tkeracer619
New member
Building the BTA Propagation System (Part 2)
Building the BTA Propagation System (Part 2)
First step today was to clean all of the tanks with white vinegar. Once squeaky clean I set them up on some cinder blocks and 2x4s so I could hammer them out in quick secession. I also won't need to move them until this is done.
I placed an insert into each tank and squared them up.
Once square I used a razor blade to notch out the trim so that the inserts could be inserted straight down. This will really simplify installation.
Now that I know where they will go I crawl under the tanks and use a sharpie marker to draw lines down the middle of the acrylic, this is how I will position the silicone application.
Ready to go!
I'll be using Momentive RTV103. This is a strong black silicone adhesive. If you haven't ever used it before it is thick and skins over quickly so you need to work fast.
I move all of the inserts out of the way, cut the tip, and apply a bead of silicone along my lines. Each tank is done one at a time to minimize any skinning effect.
I carefully and quickly slide the insert down through the top notches and align it to the silicone. Once in place I will square it up within reason. It is best not to move it so if it's close (they all were) I left it. I wanted to see silicone squeeze out on both sides of each pane. I will trim this once it cures.
I will wait for the silicone to cure before going any further. I don't want to shift the inserts. Once cured I will do the sides via the injection method. Since this is just an insert it won't have much load on it and I am using a high end silicone. Otherwise I would recommend against the injection method.
Building the BTA Propagation System (Part 2)
First step today was to clean all of the tanks with white vinegar. Once squeaky clean I set them up on some cinder blocks and 2x4s so I could hammer them out in quick secession. I also won't need to move them until this is done.
I placed an insert into each tank and squared them up.
Once square I used a razor blade to notch out the trim so that the inserts could be inserted straight down. This will really simplify installation.
Now that I know where they will go I crawl under the tanks and use a sharpie marker to draw lines down the middle of the acrylic, this is how I will position the silicone application.
Ready to go!
I'll be using Momentive RTV103. This is a strong black silicone adhesive. If you haven't ever used it before it is thick and skins over quickly so you need to work fast.
I move all of the inserts out of the way, cut the tip, and apply a bead of silicone along my lines. Each tank is done one at a time to minimize any skinning effect.
I carefully and quickly slide the insert down through the top notches and align it to the silicone. Once in place I will square it up within reason. It is best not to move it so if it's close (they all were) I left it. I wanted to see silicone squeeze out on both sides of each pane. I will trim this once it cures.
I will wait for the silicone to cure before going any further. I don't want to shift the inserts. Once cured I will do the sides via the injection method. Since this is just an insert it won't have much load on it and I am using a high end silicone. Otherwise I would recommend against the injection method.
