Tearing down the old and building up the new

[Kurt]

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?

[Paul Rust]

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!

[Kurt]

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

[Paul Rust]

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

[Kurt]

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

[Kurt]

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.

[John]

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.

[Kurt]

Thanks.

[Ebony]

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

[Kurt]

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?

[John]

I don't think it's possible for just anyone to buy it.

[Kurt]

Bummer.

[Kurt]

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.

[Paul Rust]

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?

[Kurt]

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

[Paul Rust]

Very nice, thanks for the info.

[Kurt]

You're welcome.

[Kurt]

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

[daziladi]

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.

[Kurt]

Good luck with your project.