (YOU DONT HAVE TO) though but thats added cost again Current Tank Info: 75 gal under way

09/28/2008, 07:25 PM	#13
gotbags-10 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Indy Posts: 263	i would use an adjustable Olfa knife or other brands not sure what their called. It uses about a 4 inch thin blade that you could go right through with.http://www.drillspot.com/products/71..._Utility_Knife like i said you dont have to use that one but you could find one similar at any local hardware store __________________ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

09/26/2008, 09:34 PM	#3
gregod Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 566	try a guitar string, I've never taken a tank apart like that but I have taken a windshield out with it.

09/26/2008, 09:35 PM	#4
gregod Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 566	have a video camera running

09/26/2008, 10:02 PM	#6
saltysteven Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: bethany, ct Posts: 851	how about a heat gun? maybe than i could get it apart enough to slice with razor

09/28/2008, 05:21 PM	#7
saltysteven Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: bethany, ct Posts: 851	anyone know how this is done before i burn and cut myself?

09/28/2008, 06:09 PM	#9
saltysteven Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: bethany, ct Posts: 851	so how should i separate these panels?

09/28/2008, 06:18 PM	#10
chin Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 80	I used razor blades when I dismantled a tank. Why are you taking it apart? If it leaks, just scrape out the visible silicone and then reseal it. The only reason I would completely take apart a tank is to replace one panel, other than that IMO for a 15 gal I would just buy a new tank and save yourself the headache.

09/28/2008, 06:47 PM	#11
saltysteven Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: bethany, ct Posts: 851	i want to use the side panels for building a sump. a razor does not fit in between the two pieces of glass

09/29/2008, 08:37 PM	#14
saltysteven Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: bethany, ct Posts: 851	i got them apart with hitting a razor blade down the top with hammer. thanks i guess you were right