Can I cut off the extra silicone?

[Corbidorbidoodle]

You know on cheap tanks, how the silicone at the seams is smushed out on the glass, like, 3/4 of an inch... Can I just cut that with a razor blade and peel it off or remove it? Is it typically structurally important or anything?

I know there are probably some brand specific guidelines or something, but I mean just in general. And I promise I won't hold any of you responsible.

[StevesFishTanks]

post a picture of the excess silicone in question

[AndreaW]

I wouldn't. I've had to reseal tanks and the silicone isn't just cosmetic beyond what is in-between the glass at the corners. It does need that overlap on the glass for structural stability. It may not need that much, but I wouldn't risk it.

[lefty o]

the bead of silicone that is smushed out on the inside is part of the tanks integrity. if its on the outside, and smushed out 3/4" of an inch, then a careful trim is okay. the inside corners of the glass, and between the glass are most important, best not to mess with those areas.

[Corbidorbidoodle]

Yeah, okay. That makes sense.

I'll leave the silicone where it is.

But I'll attach some pics, since it was requested, and for future readers.

[lefty o]

yeah, that stuff you want to leave alone.

[Brandon p]

I don’t touch the corners. I have watched so many videos and it was talked about but a lot of tanks are up for years. If you use a magnet with a scraper it will damage that seal long term