Removing Silicone from glass

[MichaelJ]

I went through 15 threads in the "search" forum....

I need to know how to remove (or the best way) silicone from the inside bottom edges... since silicone does not stick to silicone.. how do you get it all cleaned off? it's a 135g, small leak in one area, the silicone in it now is about a half inch thick.

 

[buddie]

razor

 

[NateHanson]

Just slice it out with a razorblade. But I think you might have to remove all the silicone inside the tank and reseal the whole tank. As you say silicone doesn't stick to silicone, so I think that's the only way to really fix a tank.

I'm out of my realm of experience though. Perhaps someone here who's done this can clarify.

 

[Gina McReeferson]

Unfortunately, I have done this. Use razor blades to remove all you can (double edge blades work better and get really close, but are more difficult and more dangerous to work with), I used sandpaper to remove all remaining traces of silicone (blades will not remove it all). Silicone carbide based sandpaper works best on glass, just be careful not to scratch anywhere that will not be covered by the new silicone. It is tedious work, but take your time and do it right.

This was written by Dave, who was too lazy to log out of Gina's account.

 

[MichaelJ]

I was really concerned with the residue.. it's hard to scrape 100% off.. without leaving residue behind...


And funny Buddie

 

[MichaelJ]

Unfortunately, I have done this. Use razor blades to remove all you can (double edge blades work better and get really close, but are more difficult and more dangerous to work with), I used sandpaper to remove all remaining traces of silicone (blades will not remove it all). Silicone carbide based sandpaper works best on glass, just be careful not to scratch anywhere that will not be covered by the new silicone. It is tedious work, but take your time and do it right.

This was written by Dave, who was too lazy to log out of Gina's account.

Thanks Gina.... and Dave too... it's on a tank that has a million scratches anyways.... I'll try that sandpaper.

 

[smcnally]

Use rubbing alcohol to remove the film it leaves behind when you razor it off. It works great.

 

[MisFit]

acetone (aka nail polish remover) dissolves the silicone fast, just keep it away from any seams.

 

[MichaelJ]

Use rubbing alcohol to remove the film it leaves behind when you razor it off. It works great.

Does the RAlcohol dissipate with water? If any is left behind that is?

 

[Dave McReeferson]

I found that those things did not work very well for me. There are certain solvents that work on hardened silicone, but those two definately did not do much if anything to help me out. This is just my experience though...

 

[MichaelJ]

I was wondering about the solvents..... what kind would be safe to use on aquariums? I would think it would be fine if it is washed well afterwards.

 

[smcnally]

I found that those things did not work very well for me. There are certain solvents that work on hardened silicone, but those two definately did not do much if anything to help me out. This is just my experience though...

yeah? Well you're stupid

I was wondering about the solvents..... what kind would be safe to use on aquariums? I would think it would be fine if it is washed well afterwards.

The alcohol will evaporate pretty quickly.

 

[jbundas]

So will acetone.