Replace glass pane

[jdm1114]

Does anyone know how to replace a glass pane of an aquarium? I have a glasscages tank (180 gallon) with a cracked bottom pane, is it possible to replace?

 

[KrazyKuch]

Yes but to replace the bottom you will pretty much have to cut your tank completely apart and clean all edges of all silicone and reassemble....not an easy task

 

[jdm1114]

Alright, can anyone recommend an experienced or professional builder replace the bottom pane?

 

[ca1ore]

By the time you have paid somebody to do this for you, I suspect it will not be all that short of a new tank.

 

[sleepydoc]

+1
You can check with your local fish stores to see if they know of anyone in the area

Most people don't like to ship tanks for obvious reasons. If you have to ship it that would be another reason to get a new one

 

[lockrookie]

It's not that hard to replace glass if I can do it anyone can I replaced the front pane on my 180. Even if you had to take it all apart which is recommended it would make it easier to rebuild at that point

I've also built for another person a 180 from scratch euro raced by myself. Was supposed to have help but the buggers didn't show us on build day. Just wear gloves as to not get sliced by the glass

 

[jdm1114]

thanks

thanks

Thank you for the responses, I guess I'll just have to sell it as a reptile tank. Its a shame because its a brand new tank with starfire glass.

 

[lockrookie]

Do me a favour take the bottom trim if it has it off the bottom of the tank. Look to see if the bottom glass is inside the wall glass or if the wall glass sits on the bottom pane

If the wall glass sits on the bottom pane you will be golden remove and replace easy peasy even go one up and make the bottom pane thicker glass than the usual half inch to prevent a repeat

Most larger tanks are built in this manner with the wall glass on top of the bottom glass glue back on them reseal the whole tank and your golden

 

[ca1ore]

Thank you for the responses, I guess I'll just have to sell it as a reptile tank. Its a shame because its a brand new tank with starfire glass.

If it is brand new, why don't you ask Glasscages what they would recommend. I have always been led to believe that new silicone will not stick well enough to old silicone to provide adequate strength, but perhaps GC can offer a solution.

 

[jdm1114]

Thanks Lockrookie, I will check bottom pane when I get home. It does sound like an easy fix the way you explain it.

 

[jdm1114]

If it is brand new, why don't you ask Glasscages what they would recommend. I have always been led to believe that new silicone will not stick well enough to old silicone to provide adequate strength, but perhaps GC can offer a solution.

I called Glascages and they said I could use it as a reptile tank :sad1:

I may try calling them back to see if I can get someone else on the phone.

 

[ca1ore]

I called Glascages and they said I could use it as a reptile tank :sad1:

Oh, I see, that wasn't very helpful.

 

[jdm1114]

The crack is in the back right corner through one of the bulkhead holes contained inside the overflow box. The crack goes to the outside edge of the tank but the side panes are intact. I guess I could use it as a tank without an overflow, or I could drill the back for a gl*******s overflow kit.

I called back today and GC said I may be able to silicone on a new piece of glass with the same dimensions as the inside of the overflow box. I would place this piece of glass in the overflow on the bottom. What do you guys think, I guess I have nothing to loose?

What kind of silicone would I use?

 

[ca1ore]

I have patched unused holes in the bottom of tank before with no issues using silicone sold fro aquarium use (Aqueon last time). I don't know that this is any different than regular GE1, but I was willing to pay the premium just in case.

 

[jdm1114]

Do me a favour take the bottom trim if it has it off the bottom of the tank. Look to see if the bottom glass is inside the wall glass or if the wall glass sits on the bottom pane

If the wall glass sits on the bottom pane you will be golden remove and replace easy peasy even go one up and make the bottom pane thicker glass than the usual half inch to prevent a repeat

Most larger tanks are built in this manner with the wall glass on top of the bottom glass glue back on them reseal the whole tank and your golden

The tank is euro braced, and wall glass sits on the bottom pane. I think the euro bracing makes it significantly harder to remove the bottom pane, am I correct?

 

[lockrookie]

Nope if the tank walls sit on the bottom pane just use razor blades and box cutter blades to remove the bottom pane without taking the rest of the tank apart clean off all the silicone in all corners replace the bottom pane wait till it sets then reseal all corners of the tank wait 24-48 hours fill and enjoy

 

[lockrookie]

It's similar to what I did with my 180 except I replaced the front pane and added euro racing go look at my 180g tank build and it will explain a bit more.. If I wasn't in Canada Id do it for ya.. Time consuming but relatively easy

 

[jdm1114]

Thanks lockrookie, I may give this a try. Any tips or special tools used to separate the bottom pane and to remove all silicone?

 

[lockrookie]

Before flipping the tank over remove the silicone at the bottom ove the tank with razor blades. Get yourself a couple handles for the blades Home Depot should have them only a couple bucks each buy a pack of 100 blades you will need them they get dull fast. Leave the silicone on the corners until later for integrity reasons

When that is done don't worry about the excess film left behind you can deal with it later flip the tank upside down and slowly carefully tap razor blades with a hammer into the seam where the glass meets use three or mor blades at a time and work yourself around the tank. You will see the silicone discolour as it seperates from each other don't rush it start at a corner and work both sides at first but continue along the longest sides it gets loose. The razor blades wedge the glass enough that you will start getting a gap which you can use a box cutter to follow along and seperate more eventually it come of. Just be gentle and when tapping in the blades tap them in right beside eac other pull out loose ones to move to the next spot if they don't come out easy don't force it will chip the glass just use another blade and continue along.

If you have questions message me here I have subscribed and get them fairly quickly. Also before you start price out a new pane to be sure you wish to go this route it cost me 200 for mine if you like I have to take a tank apart my self soon I can take pics of what I do and post them for you to give you a better idea. Let me know

 

[jdm1114]

Wow, I appreciate the wealth of information. Pictures would be very helpful, I will price the new bottom pane and make my next decision from there.