...to strip or not to strip...

hi guys/gals

i have a tank build which i am in the starting phases of...

I do not know how old the tank is as it was given to me....looks as though i may be the 3rd owner (10mm is strrrong!) in more than a good few years...

I would like to strip the tank and rebuild with new silicone but have 2 issues:

1. The joints are so close that a blade doesnt fit between the 2 panes...

2. The joints have extra flat strips which are not budging and look as though they may break...


Question:

1. Is there a life to the silicone sealant?

2. Would removing the silicone on the inside corners and re-siliconing the corners assist in making sure the tank is water tight?


My concerns are that i have read that old silicone and new silicone does not stick to each other...

Please help...

 

Would like to know the answer to your Q's as I am also in need of an upgrade..

 

I would fill the tank with water to check for leaks. If you find a leak then worry about it. As the saying goes "if it aint broken........."

 

Trust me, if there is one thing silicone will stick to, it's more silicone.... I used to do silicone moulds and boy is that true, but I have to agree with @Dann Druff, rather leave well enough alone unless,..... maybe the silicone looks unsightly or has been damaged or removed in one way or another.

 

i think the reason people complain about silicone not sticking to old silicone is that the scum/algae building up is still on the surface of the old silicone. In that case, i dont think anything will stick to scum, etc.

Would it be advisable to wash down the silicone with white vinegar or meths?