De rimming an established 20l

[shrimpNewbie]

How bad of an idea is this? I was thinking about removing alot of water and some how making a pool cover like thing to keep plastic out. I enjoy the 10g I de rimmed more than my other tanks and since my 20l is my high tech I want it to look nice, I don't care about the bottom rim just the top, any ideas tips would be nice also I it helps it's a top fin 20g L with pretty heavy silicone but doesn't worry me 10g was very easy

[bigboij]

drain it, clean the inner glass (so tape will stick) then lay/float a trash bag over the top of the water, and tape up the sides to seal the edges near the glass.

granted you want to try and get this done within a hour or two @ most. if you think it would take longer you may want to add an airstone, but then you need to leave your seal open a bit so it doesnt fill up the area under the trash bag like a ballon.

[shrimpNewbie]

I did a ten g in about 20 mins without taking all the silicone off, glad you didn't tell me not to I just got my new lights and the rim looks worse so it is coming off wish me luck

[shrimpNewbie]

Done and it looks great besides the small amount of silicone left a razor could not get off, no big deal IMO will take pics tomorrow and post them, are there any clear corner braces? Just so I can sleep better at night.


Also gotta make a black or white background that is quick cheap and not paint, any ideas?

[Kathyy]

Garbage bag. I have white kitchen trash bags, most people have black leaf bags. Either ought to open up so you only need one piece.
Foam sheeting used for packing.

[shrimpNewbie]

Thank you

[tryank]

I'm glad I found your thread! I have been contemplating doing the same thing. And, like you, I did a 10g without any issues but am hesitant to do it on a tank with still holding water, even if it is only a little. Did you just razor blade the corners and ply it off or shave down the edges first?

[talontsiawd]

I have done it by draining about 90% of the water. However, my rim was a bit loose so I knew it wouldn't take much force. On a new one, it was much harder.

I don't recommend it, not because of the stress water will put on it, but if you do break it, even a gallon of water, much less a few is not pretty, especially dirty water. Full, or half full, much worse and probably dangerous.