Resealing 137 gal tank
I have resealed this tank 3 times now and I lost all my fish so now for the question.
I need to take the panels apart and reset/reseal them, Do I need to C-clamp the glass in place while it's drying or is the weight of the glass enough to do the job?
<The weight of the glass should do it>
This tank is 6 feet long. The last time I sealed it I scraped all the silicon out, cleaned it using alcohol and installed new silicon. I wanted 36 hrs for it to dry and then refilled it with just water and waited 6 hrs with no leaks. I then emptied it, put in the black sand, rocks, plants, water and fish back in it. That night while I was asleep the bottom seam opened up and 1/2 the water dumped out into the living room!  I don't want to risk that again so I want to replace all the
silicone.  It seems to me the glass would seal better if it were clamped tight while it was drying. What do you think????
<Too likely to break if uneven stress is put on. If you do use clamps, either make them wood, or insert something soft between them and the glass>
This tank must weigh 250lbs empty!
Should I use a 400 wet sand paper to ruff up the edges so the silicone will stick better?
<No! The silicone will adhere to the clean glass (use toluene to clean the last bit off, and take care not to touch the cleaned surfaces with your hands, fingers. Bob Fenner>
Thanks!

Old chromium frame tank repair
I have a couple of Tanks that where my Grandmothers and they have a chrome finish around them, well just today I cracked the side panel is there anyone I can have it repaired, I love the vintage look they have and since they been in my family
since the 50's is there anything I can do, if so money would be no object.
Edward Reiman
<Yes, this tank can be repaired... in a sense, updated. You need to have strong wrists and a sharp box cutter, you will cut out the present sealant and glass, get a new panel (from a hardware store likely) and silicone (100%) it and the old joints all the way around into the empty space. Bob Fenner>

Repair of 65Gal hex tank
Hi.  I've just finished reading all the tank repair FAQ's currently posted
and did not see this addressed.  I have a >20 year old 65 gallon hex glass tank . It's not made anymore so a replacement is not available. All the glass is fine. The tank has been used for salt water and fresh water. Over the years algae or bacteria have grown between the silicone seal and the glass, undermining the seals. Obviously it is starting to spring small leaks. I'd like to repair the tank.
<Not hard to do>
Several questions:  Are there specific braces to use to hold the necessary angles while the joints are caulked and curing?
<There are corner and cross braces made for the carpentry field that can be used, but many folks find "reinforced tape" (like the types with "lines" in them that are the Dickens to cut through) work fine to hold the panels in place>
If not, can one joint at a time be re-caulked or should the entire tank be dismantled at once?
<If all needs to be done, should be done all at the same time. Build "upside down, with the bottom on top>
How do I estimate how many tubes of silicone caulking I need so that I can have enough on hand?
<Mmm, if done "properly" doesn't take much. Maybe buy two cartridges (10.5) ounce and take one back if un-used>
I am especially concerned here as one of the faq's said old and new silicone won't bond even after only 24 hours. Parallel sides are 24 inches apart and the tank is 30 inches high. 
<I remember this shape, size tank. Very attractive>
Any suggestion on sequencing of the seams since there are the six joints around the hexagonal base glass and then the vertical joints between adjacent vertical panels.
<Best to make like tightening the lug nuts on a tire, in roughly opposite arrangement, then bottom last>
Thanks in advance for any help.  Laura
<Do look, ask around if there is someone, perhaps through a local store or hobby club, who has done this re-sealing work recently. Much easier to "see" and do with a little help. Bob Fenner>

Re-siliconing glass tanks
I've just read through your advice on re-sealing a tank and it was very useful and informative. However, I have one more silly question. If you remove all of the old silicone will the tank not fall apart?
<Don't know if I'm following you here. If there is no sealant left... and you've necessarily (to remove the old silicone) removed the plastic frame, yes, the side, front and rear glass panels will not stay upright. Some folks use the "old" frame to hold the newly-cleaned glass pieces in place while re-sealing tanks... others use tape of various sorts or wood/corner clamps. Bob Fenner>