25 replies to this topic

[shane78]

Hey guys I have a 4 ft tank that im in the process of repairing, the base needs replacing, ive noticed that

the base glass is inside the four walls is this how they are meant to be or should I put new piece on top

of the four corners so that the walls will be on top of the base, hope that made sense. I wish this to be my main

tank and dont want it to crack again.

Thanks in advance

[JackMack]

I'm not an engineer or anything (shocking, I know) but the seal would probably be more durable if the pane was inside the four walls as opposed to the tank sitting on it.. That's how all of mine are constructed anyway.

It'd be worth your while to ask Paul or Ollie.

Thanks

[TheTexasCichlidMasacre]

what he said ^

[shane78]

ollie007? and which paul sorry have not been on here long enough to know many people haha

[JackMack]

My bad, Ollie is Docfish and Paul is Morley Aquariums.

[shane78]

ahh ok thanks

[malawiman85]

Bottom inside... Paul from Morley commented on another recent tank repair thread.

[shane78]

ok so how do I do it, just the base on the floor and glue from the inside?

[JackMack]

It's not really that simple as you need to get silicone on the edges off the glass also.

[malawiman85]

Sit it down on something that you can separate later from any excess silicone.

As Paul from Morley advised you in previous thread: 

 

 

Not too hard to cut out old base & fit new. I use a blade, then strong fishing line to cut through seam. Once removed clean all d silicone off with new blades, get a panel with about 4 mm clearance. Place tank over base & pump in the silicone. For a neat finish trim excess & re- bead.

[JackMack]

Thanks MM, I was having trouble finding the thread to link Shane up to it.

[malawiman85]

Silicone from inside? Yes.

Thanks MM, I was having trouble finding the thread to link Shane up to it.

No probs. Shane stated that thread also.

Shane if you want a hand on the weekend I can probably help you out... You aren't that far from me..

 

Paul

[shane78]

Mate that would be awesome will let you know how I go picking up glass tonight then I gotta cut it or get it cut but will

def hear from me that would be great.

[JackMack]

A 4ft pane might be a tad hard to cut straight enough so you may need to get that cut proffesionally..
I'm not doubting your ability, I simply have cut glass before and it's not as simple as it looks to get a straight edge.

[TheTexasCichlidMasacre]

 

have a look at diy videos on youtube

[TheTexasCichlidMasacre]

that video is just resealing it... but if you do a simple search you will find some videos to watch that should help you

[Auzziebuddy]

I just did a four foot base replacement. I was surprised how easy it was.
Just cut the smashed pane base out. Cleaned it spotless. Measured inside dimensions and got a glass mob to cut one from 10mm. Cost $75. I made the new sheet 1mm less each side for the gap for silicon.
Put glad wrap down on some 32mm marine ply I've got, sat the new base in. Then siliconed the inside as if just doing a reseal.
Once the silicon had gone off enough I flipped the tank upside down and used a new nozzle and injected the silicon into the gap on an angle, you could see the new silicon hit the inside silicon. Made sure there was no air bubbles, you can sort of push the silicon down to clear bubbles and gaps if required. I found working at a 45 with finger behind the nozzle as you work I didn't need to. I then left it to fully cure 3-4 days and then cleaned up the excess with a razor.
Worked really well I was pretty pleased with myself.
I will definitely rescue tanks in future. See them all the time for free etc with one panel requiring replacing.

[shane78]

cheers guys for the info, but now unsure what to do, I was given a 6ft that just needs a side replaced that i was goin to use the glass to repair my 4ft,

I dont really want a 6ft but it seems too good to destroy, maybe I should repair this one aswell and then sell that one to go towards the 4ft what do u guys

reckon.

[JackMack]

Get some quotes and go from there to see if it's worth it or not.

[malawiman85]

Do your four footer. get it up and firing then do the 6 footer if you can be bothered.