Replace one side of a tank?
 

Hi all, I have a 55 that as per usual is tempered all the way around. I would like to change this and replace it with a non tempered piece. My question is how easily can this be done? I would assume I pull the top and bottom trim off, cut out the old piece, clean the edges of old silicone then do the opposite to stick the new one in. What kind of thickness should I be looking at for this 48x12x18 tank? Is there a particular silicone that is recommended?

thanks in advance!

Tagging along, I'm thinking of doing this for my 180 (replace the front viewing panel with starphire).

The side is tempered? Are you sure? I've never seen tempered sides. But yes, you've got the right idea to replace a side.

Yes you peel the trim off then use the smallest guitar string you can find to cut out the seal. 2 pieces of wood dowel to hold on to is a must. Go with the same thickness of glass as the one you cut out so your trim will fit back on. Use only aquarium safe silicone, I use GE SCS 1200 black for all my tanks and so do most tank builders, I think you can get it in clear to but have not seen it myself.

i thought of going starphire on my 180 front panel but with it being easier to scratch i decided against it infact i may use tempered on front panel if its harder

and i agree remove panel re silicone new panel and re do all the seams inside tank with a fresh silicone bead and you should have years of enjoyment .unless you upgrade

there is a sticker that says "tempered on all sides do not drill" apparently this is super common with 55's. I have some marineland branded aquarium silicone, but I will check for the other brand at HD to see if they have it. I think everything in there is black right now. I hope to turn this tank into a seahorse tank for the wife. She is obsessed with them.

You are correct as for some reason most 55's are all tempered

Kind of a PITA if you ask me. any logic behind that one?

mfg got a deal on tempered glass

Your silicone is fine just use same thickness tempered glass as rest of your aquarium. Make sure all old silicone is off.
For neat edges like your finger and slide up and down corners then when dried(24hrs later) use razor blade to clean up edges of silcone carefull not to break the seal or you will have to reapply silicone and repeat process