gonzalez78
New member
What can i use to remove left over residue from silicone? I picked up the 20L from Oly and have always wanted to do a rimless tank but ended up only doing the top since i can always cover the bottom trim.
how can i remove silicone residue?
- Thread starter gonzalez78
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zeroinverse
New member
Hmmm... The plastic trim is supposed to be structural somewhat. The silicone "level 1" seam joints hold tank in place, but top plastic helps reinforce. Not sure for a 20L if it is 100% neceassary for suppport. On my 30" high tank, it definitely would be.
That said, use a razor blade. Go to home depot and buy the razor blade and paint trim remover plastic tool.
Mini Scraper
http://bit.ly/MmV3v7
That said, use a razor blade. Go to home depot and buy the razor blade and paint trim remover plastic tool.
Mini Scraper
http://bit.ly/MmV3v7
gonzalez78
New member
+1 to razor blade if all that is left is a film try acetone. also available at home depot
Used the razorblade already got a big cut in my finger. All that is left is just residue from the silicone.
Asked around on nano-reef about removing the trim and they all said it should be fine now just have to make the stand, lights, and all-in-one system.
zeroinverse
New member
Some sumps have silicone sections where "hard water" stains has actually etched the glass... Those need to be "glass polished" off... But your case is different. Only the trim plastic should not have been in contact with calcium deposits and hard water.
woodnaquanut
Active member
I 'googled' this. eHow recommends the razor blade, then using Mineral spirits (aka paint thinner) and a scrubbing pad. You can use a 1:8 ratio of white vinegar to water to rinse off the mineral spirits. Another source said Mineral oil (baby oil without the baby flavoring) instead of MS.
If the glass is smooth enough, the razor blade should do the trick. If you use the razor blade alone be sure to get single edge blades, available at any paint store, HD, TrueValue, etc.
If the glass is smooth enough, the razor blade should do the trick. If you use the razor blade alone be sure to get single edge blades, available at any paint store, HD, TrueValue, etc.
northbay-reefer
New member
I think the recommendation need to be more specific. "Use Razor blade on silicone, not finger" 
gonzalez78
New member
I think the recommendation need to be more specific. "Use Razor blade on silicone, not finger"
Good one Tom.
as far as the razor blade i did use single edged since i bought a 100 pack of them at home depot for when i clean my biocube i use that to scrub off the coraline and other things off the glass. Unfortunately as accidents happen my hand slipped and right on to my finger.
since i just hosed off the tank with RO water it was wet but now that its dry the residue is not too visible maybe this weekend i will go get some mineral spirits at home depot and some wood to make a stand at a hood for my GU10 lighting system i'm planning on making.
Then i might try the garbage can method of an AIO system or just order some from another guy off nano-reef.
If you have access to Dremmel, the cloth polishing wheels sold for them do an amazing job removing that dimly residue left over after the razor blade treatment. LOTS less elbow grease than the alternatives.
Then a final clean up with acetone - after polishing away ALL residue - you'll be good to go.
Then a final clean up with acetone - after polishing away ALL residue - you'll be good to go.
gonzalez78
New member
Good idea scolley.... my younger brother has a dremel maybe i will buy those cloth polishing wheels also along with the acetone when i get more money.
waiting for my GU10 lights to get here from China so excited.
coralfarmer
Aquarist
All that work. how come you just didn't buy a rimless? 20 gallons is a lot of water on the floor. and a 20 rimless doesn't cost that much.
gonzalez78
New member
Well it was put up for adoption here by Oly and no one wanted it i guess so i decided to try and give it a new home. If i had the money i would have bought a rimless.
coralfarmer
Aquarist
What are you going to use for lighting?
gonzalez78
New member
as far as lighting goes i have been reading on another reef forum of some people having great success with just normal everyday household spot lights called GU10 so i am going to try those out if they don't work i still have a Glow t5ho ballast in my room and 2 new lights i can use for now. I ordered some of those lights in blue and some with Cree cool white LEDs.
