$50 craiglist 225 tank/cabinet/canopy DIY refurbish

I called Mason glass who sold me the new bottom, although not aquarium builders they know the nature of glass framing and removal. Basically they confirmed my worst fears and told me that when glass is framed between glass with no relief like in a custom skylight where glass is large and thick and grouting or silicone is minimal between the glass, not to remove any more of the proactive grout as the glass will expand and shift possibly impacting the other nearby panels sharing off chucks of edge glass. The way they do it is by removing any manageable broken pieces first then scoring small manageable sections and further cracking the glass from the back side of the score. Trying to remove too thin a grout on large thick glass will only shard the edges of both pieces of glass.

So it looks like I need to buy a glass scoring tool to get this thing out safely:nilly::thud::duh::irked::crazy::wall:
 
I see you have your hands full on this one my friend :eek:
 
Gunner ya got balls buddy i would not have even attempted a tank repair.
 
RodInCALIFORNIA said:
Gunner ya got balls buddy i would not have even attempted a tank repair.
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Well this isn't a hindsight situation it originally was a $200 225 tank and cabinet with no leaks which was my intent. After dealing with the gentlemen who sold me a broken tank, the deal was essentially free but I voluntarily gave the man $50 becasue it was the right thing to do. But yes I could have not paid him a dime and trashed the tank or used the tank for target practice out in the desert, a coarse I'm sure most people would have taken. I just happen to believe that everything happens for a reason and that this fell into my hands the way it did so that I could exercise, grow and challenge my limited abilities to re-create something with my own hands and gain the satisfaction of not just learning new things but knowing that a part of me went into it and made it possible. God willing the tank, cabinet and canopy will be standing majestically holding water and fish soon and Ill be reminded of whats possible.
 
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PTL I have crossed over the summit with only a steep decent and a few hairpin turns to deal with before reaching the end of this project. The lessons leaned and experience in this step alone were priceless. Special tanks to my neighbor Harold to has come out on every occasion Iv needed help with this tank. Also thanks to krytan for his advice on removing the end panel to relive just barley enough tension to remove the bottom panel, and finally thanks to Stan & Debbie Hauter's article on "aquarium glass repairs" which provided crucial information on how to patiently remove silicone between glass without damaging glass panels.

The bottom panel dropped out on its own after the last portion of silicone was removed and I had to build temporary support frames to brace the open end in order to turn the tank over in preparation for edge cleaning and preparation for simultaneous glass panel replacement of both the end and bottom. I am still undecided whether I will be using PVC or aluminum angle bracing 1.5"X1/8" either of which can be match stained. Although PVC will provide added surface tension to the outside joints, aluminum would actually bare a substantial amount of the load leaving the silicone to serve as a sealant only.
Tankbottomoff001.jpg

Tankbottomoff003.jpg

Below the tank upside down almost ready for panel replacement using the standard (capped) method.
tankbottom2002.jpg
 
Thank you, and yes I forgot to mention that each and every supportive comment, constructive criticism, recommendation and opinion has been more appreciated and helpful in forming my approach to this project then you realize.

My old 91 Nissan pickup with 198K miles has been remarkably dependable truck under demanding use over the years but I never thought it would be such a great "larger aquarium repair platform" LOL.

Still a few big hurtles to cross namely how to rig for simultaneous 81/35 Lb panel replacement, inside reseal, new outside bracing, and outside testing phase on newly rebuilt stand. God willing all complete before next Wednesday when my wife returns to see new aquarium from junk complete with matching canopy.
 
You've got through the hardest part now gunner, congrats.
Everything looks really good, i'm getting really excited now and it's not even my tank.
Have you thought about stocking yet?
 
Outstanding job!
 
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