Really dumb tank question (Sketch added)

**chaznsc** · 05-14-2008, 12:56 AM

I have a rimless 10 gallon that I added some glass "sides" to lift a light off the top 10 inches or so. I glues them with silicone. Can these be removed by heat or something?

I have attached a PDF sketch of the tank.

RoyalFizbin · 05-14-2008, 01:09 AM

I doubt heat will work. I think you're stuck with it. Heating glass can lead to thermal shock and then the glass will crack. If you do try heat, be sure to do it slowly. Rapid heating of glass is what will crack it. I think you might be better off using a putty knife. I have a putty knife that i thinned down. I used this tool for removing a glued acoustic guitar bridge. This is the kind of tool i would try to wedge between the glass from all directions to try and cut silicone. This might be too much trouble to go through for a 10 gallon tank.

Ozymandias · 05-14-2008, 01:10 AM

if it's silicone cant you just use a razor to cut it off. not sure how silicone would react to heat but you could try if you really want to (some one else is bound to know)

RoyalFizbin · 05-14-2008, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozymandias

if it's silicone cant you just use a razor to cut it off. not sure how silicone would react to heat but you could try if you really want to (some one else is bound to know)

But it sounds to me like he laminated a pane of glass on each end. You wouldn't be able to just cut it off.

20 20 · 05-14-2008, 01:18 AM

I've never done this, but I've read that it works. If you can't get a razor blade in there, try using a thin piece of fishing line, or a piano wire, and sawing back and forth. Like I said, I've never done it, but maybe worth a try.

Spiritwind · 05-14-2008, 01:43 AM

Razor blade will get it off, not exactly sure how it is attached though.

...although the way I read it, the question asks if the heat from the light is gonna make the silicone fail and basically drop the light.

If thats the real question, a picture would help. Silicone to glass is a very strong bond, the heat would have be very long and extreme to dry it out and make it fail.

**chaznsc** · 05-14-2008, 02:18 PM

bump, sketch added.

Church · 05-14-2008, 03:06 PM

I doubt you have to worry about heat from the light affecting the bond of the silicone to the glass... unless you're just not sure that you bonded it correctly, in which case there are many threads available in the search function that discuss that technique.

But presuming you bonded the glass properly, I'm sure heat won't be a problem.

...That being said, what may be a problem, on the other hand, is the weight of the light fixture. Without seeing your actual work, it's hard to say, but be sure that the two extra panes of glass you bonded on are PERFECTLY attached, and aren't off-axis. Even a couple degree tilt could be disastrous if that fixture is heavy enough.

geleen · 05-14-2008, 04:04 PM

I wonder if freezing the tank for 24 hours would break the bond?
J

**chaznsc** · 05-14-2008, 04:18 PM

I WANT to remove the panels.

metageologist · 05-14-2008, 04:22 PM

i would try the fishing line idea just get a heavy line or use a thin length of braded wire

05-14-2008, 01:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ozymandias Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (12) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: IN/NJ Posts: 909	if it's silicone cant you just use a razor to cut it off. not sure how silicone would react to heat but you could try if you really want to (some one else is bound to know) __________________ Proud member of NJAGC my 30 gallon rebuild

05-14-2008, 01:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
20 20 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1) Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: PA Posts: 208	I've never done this, but I've read that it works. If you can't get a razor blade in there, try using a thin piece of fishing line, or a piano wire, and sawing back and forth. Like I said, I've never done it, but maybe worth a try. __________________ My 75 gallon 'journal': http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ge...critiques.html And the 75 gallon 'profile': http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/my...3-20%2020.html

05-14-2008, 03:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
Church Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3) Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,079	I doubt you have to worry about heat from the light affecting the bond of the silicone to the glass... unless you're just not sure that you bonded it correctly, in which case there are many threads available in the search function that discuss that technique. But presuming you bonded the glass properly, I'm sure heat won't be a problem. ...That being said, what may be a problem, on the other hand, is the weight of the light fixture. Without seeing your actual work, it's hard to say, but be sure that the two extra panes of glass you bonded on are PERFECTLY attached, and aren't off-axis. Even a couple degree tilt could be disastrous if that fixture is heavy enough. __________________ My 20 gallon — My 10 gallon (R.I.P.) — My 5 gallon — My girlfriend's 2½ gallon (R.I.P.) "We always put animals in cages so that we can take pleasure in seeing them. Perhaps if we put them in places where they can take pleasure in living in, then we would find them more beautiful to look at when they showed themselves." -Takashi Amano

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05-14-2008, 01:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
RoyalFizbin Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 93	I doubt heat will work. I think you're stuck with it. Heating glass can lead to thermal shock and then the glass will crack. If you do try heat, be sure to do it slowly. Rapid heating of glass is what will crack it. I think you might be better off using a putty knife. I have a putty knife that i thinned down. I used this tool for removing a glued acoustic guitar bridge. This is the kind of tool i would try to wedge between the glass from all directions to try and cut silicone. This might be too much trouble to go through for a 10 gallon tank.

05-14-2008, 01:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
Spiritwind Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 225	Razor blade will get it off, not exactly sure how it is attached though. ...although the way I read it, the question asks if the heat from the light is gonna make the silicone fail and basically drop the light. If thats the real question, a picture would help. Silicone to glass is a very strong bond, the heat would have be very long and extreme to dry it out and make it fail.

05-14-2008, 02:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
chaznsc Paranoia is underrated (View User Tanks) PTrader: (74) Join Date: May 2006 Location: SC Posts: 2,507	bump, sketch added.

05-14-2008, 04:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
geleen Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 2	I wonder if freezing the tank for 24 hours would break the bond? J

05-14-2008, 04:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
chaznsc Paranoia is underrated (View User Tanks) PTrader: (74) Join Date: May 2006 Location: SC Posts: 2,507	I WANT to remove the panels.

05-14-2008, 04:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
metageologist Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 211	i would try the fishing line idea just get a heavy line or use a thin length of braded wire

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