using a glass patch question

[zoalander1]

I have a 75g tank with two holes drilled on the bottom. I have no need for them and I want to seal it off. I have a square piece of glass that I wanted to silicone on top. My question is, do I want to use a smooth layer even all over the glass being used or do I want a thick layer? I don't care how it looks bc it will be under the sand. I just obviously don't want it to leak. Im also planned on putting a seal under the tank where the holes are covered with glass.

 

[Taxus812]

I know this is not what you are asking but can you use a bulkhead and plug? Then you shouldn’t worry about the repair and if you sell or change your mind ...

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I know this is not what you are asking but can you use a bulkhead and plug? Then you shouldn’t worry about the repair and if you sell or change your mind ...

There was a similar question in another thread. That is exactly what I had thought too.

Someone mentioned since it was on bottom there is a small chance a rock or something may hit it and unseat the seal. They mentioned the silicone and glass was a better route. I personally haven’t tried it. Can’t remember who mentioned it but it was of the more knowledge folk on here.

 

[zoalander1]

There was a similar question in another thread. That is exactly what I had thought too.

Someone mentioned since it was on bottom there is a small chance a rock or something may hit it and unseat the seal. They mentioned the silicone and glass was a better route. I personally haven’t tried it. Can’t remember who mentioned it but it was of the more knowledge folk on here.

What would be more reliable?

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Good question. I would think the glass, but I liked the bulkhead idea.

I found the other thread. Read thru it. It’s not long. Maybe something will stand out in the other thread. I always say, think of the worst scenario and try to prevent it. They use silicone to put tangs together so I would think the plate.

Plumbing advice

Hey all, first post here. You all have already helped a lot over the years, really don't know why I didn't sign up here. Anyway, I've had a few tanks over the years. Had a 120 that separated shortly before moving, so I downsized to a 60 cube. Time to upgrade again and moving up to a 210...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[ArizonaAquatics]

I had 4 holes drilled through the bottom of my 250. At first I was going to use bulkheads and a plug, but I didnt want to deal with leaks. Glass and silicone = no leaks. Ever. Plus, if you did want to sell the tank you could just use a longer knife to cut the glass pieces and silicone off.

 

[zoalander1]

I had 4 holes drilled through the bottom of my 250. At first I was going to use bulkheads and a plug, but I didnt want to deal with leaks. Glass and silicone = no leaks. Ever. Plus, if you did want to sell the tank you could just use a longer knife to cut the glass pieces and silicone off.

Thanks. How much silicone did you apply?

 

[ArizonaAquatics]

Thanks. How much silicone did you apply?

Not too much. Just a thick bead tracing the edge of the glass. Not too close to the edge otherwise the silicone wont spread evenly or start going everywhere when you press the glass piece down.

In this pic you can see the silicone poking out underneath my stand. Not too much, but it allows me to see that I definitely used enough of it. Either way, I think more silicone than less is probably better just in case.

I'll try to see if I have any pictures from when I did it initially

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

ive done this before as well, just a this bead under the edge all the way around. Then weighted the patch and let it set. I then went around the outside edge like I was caulking a wall. Then smoothed it out and let it cure. Had that tank for 17 years without a leak.