fixing glass tank

[skortzy]

i am fixing a 20 gal high tank. the front panel crack and i am going to replace it with a new one. My only question is when i use silicone to glue it down do i clamp it down tight or do i just have slight pressure? then i just smooth out the excess right? let me know!

 

[whipple]

I've resealed my tank about a year ago and just keep the frame around it and in the middle i used duct tape upside down so it wouldnt stick to the tank and will hold it tight. dont use your finger to smooth out the silicone, if you cut the tube at an angle you can use the caulking gun to lay it and not need to smooth it any more.

 

[mr . salty]

The duct tape is a good idea,but a pair of good wood working "bar clamps" work much better.You should NOT clamp it down all the way.This only presses all the silicone out of your joint.You should leave about 1/32-1/16 of an inch of silicone in the joint.I allways smooth it out with my finger on the inside,then after it is dry,cut the excess off on the outside...