Disassemble??

[Gabe]

Has anyone ever taken apart a glass aquarium? I have an old AGA 55 that is 3/8". I want to try building a cube, and this seems like a good place to get some cheap glass.(nutty) The plastic frame came off easy enough, and the silicone in the corners also. Just not sure how to get the silicone out of the seams.(scratch)

Thanks

Gabe

[jgf86123]

I'd check to make sure the 55g isn't tempered first, from what I've read and seen, the majority of 55g tanks are tempered, and if that is the case, you won't be able to cut the glass or drill it.

[Gabe]

OK, new Question... how can you tell, without being destructive, if glass is tempered? There are a couple chips on the corners, could that indicate non-tempered?

[dsoz]

chips would mean it is probably not tempered. If it was tempered, a chip could mean that the whole pane would be in pieces.

Look for a sticker in the bottom that labels what sides are tempered. If it is AGA, then it probably only has a tempered bottom.

try a razor blade (utility knife) down the seam. It will be slow going, and be careful or you can cut yourself or crack the glass.

dsoz

[parvo99]

When deciding dimensions, keep in mind that you'll need at least 2 inches to make a clean break

[reeferscooter]

I have taken apart many glass tanks and the easiest way is to spilt the seams is using either a very sharp scapel like knife or a nice new guitar string. a thin guitar string can slide right down the seam like a cheese cutter.

[finch6013]

The AGA tank will have a tempered bottom.

[Gabe]

A little brainstorming at work today came up with the idea of using string or something to cut through the silicone. Experimented after work with some thread, dental floss, and fishing line. The winner was 6# test Trilene Ultraclear(laugh). Took about 10 min. to remove one end panel.

I like the guitar string idea, but no guitars here.

Thanks again guys!

Gabe

[reeferscooter]

nice putting it together is fun. My friend and I just got done rebuilding a 72x18x21 glass aquarium.

[7Max-GTE]

Can't you check if its tempered with a pair of polarized glasses also? I think it was non-tempered glass will still be transparent when you turn the glasses 90 degrees. If the glass is black when you turn the glasses 90 degrees, it's tempered...Most of the time on smaller tanks (sub-100g) only the bottom panel is tempered. Good luck!

[Gabe]

So thats why all the car windows change when I krink my neck in the car.

[7Max-GTE]

And you see the rainbow out your side windows possibly. :]

[Gabe]

Ok, so I finally got the rest of the tank appart.(enforcer) It really helped to use a razor as a wedge to keep pressure off the cutting line.
Now I get to cut it up(clap)
Thanks for looking
Gabe