Silicone ruining glass?

[sticktongue]

So I've got question before I get started on my viv. Y'all that are using silicone and GS for back grounds.. are you just planning on never changing the backgrounds, or is it possible to get all that off without completely ruining the glass? Also, since you can't hide the ugly yellowish color of the GS on the outsides of the glass what do you do for that? if that makes sense..

[RoadRunner1083]

So I've got question before I get started on my viv. Y'all that are using silicone and GS for back grounds.. are you just planning on never changing the backgrounds, or is it possible to get all that off without completely ruining the glass? Also, since you can't hide the ugly yellowish color of the GS on the outsides of the glass what do you do for that? if that makes sense..

I am never planning on changing backgrounds so I never really thought about it coming off, but from using silicone on fish aquariums you can usually scrape the silicone off of the glass with a razor blade without any ill effects. Most people use black contact paper that can be cut to size and stick to the outside of the viv, which removes easily.

[sticktongue]

That's what I was kind of expecting.. kinda like the black aquarium bcking from pet stores. I'm sure razor blading it off would suuuuck so I better make sure I know what I want before I start

[RoadRunner1083]

That's what I was kind of expecting.. kinda like the black aquarium bcking from pet stores. I'm sure razor blading it off would suuuuck so I better make sure I know what I want before I start

Yeah, It probably wouldn't be the most fun task! :lol: You could even look at the dollar stores, I know the Dollar tree in my area carries various contact paper. Wal-Mart may be another option for it. Cut to size, Peel, stick and you are done! If you can't find any in your area, here is a link to some on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Contact-Pape...aper+black I doubt you need that much, but you can look around to find a better deal and in different sizes. HTH

[KGB]

Great stuff peels off glass very easily in large chunks.

[sticktongue]

Thanks for the help guys. Another question, is it necissary to silicone first, then use great stuff, or is that just something some people prefer doing? Again, I'm sorry for all these newbie questions that I'm sure cycle a lot. I hate being the "new guy" on forums

[Philsuma]

A sharp razor blade and scraper combo removes everything from glass easily. No worries about glass. They recent trend is to NOT use great stuff or expanding foam unless it's used sparingly to create a 'rock-like" feature or to fill in between things. I plan on using tree fern panel, cork and wood and almost no foam in my new builds.

[KGB]

Yep. I've been ripping apart my great stuff backgrounds and replacing with tree fern and cork bark mosaic. Plants grow much better.

[sticktongue]

I like the sounds of that a lot better to be honest. Can I find those around town, or do I have to order them?

[KGB]

I like the sounds of that a lot better to be honest. Can I find those around town, or do I have to order them?

Blue pumilio Justin just had some great deals on fern panels. Cork bark can be bought locally for an arm and a leg, or bought online.

[Philsuma]

PM Justin for tree fern panels:

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=98430

[sticktongue]

I'm actually thinking I'm going to go the insulation foam/drylock route. Id like to be pretty artistic in the rock formations and thay will allow that. I'm going to grab eggcrate and foam to start carving tomorrow after work.

[BluePumilio]

I admit, I like the tree fern being used, the plants seem to love it.