Adamc1303's 250 Gallon Reef Tank Build

[Adamc1303]

The one piece euro brace snapped in the front right corner and back left corner. I didn't know the back snapped until I removed the canopy today.

@rkaragozler What will work better new one piece euro brace or a regular euro brace? I am going to add a center brace as well. Should i get tempered or regular glass?

 

[SPotter]

The tank wasn't properly leveled.

Oh no.....was it the stand?

 

[Adamc1303]

Nope the stand is good, my floors are off and I did a crappy job leveling the tank, so I guess it was me.... Side to side was perfect but front to back was off. So the back brace tore and the front brace tore. i hope it wont be too expensive to fix. As annoying at it is this could have easily happened in two weeks when the tank would be full, or it could have snapped a front or back glass viewing pane and i would have had a mess. It would literally have been like a Sandy insurance claim. The water could have screwed up my entire house since the tank is not directly above but close to being above my electrical svc. I deal with Con Ed all day, there is no city or government agency that I hate more then Con Ed. I deal with everyone and they are ust not responsive in the energy services department which deals with new meters and service. I would have been out of svc for months! I literally would have had to move out of my house. Also I am happy it was my mistake and not the manufacturers mistake. If it would have been their mistake I would have always been nervous that this thing can always crack again, at least now I know the cause and I am working on a remedy. Watcha gonna do **** happens.

 

[strgazr27]

Grainger stocks Momentive 103 Black Silicone. Perfect for what you need. About $11 for a caulk gun sized tube. The store in Ronkonkoma stocks it. Good luck with the fix.

 

[Adamc1303]

The tank builder recommended I use GE SCS1200 - black. I'm going to order some online, unless you know where I can get it locally?

 

[rkaragozler]

I only use Momentive RTV100 series, the last number indicates color.
The best would be to replace the whole top brace, since you mentioned you had another crack.
But before you proceed that tank has to be leveled perfect, use a larger level to do this.

 

[strgazr27]

I don't k ow locally where you can get the 1200 but this is an interesting read.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1788105

 

[Adamc1303]

Seems like the 1200 is the best to use. What is stronger a one piece brace using regular glass or a siliconed brace using tempered glass? I can't get a one piece tempered it's very expensive and takes a while to come in.

 

[Adamc1303]

I only use Momentive RTV100 series, the last number indicates color.
The best would be to replace the whole top brace, since you mentioned you had another crack.
But before you proceed that tank has to be leveled perfect, use a larger level to do this.[/QUOT



The article below indicates that Momentive an GE are the same.

 

[Adamc1303]

The 23rd is my wedding anniversary. Today is 8 years. My wife is awesome look at what she got me!

 

[Adamc1303]

Anyone have pointers on removing the silicone so I can remove the top brace? I only got one side done. On the other sides the silicone is so thin that the razer blade doesn't even fit in between.

 

[pecan2phat]

Try piano wire.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

try piano wire.

+1

 

[Adamc1303]

Where do I get that?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Not sure anywhere local to you. Any piano store that also services them. It would probably be easier to get a set of guitar strings. They're cheap too. Any music store that sells instruments such as Sam Ash will definitely have the guitar strings. The highest pitched string is super thin.

Here's a link to Sam Ash:

http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/st...:Electric+Guitar+Strings:Electric+Guitar+Sets

 

[Adamc1303]

Would a heat gun help or do any damage to the glass?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I wouldn't chance it man.


I would get the guitar strings, put wooden handles that they wrap around on each end- maybe thick dowels cut to length and then you'll be able to use a sawing action as you pull it along.


Glass and extreme heat in a relatively low ambient temperature never mix in my book, plus I wouldn't want to melt silicone on any of your good seams.

 

[cali_reef]

I used lots of single edge razor blades and utility knife blades, I really means lots. I tried the piano wire and .035 stainless steel wires, that was not good in cutting thru the silicone.

 

[Adamc1303]

I am going to try guitar strings tomorrow. The Blade wont in certain areas where the bead is to thin. I really hope it works.

 

[jackson6745]

I am thinking surgical steel. Maybe a medical supply store will have a super thin scalpel blade that will work?