top removal

ifeltitchangeme · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 10:09 PM

i plan on making background for this 40 gal, and i dont know if there is a way to remove the black plastic top and keep it intact or just cut out the middle part so i can drop it in?. it would make a pretty good lid if i could get it off in one peice. I could screen the holes in. any ideas?

lowcountryfire · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 10:12 PM

I just got done building a custom tank, ( I took 2 20 gallon tanks apart, and put them together to make 1 40 gal tank).. I was unsuccessful in trying to remove the top rim intact.. I would suggest cutting the center piece out, and reattaching it later...

froggsong · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 11:46 PM

You'd have to c a r e f u l l y remove the silicone from the glass where the frame is, then gently lift it off, if you feel any resistance, find the spot and cut it. You can do that by running a razor blade against the glass under the edge of the frame, on the inside and outside.

heartagramtc · #4 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 01:53 AM

haha i just did this with my 55 gal for my beardie! except i only took out the center glass part. and dont worry i will start ANOTHER build log. lol

beckdg · #5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 04:35 PM

if you own a dremel or a grinder they will make short work of that support. removing the trim can be a pain in the a** to say the least. anyone who says carefully, in my opinion, really means stressfully with beads of sweat dripping throughout your entire house and a bucket full of excedrin to finish the job. if the tank is old or small enough, or if the trim moves easily you might be able to remove it with a razor blade without wanting to hit something. each tank is different, if yours comes off easily with a razor blade, go for it. if not break out the power tools and save yourself the energy, time, aggravation, discouragement, frustration, sweat and razor blades.

best regards and good luck to you:
BECK

ifeltitchangeme · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 05:25 PM

haha thanks for all the comments. it feels loose in spots and its not siliconed too well to the glass because when i was cleaning it i tipped it to drain water out and it went between the tank and the trim.

I do have a dremel though which has come in handy more than once. i Need to get a screen top anyway and i have already trashed the two pieces of glass that were used for a top on it. i guess we'll see and I'll let you know how it turns out

thanks again for the help and comments

-Mitch

Waterkeeper · #7 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 06:40 PM

when they apply these, they just run a bead of silicone around the rim of the glass, and press on the frame, so most of your silicone is going to be in the hardest part to get to.
I think if you can get it off in 1 piece(I managed 1 out of about 17 tries, older tanks are always easier) it will make the best fitting lid.
just remember these frames have become increasingly harder to buy separate from the tank so don't break it and think it will be an easy replacement.