Replacing end panel in 225 gallon tank

I am working on a 225 gallon tank that was gifted to me because it has a broken end panel. I have removed all the glass and all the silicone. it is completely clean. I had a new pane cut today. im afraid it is too small. when it sits there, with no clamps on the front and back glass, i have a gap of about 1/8-1 1/6 inch or about 4 razor blades on one side. I have the top frame removed. I can squeeze with my hand the gap out to nothing and it tapers down to the width of a single blade at the bottom. when I clamp it and then throw another clamp in the middle, cannot stick the blade in at all anywhere except at the bottom on both sides. it is a snug fit. will this work, or will I have to get another piece fit? Problem is the glass I have is 24" and the glass cutter says it is very hard to cut just the inch off of it.

 

Welcome to 3 reef. You will want an exact fit. Otherwise you are looking at catastrophic failure right in the face.

 

Yes, you definitely want a perfect fit. Remember that the silicone joint is all that is keeping the water in the tank.

 

It was redone. came out perfectly.tank has been 1/2 full of water for 3 days with no leaks.

 

Sweet. Can't wait to see this thing come together.

 

Good news. Post up a pic

 

Before:




Cleaned



Prepped




After Silicone was laid


It was a bit gloppy here but i know I had a good seal thru and thru.


Filling with water. the pump you see is my emergency drain. in case I saw any leaks or signs of disaster, I can drain it at 1800 gph.


I cleaned up the Edges where is was relly gloppy. just cut and trimmed the silicone. also trimmed up the vertical seams so they are nice and straight. If I had to do it over again, I would have put the tape much closer to the edge, but I LOVE the black silicone.

 

sweet, cant wait for the DIY pitorial
now, where can I find a deal like that one?

Edit: I see the pics went up as I was typing

 

I only filled it 1/2 way due to not having any support on the top rim. that is supposed to come in this week or next. Ill call them (LFS) tomorrow and see if it arrives. once that is in and the silicone has a few days to cure, I will fill her full up and let it sit for a while to make sure it is stable and holds water.

 

Good deal. That's a good and proper silicone to use as well.

Now everyone notice where the original pane broke, and the location of the drilled hole. I keep telling people that drilling high and int eh upper corners is where to drill. This pic shows that lower int he tank and centered is not a good plan.