Converting 45g to smaller cube?

[funkman262]

I have a standard 45g tank lying around that I'll like to turn into a smaller tank to replace the standard 10g (hate the dimensions) that I'm currently using for my nano reef.

The dimensions of the tank are 36L x 12D x 23H. It looks to have just under 1/4" thick glass.

ASSUMING the tank is not tempered, here's what I'm thinking:
1st option is a shallow tank at 24L x 23D by 12H (28g)
2nd option is a tall tank at 20L x 12D x 20H (20g)

First off, is the glass thick enough for either of these options? Next, would either of these be possible without using any rims/braces?

If neither of those seem feasible, what other options would you suggest?

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

assuming your planning on completely disassembling the tanks for rebuild, as cutting assembled glass i next to impossible..

option 1 will be fine without braces if the glass is 6mm or larger.
option 2 will need to be braced

 

[funkman262]

Yes, I will of course disassemble the tank first. I agree that the 1st option is my best choice. I'll measure out one piece and just score it and I'll find out soon enough if it's tempered or not. I'll only be using the sides, not the bottom. And I'll most likely use Momentive RTV103 (black silicone/adhesive) for the seams.

 

[funkman262]

I've taken the tank apart. When adhering the pieces, how large of a gap should I leave between panels for the silicone? I have the measurements figured out so that they fit perfectly together but if I need to cut them slightly smaller to allow for gaps then let me know. Also, can I get away with just using the silicone between the panels or will I have to smear it at the corners like you see on all standard aquariums? Thanks.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

on a tank this small the silicone in the joints should be pretty much paper thin so there is no need to account for it...

as for the inside corners, it is not necessary to put an inner seal in the tank.....though it is a very good idea...silicone breaks down over time when immersed in water, that little inner bead protects the structural silicone between the glass panels from this degradation.

 

[funkman262]

Thanks. I just finished cleaning the glass so I'll be ready to start cutting tomorrow. While I'm shooting for 23x23x12, I'm not 100% set on that. Should I be concerned with bowing using 1/4" glass? Using a safety factor of 7.6 in some online calculators I'm getting a recommended thickness of 6mm (1/4") so it should be ok.

 

[funkman262]

Hey NanoReefWanabe, I just found this thread that you participated in and it had a lot of great info. I should have enough glass to eurobrace the inside bottom. This will effectively double the contact surface between the sides and the bottom pane.

 

[funkman262]

Thanks for the help but apparently the front and back panels ARE tempered. The project was fun while it lasted but now I have a mess to clean up lol.

 

[pico-reefer]

assuming your planning on completely disassembling the tanks for rebuild, as cutting assembled glass is next to impossible..

option 1 will be fine without braces if the glass is 6mm or larger.
option 2 will need to be braced

I've cut a glass tank in half when it was still together. took a 29 gal and made it a 20 long for my sump, so its not impossible.

sorry to hear about the temepered glass issue.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

I've cut a glass tank in half when it was still together. took a 29 gal and made it a 20 long for my sump, so its not impossible.

sorry to hear about the temepered glass issue.

i would be interested to see how you cut it down..

 

[pico-reefer]

Just used a simp glass cutter you get at lowes or homedepot. remove the top brace, cut the tank to the desired hieght, silicone the top brace back on and boom, shallow tank lol

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

Just used a simp glass cutter you get at lowes or homedepot. remove the top brace, cut the tank to the desired hieght, silicone the top brace back on and boom, shallow tank lol

huh...never seen someone score and snap an assembled tank, i could see a water jet or laser cutter making pretty easy work of it...i am not sure how the panels were able to snap while assembled to the adjacent panels...good on you...

 

[pico-reefer]

alot of patience and time.

EDIT- you dont snap the panels, you use the other end of the cutter and lightly tap the score line and you can see the break in the glass, do that slowly untill you get to the seams with the silicone. with a razor, cut the silicone and continue tapping the glass all around the tank, and once its all done, you simply lift the top part of the tank off from the rest.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

alot of patience and time.

EDIT- you dont snap the panels, you use the other end of the cutter and lightly tap the score line and you can see the break in the glass, do that slowly untill you get to the seams with the silicone. with a razor, cut the silicone and continue tapping the glass all around the tank, and once its all done, you simply lift the top part of the tank off from the rest.

i have done that many times with thick glass, never tried with thinner glass...it is certainly not something for a glass cutting newbie though, it takes a tonne of patience...good job...:spin2: