finch6013 Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 I bought a 30'' cube and the silicon is a little loose on the edges of the bead. I dont think the tank leaks but I feel like the loos silicon could be a problem later on down the road. Any tips on how to re silicon or touch up what is there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwcoralfarm Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 I believe it is a little tricky, and needs a small gap between the pieces of glass for a full re silicone job. Ask Rick here ( I believe that is his username too) I know he has done it successfully at least a few times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted April 4, 2010 Author Share Posted April 4, 2010 I dont know that I am looking for a full re silicone job just fixing the inside seal. the seal between the glass that holds it all together looks fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saltfinsax Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 What I would try and do is this. Best would be to get a small sharp chisel about a 1/4 or smaller and cut the silicone out leaving a 45deg. wedge in the corner. Then finger in a new bead over the wedge. If you want them nice crisp edges I have seen people use tape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 New silicon won't stick to the old stuff so you will have to get it all off of there. Razor blades and acetone work best. Be careful not to damage the seam between the glass.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saltfinsax Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 Guess I forgot about the the new stuff sticking to old. Sure sounds like a mess or pain no matter what way you do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 Use a razor blade to cut/trim all of the silicone from inside. Do not push it between the pieces of glass though. There should be enough silicone between the pieces of glass to keep it together as long as you don't. Then use acetone to clean up whatever silicone is left on the glass and to get any oils, dirt, etc. off it. As mentioned use making tape to make a nice clean line after the silicone is applied. Use about a 1/4" bead and smooth it down in with your finger tip. After 20 minutes or so remove the masking tape. Don't wait too long or the silicone will pull up with the tape. Just replacing the silicone isn't too big of a job other than getting the old stuff out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted April 5, 2010 Author Share Posted April 5, 2010 thanks for the info. I have been looking how to do it on different websites and I get different info everywhere I go. But what Rick said seems to te the normal way of doing it. This tank had a bad looking silicone job to begin with so it needs it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 Also, If you do happen to get a silicone mess on the glass then wait for 24 hours and then use a razor blade to trim/scrape it off. If you try to wipe it off when the silicone is still wet it will smear and make it harder to clean up later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted April 5, 2010 Author Share Posted April 5, 2010 what is a good black silicone to use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 RTV103 is the strongest black silicon available that is still FDA approved. Trust me, i've been researching this stuff for a year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted April 5, 2010 Author Share Posted April 5, 2010 is that HD available? or where do I get it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 Brandon- if you want a silicone tool to make a nice, neat, edge then give me a call when you are ready to do it. I had to re-caulk my bathtub last month and bought one of those tools at HD for under $10. It made the caulk look really nice. As long as it is returend clean I have no issue with you borrowing the tool. Good luck. If you want advice when you are going at it I have done this several times to different tanks that I have had. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted April 6, 2010 Author Share Posted April 6, 2010 Thanks Denis, I will talk to you when the time comes. The tank being redone wont be done until we get a house and are ready. I am just gathering info or now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 No but Granger carries it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arsonmfg Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=rtv103&op=search&Ntt=rtv103&N=0&sst=subset This is the stuff you want to use, they usually have it in stock at the Tualatin and at Swan Island locations. Make sure you check the biubd date, I got one that was expired a while back. If it's expired you can't use it. Also make sure you get some extra to play around with and get used to using, it's not like normal silicone it's more like a paste. What your doing isn't hard at all, just take your time and be careful getting out the old stuff so that you don't break into the actual structural part of the silicone joints and you'll be fine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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