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Thread: Tearing down the old and building up the new

  1. #1
    Kurt
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    Default Tearing down the old and building up the new

    I have a five-gallon tank with a single Dendrobates tinctorius in it. It is a heavily planted tank and that's where the problem comes in. My bromeliads have out-grown the tank. So my plan was to get another tank with the same dimensions, length and width-wise of a five-gallon, just taller. Turns out no one makes one. So, I decided to make one myself.
    I bought a used five gallon and planned on removing the frames, so I could use them to build a new tank with. The problem is that the frames are almost impossible to remove. I managed to removed the top frame. However, I broke it (it's repairable with some black duct tape) and the glass as well. I was trying to avoid that.
    So before I attempt to remove the bottom frame, does any one have any tips to make this job go a little smoother?


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  3. #2
    Paul Rust
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    I tried the same thing with a 20G and had to abandon it. I ended up making a 75G out of 1/2" acrylic for my R.amazonicas, that sounds really big but it's only 20X20X40" Tall. I hope you find a good trick and if you do please share with us. Good Luck Kurt!

  4. #3
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    I may end up using brute force. I don't think the glass will survive that.

  5. #4
    Paul Rust
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    I wonder if you could inject a solvent like Detachol or something else along the edge to dissolve the adhesive.

  6. #5
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    I was wondering if there might be something to do that myself.

  7. #6
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Just did a little bit of googling and found a forum where someone else asked the same question. The answers she got were acetone and super-strong cleaning vinegar will dissolve silicon. So, I will have to try that.

  8. #7
    Founder John's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Pure acetic acid might do the job (vinegar without the water - acetic acid is also a liquid). However it is dangerous in its pure form - it will burn you and it will burn your lungs if you inhale it.
    Founder of Frogforum.net (2008) and Caudata.org (2001)

  9. #8
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Thanks.

  10. #9
    100+ Post Member Ebony's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Looks like you got your work cut out for you Kurt, Good luck.

  11. #10
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Thanks. All this work because some $3 bromeliads have out grown the tank they're in.

    I went and bought new glass tonight and a few things that might remove the old silicone. I tried to get acetic acid, but the guys at the hardware store have never heard of it. John, where do you get acetic acid?

  12. #11
    Founder John's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    I don't think it's possible for just anyone to buy it.
    Founder of Frogforum.net (2008) and Caudata.org (2001)

  13. #12
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Bummer.

  14. #13
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Well, I got the tank apart using Mötsenböcker's "Lift-off" and a razor blade. So, now the "tank" is a collection of parts that have been totally stripped of silicone. I have new glass panels out in the car and may start construction tomorrow. Just need to find an appropriate silicone to put it together.

  15. #14
    Paul Rust
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Quote Originally Posted by Kurt View Post
    Well, I got the tank apart using Mötsenböcker's "Lift-off
    What is it and where did you get it Kurt? Did it make it easy?

  16. #15
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    It made it easier to get things apart. It is a liquid silicone remover that I found at my local hardware store. I poured some into the tank and after a while I began to see it leak out of the tank. I let it work its way in between the panels and frame, then used a razor blade to remove silicone and part the panels apart from each other. When I began to use it I expected it would make the tank just come apart, but that not the case. There is some "elbow greese" involved.

    http://www.liftoffinc.com/product-sealant-remover.php

  17. #16
    Paul Rust
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Very nice, thanks for the info.

  18. #17
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    You're welcome.

  19. #18
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Well, I have put the tank together, just need to clean up any excess silicone and test it for leaks.

  20. #19
    daziladi
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Hope we get to see photos when you're done! We've purchased most of the supplies but its on hold for research before we start.

  21. #20
    Kurt
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    Default Re: Tearing down the old and building up the new

    Good luck with your project.

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