How do I remove aquarium silicon?

[fluffylily]

I decided not to put some side panels on my tank and need to get the silicon off! What works? Acetone? I have nail-polish remove, but it is w/o acetone and it just barely works. Any suggestions?

[Junebug]

I asked my hubby. He recommended denatured alcohol.

[BikerDoc5968]

Acetone is realtively cheap in gallon containers at HomeDepot, etc. The other thing that works alittle better but is more costly is M.E.K. (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) MEK is more volatile; that is it will evaporate more quickly but is a "stronger" ketone. As you know use either in a very well ventilated area as inhaled fumes cause liver damage and chemically resistant gloves should be use as the ketones can be absorbed through the skin; latex will fall apart

[Dorothy]

Can you scrape it off with a razor?
Just a random thought

[Ray]

It's "silicone" rubber adhesive, not "silicon", a metallic element.

As such it is very stable and more-or-less impervious to most solvents, and I highly recommend against trying to use organic solvents like MEK. Dororthy's razor recommendation is the best, but will still take some work.

Another alternative - and a relatively cheap one, too - is to purchase some sheets of glass and assemble the case the way you want it (using aquarium silicone glue). That way you can have shelves and everything. The last time I did that, for the exposed outside edges, I used the clear plastic stuff you put on wall corners to keep the wallpaper from peeling as people rub against it.

[phrakt]

Razor blades will do the trick, I do it all the time. Just make sure to change the blade frequently, otherwise it dulls and leaves traces.

[fluffylily]

Thanks for the comments. I went out and bought some nail polish remover with acetone. It didn't really work any better, but I just decided to go at it with a blade. Don't have a razor blade, just the handy swiss army knife, which isn't as good since it doesn't have a flat edge. Anyways, after 2 days of working on this, I managed to get it off with acetone, then vigorous rubbing with a paper towel, not to mention lots of elbow grease. I still want the side panels, but will think about attaching them with suction cups instead.....any thoughts?