Practice makes perfect, build a couple more tanks and you will have NO silicon to clean off other than dry squeeze out, which can be cut away in seconds.I don't know about the credit card idea, that is a fairly long edge to distribute a mess across the glass. If you are going to use that method spray the glass and the card with a little soapy water first.
For the man asking about the plastic bracing, any plastic won't be adding to the structure of the tank. A lot of mass produced tanks just have plastic trim so they can be handled a bit more roughly in transit without damage. I haven't paid any attention to how ADA brace their tanks, but the best way is a 30-40mm rib all the way along the front and rear panes, and then 100-150mm braces running front to back on top of them. Gives you a large glue area plus provides a recess for lids to sit down into. I think planted tanks are better off without lids. Better off without braces where possible, but that adds expense by needing heavier glass.
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