HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I have a topper, but now I feel like I need to remove the bottom glass so I can reach in through the top, but I am a bit scared when it comes to removing it.

What would be the best way to take it out? Should I cover it with a towel and smash it out carefully, or should I cut the silicone from under the rim? I want to find the best way to do it, and I know if I smash it I won’t have to silicone the rim back on again, thoughts?

odelayheehoo wrote: ↑

Thu May 23, 2019 8:21 am

I have a topper, but now I feel like I need to remove the bottom glass so I can reach in through the top, but I am a bit scared when it comes to removing it.

What would be the best way to take it out? Should I cover it with a towel and smash it out carefully, or should I cut the silicone from under the rim? I want to find the best way to do it, and I know if I smash it I won’t have to silicone the rim back on again, thoughts?

I've never done a topper but I'm curious. How would they access it if the bottom is still intact?

Hermiesguardian wrote: ↑

Thu May 23, 2019 8:58 am

I've never done a topper but I'm curious. How would they access it if the bottom is still intact?

I had it flipped over so the open top was facing down, but now I want to break the bottom so both ends are accessible by me and the crabs.

I just went for it and now I completely removed the rim and glass, no troubles at all!

Would you mind sharing how you did it? I've looked up many ways but it didn't work out very well for me. Lol

hyelah1990 wrote: ↑

Thu May 23, 2019 12:31 pm

Would you mind sharing how you did it? I've looked up many ways but it didn't work out very well for me. Lol

Well, it’s very surprising but I used a simple X-Acto knife underneath the bottom rim to loosen the silicone, and then I cut through around the bottom edges where the large amounts of it are, and then was able to dislodge the rim off the bottom. Then I took it outside, covered the bottom part in a towel, and gave it a few quick hits with a hammer until it cracked. Once it does, then you can easily pull the broken fragments off of the bottom.

Just be extremely careful when breaking the glass, the broken bits can be very sharp! I also recommend wearing gloves and eye protection for this project.

odelayheehoo wrote: ↑

Thu May 23, 2019 8:59 am

I had it flipped over so the open top was facing down, but now I want to break the bottom so both ends are accessible by me and the crabs.

Gotcha.

odelayheehoo wrote: ↑

Thu May 23, 2019 12:46 pm

Well, it’s very surprising but I used a simple X-Acto knife underneath the bottom rim to loosen the silicone, and then I cut through around the bottom edges where the large amounts of it are, and then was able to dislodge the rim off the bottom. Then I took it outside, covered the bottom part in a towel, and gave it a few quick hits with a hammer until it cracked. Once it does, then you can easily pull the broken fragments off of the bottom.

Just be extremely careful when breaking the glass, the broken bits can be very sharp! I also recommend wearing gloves and eye protection for this project.

Thanks a bunch!! Maybe I will try again one day... One more question, do you secure your topper to your main tank or just sit it up there?

hyelah1990 wrote: ↑

Thu May 23, 2019 2:19 pm

Thanks a bunch!! Maybe I will try again one day... One more question, do you secure your topper to your main tank or just sit it up there?

It's pretty heavy to begin with, so it may be fine if you know you or anything else won't bump it, but I recommend using plain duct tape to tape it on if you would like.

Well, I have a 10 year old son and a 2 year old (not so tiny) pup... I think duct tape would be the way to go for me. Just to be on the safe side lol.

hyelah1990 wrote: ↑

Thu May 23, 2019 3:34 pm

Well, I have a 10 year old son and a 2 year old (not so tiny) pup... I think duct tape would be the way to go for me. Just to be on the safe side lol.

Understandable!

Thanks again!!

What kind of lid are u using on the topper?

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