IM 20 rebuild

[merlinr26]

Ok so the IM 20 that I had up and running was taken down when I moved and noticed the back panel was cracked.
Replacing the back panel of glass had to happen or get a new tank.

So now I have taken the back panel off and getting it cleaned up to replace the panel

 

[merlinr26]

Got the sheet cut tomorrow will go pickup the bar clamps and silicone everything down. Will post more pics through the process

 

[BluewaterLa]

Make sure you clean the edges where any old silicone was, when you think you have cleaned enough clean some more.
Wipe every surface down with alcohol a few time to remove any oils, finger prints and wear latex gloves
Work fast but careful when you run your bead ensuring no air pockets or starts and stops
Get panel in to place and clamped then immediately run your inner beads and smooth out.

Great tip is to use painters tape on the inside of the glass panel where your inner seals will be, allow enough space for the smoothing process and wide enough seal. Then immediately peel the painter tape off giving you smooth straight lines.

 

[merlinr26]

Make sure you clean the edges where any old silicone was, when you think you have cleaned enough clean some more.
Wipe every surface down with alcohol a few time to remove any oils, finger prints and wear latex gloves
Work fast but careful when you run your bead ensuring no air pockets or starts and stops
Get panel in to place and clamped then immediately run your inner beads and smooth out.

Great tip is to use painters tape on the inside of the glass panel where your inner seals will be, allow enough space for the smoothing process and wide enough seal. Then immediately peel the painter tape off giving you smooth straight lines.

Unfortunately this in gonna be inside the back of the AIO so I'm not going to have the ability to smooth out the bead from the inside. I have cleaned it 2 time with acetone and will do it 2 more times before I run the bead. My plans is to put a bead on all of the baffles and on the new panel and the place it and clamp it. From what I can tell that is what innovative marine did during their assembly process.

 

[merlinr26]

Ok so first lesson learned, don't clamp the bar clamps down too tight

 

[BryanJr]

You could always use one of those caulk tools on a stick to smooth out the caulking where you can’t get your hand in. May not be the best but better than nothing.

 

[merlinr26]

So second panel is on the clamps are finger tight and let see if this one will work

 

[merlinr26]

So I let the bars off and they it cure for a week to be safe. Filled the back with water and no leaks yay. I will let the water sit in the back for a week to see of there is any leaks over that time but I don't think it will.

 

[merlinr26]

Back to its former glory