I don't know why you think I'm not spending a lot of time on this. I've been working at this for days, hours at a time.
Removing rim of aquarium and scratches in glass?
- Thread starter captmicha
- Start date
methyl hydrate... hardware/paint store or depot/lowes (may want to call first)... will eat up that silicone as well as anything else out there. as always a thorough cleaning is in order after any chemical use.
a sawzall will work with a practiced, steady hand, a slow controlled speed and a very fine tooth blade. once you bottom out all bets are off, though, so if you're not good with power tools, don't have the best eyes, hand - eye coordination, etc. ... i wouldn't suggest it. dangerous stuff...
a nice, hot heat cutting tool would work well on the rims also. hot knife makes plastic like butter...
a sawzall will work with a practiced, steady hand, a slow controlled speed and a very fine tooth blade. once you bottom out all bets are off, though, so if you're not good with power tools, don't have the best eyes, hand - eye coordination, etc. ... i wouldn't suggest it. dangerous stuff...
a nice, hot heat cutting tool would work well on the rims also. hot knife makes plastic like butter...
CWO4GUNNER
USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
Well OK, I was the same way my first time and though nothing was ever going to come apart unless I did something drastic like brake the glass, something I actually considered when I was trying to remove a huge 72x24 cracked bottom panel for replacement, seemed impossible. But I just settled down and took the advice I gave you and kept cutting and finally like a suborn loose tooth it came out. After that 1st experience of course, I became an expert and now I can cut a panel or trim out in minutes. Its weird like whenever you try new in life the objective can smell your fear and inexperienced and seems to resist all sincere efforts, but after that 1st won battle every the same problem or next tank seems to know your a ninja and the silicone just seems to fly off LOL.
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That Lift Off stuff works miracles!!!! It really helped! I got the top rim off in one piece. I'm working on the bottom one today and removing the damaged pane of glass.
Check it out if you're interested, it's pretty safe:
http://www.liftoffinc.com/product-sealant-remover.php
Even after I wash it off with soap and water and then do a vinegar rinse, I'm going to be running the tank for a while without inhabitants (I mean longer than it would take to cycle) because I'm doing a Diana Walstad set up with real potting soil.
Check it out if you're interested, it's pretty safe:
http://www.liftoffinc.com/product-sealant-remover.php
Even after I wash it off with soap and water and then do a vinegar rinse, I'm going to be running the tank for a while without inhabitants (I mean longer than it would take to cycle) because I'm doing a Diana Walstad set up with real potting soil.
CWO4GUNNER
USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
You should have taken some DIY photos, I don't think I have ever seen a thread on dissolving silicone. If it allows you to remove those press-molded jigs intact, that could be a great way to remove them in the future for allot of other reasons. Good find of new alternative method.
