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Need help to save my 20 long!!!

R

reptile_addict

New member
I accidentally busted out the right side. It was empty but thats what my leos are supposed to go in. This is the more expensive ones with the sliding and locking lids. Can I replace that side with screen or just take it to a harware store and get it replaced?
 
Just get a new one bud...it will probably cost you too much to get it 'fixed' and trying to connect some kind of screen to it would not be a great idea IMO.
 
Thanks. I will probably just do that. If I come across a piece of glass I will replace it though. But for now it goes in the basement :smash:
 
Tanks are actually fairly easy to fix if you have the time to put into it. Especially since it's for herps and you don't necessarily have to hold water. You have to clean out all the old broken glass, scrape off all the old siliconed surfaces. You will probably have to remove the trim as well and clean all the old silicone out of those pieces. Clean with rubbing alcohol, and get a piece of glass cut to the dimensions of the hole. Lay down a bead of silicone, insert the glass. Tape it in place and let cure for 24 hours. Once dry lay down a bead of silicone on the inside corners and bottom and smooth out. Let cure for another 24 hours. Silicone inside all the trim, and reattach to the top and bottom. Let cure again. I have helped my boss (pet store) build many tanks over the past 15 years, and have had to replace glass in them occassionally from normal use around the warehouse. Accidents do happen!

D80
 
if you find a store that sells windows or glass you can order a piece of glass from them and fix the tank just be sure you let the silicon cure for a few days before putting any lizards in it
 
Thanks, I will work on it next weekend. I will pull all the broken out and scrape the silicone. How do I take the top and bottom frame off? Can someone please give me step by step instructions on how to do it? There is a guy that is down the street that I can call and ask him if he can fix it. This aquarium was 49.99 and I don't wanna throw it away. Thanks a ton
 
It depends on if it has a plastic or metal frame. I never throw anything out that I've spent money on so I hear you!!

You should be able to pick up a piece of glass cut and polished to fit from a glasier. Look it up in the local business guide and you'll find one near enough to you.
 
taking off the frame involves using a razor blade (be careful! Even I got myself 13 stitches in the thumb being careful.) to cut UP underneath the frame next to the glass. Once you get most of the silicon loosened it usually lifts off pretty easy.

FYI, those frames, except on larger tanks, serve very little purpose other than decorative, so they are relatively easy to remove. I've had them just fall off from normal use due to the lack of silicon used.

When ordering glass, be sure to get the same thickness as what the other panels are, and give the proper measurements. You don't necessarily have to get it polished (it's cheaper), BUT it is extremely sharp . . . wear leather gloves when handling. For you I would probably recommend having them buff the edges . . . :)

D80
 
I also repair old tanks that I pick up at garage sales for a buck or two, and as mentioned above, it is relatively easy. You can also use some sandpaper to get rid of any of the sharp edges if the supplier of the glass doesn't do it for you. I also use "Aquarium safe" silicone because, although you won't be using water in the tank, you know it will be safe for the snakes and other animals and won't contain any potentially dangerous additives. This silicone costs the same as other silicone products and is identified as "Aquarium safe" on the label or side of the container. :cool:
 
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