Free tank + needs work = help!!!!!

[candyf4i]

Ok, so I scored a 125gallon tall this morning with stand (it was sitting by the dumpster). It's not scratched up or anything but someone did a really bad reseal job, and it leaks. I started digging out the 1" bead of silicone on the seams and found the one bottom seam (long side) is seperated. I figure I can remove the trim clean it up and reinstall the glass panel, reseal and be good as new.

Is this doable? I have heard of people replacing cracked glass before but is it ok in a tank this size?

Also, I'm having trouble getting the top trim off the tank. Ive cut all around it inside and out with a razor blade but i cant get the corners to budge and im aftaid of breaking it. Is there anyway to soften the silicone to make removal easier or does anyone know where I can get a new trim for it.

Sorry for the long post, I really want to save this tank. I definitly couldnt afford to buy one this big and have wanted a big tank for ever. (plus my pleco is getting kinda big for my 55gal.

Thanks for any help it is sooooo appreciated.

[mrs fishpatrick]

Hi first of all nice find.

do you have to take the trim of the top to fix it?
Or could you not leave it?

(sorry if it is a stupid suggestion)

[Hailey]

Nice find at the dumpster!!! lucky, lol

Anyways I just got a used 75 gallon tank, and the trim weas siliconed on, and the bottom piece we had to break it to get it off. You might have to do that, but you should be able to find new trim for it, for cheap. I would look around first to find trim before I would break it though, just to make sure.

[korith]

You'll probably want to remove the bad silicone job and redo it. Clean the silicone off use a razor blade, and then you'll probably want to use acetone or something like that to really clean the glass before reapplying a fresh coat of silicone to make sure it adheres really well. Let the silicone cure for a few days at least before you fill and test out the tank, I'm sure you can do it.

You can order new trim from [Only Registered Users Can See Links.] if they don't have the size you need, I believe they can custom make trim for tanks.

[candyf4i]

Cool. thanks guys. I emailed glasscages as i dont see the right sized trim listed on their site but havent heard back yet. Also, i got a nifty tool from the window guys at my work that they use for cutting the silicone from around the windows. Its the perfect thing for sliding up under the trim to get at the silicone you cant reach with a straight blade. I'll see how it works out. Maybe I wont even need replacement trim :fingerscrossed:

[thatcichlidguy]

Yeah hopoefully it comes off in one piece. I wish I could find buried treasure like that , the best tank I've found was smashed 10g. Not that my wife would let me in the house if I bring another tank home.