tank repair

[darkdep]

Yes, the "not for aquarium use" is literally to prevent lawsuits.  Silicone I was used for aquariums "officially" up until a few years ago.

[Sailfin]

GE silicone I is all you need to bond the entire tank together. when doing a repair, just cut out the old silicone on the inside of the tank but leave the silicne between the pains of the glass. then run your bead along the indies of the tank. its just easier to do this way and will seal up again just fine.
if your building a tank from scratch, put the silicone on the mating surfaced, press together and hold in place, then run your bead on the inside of the tank.
you can if you like, but there is absolutely no nead to buy the silicone from big al's. its a waste of money. I have resealled far to mnay tanks and build quite a few tanks from scratch for friends. all using GE silicone I for everything with 100% success and 0 fish fatalities.
i usually let mine cure for about a week before adding water. a bit overkill but better safe than sorry.

also your spit works perfectly for smoothing out silicone joints.

I for one would love to see these tanks that you build from scratch using "just" silicon!    :lol:   So far, all the tanks that I've seen built from scratch, the people go with the aquarium adhesive...before putting on silcon.  The adhesive bonds the glass more securely than just using silicon ...even though it looks the same...the adhesive dries more tight.   And when resealing old tanks, you're almost guaranteed to break the old seal aren't you?  Providing that you do a nice clean job?  I've done a number of jobs also, and never had problems, or had to wait a week for curing.   But......for a 2gal tank....I'd say it's safe just to put aqaurium safe silicon.

[sarahbella]

Another problem..  

How do i get the black plastic trim off the top and bottom of the tank without breaking it??  

tried using a knife but the adhesive is very stong...  

Looks like im going to have to replace one seal on the side.  i may have to redo all around the bottom too..

[Sailfin]

Another problem..  

How do i get the black plastic trim off the top and bottom of the tank without breaking it??  

tried using a knife but the adhesive is very stong...  

Looks like im going to have to replace one seal on the side.  i may have to redo all around the bottom too..

Try using a razor blade,  if you have one,  to break the silicon adhesive and pull off gently.

[sarahbella]

yup, that did the trick  many thanks

[sarahbella]

Well it looks like my resealing efforts have been successful.  Its not a pretty looking repair but its very effective..

Thanx for all the advice and tips

[Sailfin]

Well it looks like my resealing efforts have been successful.  Its not a pretty looking repair but its very effective..

Thanx for all the advice and tips

Use a razor blade to take off the messy part!    I sometimes do it messy, but the blade makes it look new again.