how to disassemble an aquarium

[laura65536]

I was wondering if anyone knew the best way to take apart a 55 gallon aquarium, I'm using the glass from a 55 for our plywood tank and just wanted to know if there was a good way to get it apart.

 

[Arthur]

once you get the plastic trim off you could probably use something like fishing line to work through the silicone kind of like a saw. never really done it before but that is how I would do it. You'd also have to have something to to wrap the fishing line around because if you just try to hold it on both ends you'd more that likely cut your hands with the fishing line.

 

[jjdsplace]

You can buy silicone sealant digester from B&Q etc. You need to
remove as much as possible mechanically first, and then this stuff
will soften and loosen the rest.

You must then clean very carefully and with meths before replacing it.

 

[Dr Joe]

Just a razor knife (heavy duty) to cut thru all the seams, first trim the silicone off, then carefully thru the seams. You can use some duct tape to hold the glass together untill all seams are totally cut thru. It's better to have an extra set of hands to help too.

After it's all apart use razor blades in a widget (holder) to remove the little bits of silicone, then clean with acetone(best), alcohol (good).

Make sure to take pixs of the build too.

Keep us posted,

Dr Joe

.

 

[dafrimpster]

I have found an unwound guitar string is helpful for cutting the seams

 

[Rudyroo220]

I recently tried to disassemble my 40 gal aquarium to use its parts to construct a hamster cage. VERY TIME CONSUMING. I had the idea to turn the aquarium on its side and just to remove the top glass panel ONLY. I would also cut and glue two smaller panels covering up the openings. Thus making a glass box with the large top portion open. In my head, I planned to first remove the plastic trim on the top and bottom of the aquarium. This was difficult to do since the plastic trimming if very fragile AND silicone-glued to the glass. I tried using an Xecto knive to trim away the access.I was able to remove the silicon which was exposed pretty easily BUT using a small screwdriver to pry apart the glass from the trim was VERY difficlut. I ended up making several small cracks in the trim until I had no choice but to cut out the former top plastic trim with a knive. I figured I could buy a replacement trim and install it later. I tried using fishing line to saw the seams of two sides apart but the line broke very easily. I ended up googling up ideas and decided to buy an inexpensive heat gun for about $15 at a discount hardware store. It resembles a blow driver and blows a hot burst of air ( mine was advertised at 1500 watts) This was helpful in softening up seams and I was able to used guitar string ( another idea I got from googling this). You have to be very careful in handling the glass after its been heated ( prying apart, yanking, ...etc.) or you risk shattering the glass. I was finally able to remove the panel I wanted and I used some 1/8" pexi glass to cover the open front. I used silicone to secure the pexiglass to the front but plan to put a second layer for additional support. I still need to find a plastic frame to fit the front frame, for additional support but it finally looks like what I had in mind. Tips. Use gloves. Place a towel underneath the tank when working on it. and remember, you're working with glass So be careful not to cut yourself. Good Luck!

 

[Squirtle919]

6 years old bro, I think its already done =P hopefully!!!