removing cracked glass from an all glass tank

[waterphreak]

Hi, I've done some searching and watched a few youtube videos but I seem to be running into something I haven't noticed mentioned.

After I stripped the silicone away from the joint on both sides (top frame piece is already removed) I find that the joint is very hardened. I've tried using a razor knife-which can't quite get deep enough and I used 20 lb test monofilament-which mostly just breaks. Whatever is remaining in between the two pieces of glass is very hard. Did some manufacturers use an additional glue like epoxy? I don't believe from what I see that this tank was ever repaired/glued post manufacture. Any ideas on how to unglue the cracked piece so I can replace it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Clayman]

You could try piano wire or a guitar string.

 

[coralbandit]

^This^
and possibly heat(hair dryer) may soften the caulk some.

 

[waterphreak]

other options?

I left a medium sized room heater close to the edge I want to separate until the glass was almost hot or it was hot. I still can't budge whatever's in that joint.

I thought removing the top frame/trim was going to be the hardest part of this but I was wrong. I'm now considering sandwiching the cracked end panel between to sheets of acrylic maybe with a tint so I don't have to see the cracked piece so much. Maybe I could use a dremel with a very thin cutting disc on it but that's likely a glass cracker.

I appreciate the suggestions. I've just got a tough one.

 

[jrc0528]

Perhaps score the broken piece top to bottom in two places separating it into thirds. Gently break it on the score lines and remove the middle section. This should make it easire to remove as the smaller pieces aren't glued in all the way around.

 

[waterphreak]

The panel is already cracked in such a way that there are several pieces to remove. I got this tank for free so it has just been a project to attempt. I am fairly handy and can use tools believe it or not but the joint I've been trying to free up is rock hard. I bought a thin scrolling saw blade and tried to use that to clear the joint but it barely makes a dent in it.
I think it's a matter now of either "plastering" over the cracked panel or just letting it go.
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[michelle34]

You can use tape measure to cut the silicone push it through then use a heat gun or hair dryer and slowly cut it


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[J.Mcpeak]

Could it be a spacer? This will give you your silicone bead thickness. Sometimes they are clear (intended for shower units) known as glaziers blocks or packers. Usually a rubber or plastic material.
Depends on how thick the joint is?

If the glass is cracked all over, tape it with some gaffer/duct tape before you lose a finger! Glass does not take any prisoners!

Then, if you still struggle, once the glass is taped for safety, use a glass cutter, cut around the perimeter, remove large pieces then remove smaller stuff with pliers.
Clean joints. Bingo! Job done.

Nibbling glass by Jamie Mcpeak, on Flickr\
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Maybe more plants? by Jamie Mcpeak, on Flickr\
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Note 3 black packers along bottom edge of tank.

Really hope this helps!