Taking a 'Stand'!

[Vogon poetry]

Hey everyone. I'm 3 years into the reef hobby but new to the sump/refugium world. I recently got a good deal on a deep blue 60g cube 24" with their Series V cabinet. Confident that my LFS was wise, I loaded these up in my KIA, sped home and proceeded to take the top of cabinet off since that was the only way I was going to fit my sump in it (thru top). The front face (and back) is a mere 13" wide, just not good enough for my sump which needs 20". BUT the top is sealed tight with glue to the underside. Almost impossible to shave off glue without serious damage to top. Ergo, I started to cry real saltwater tears. I really don't want to shell out for a new cabinet suitable to 60g cube that has the front opening I need (even then, they have become scarce...deep blue no longer makes wider openings for 60g cube tanks). Deep Blue has refused to take it back. I already have a crystal sump/refugium that is about 18" wide and I love it. So if anyone has run into this problem before, or you have an option that won't cost me an arm and a fin, please let me know! Thanks a bunch!

 

[mcgyvr]

Add a door to the side?
Pics would help..

 

[asdfghp]

You can glue & screw reinforcments to the inside then cut out out a door.
A few feet of trim, some hinges, a handle and latch ...... done!
Please post pics .....

 

[FamilyTank]

Can you pop off the back?

 

[ThisGuy12]

Cut or pop a hole into the back. That seems to be the best way to do this.

The only other option(s) would be a new stand or a new sump.

 

[Vogon poetry]

Thanks for all the help guys. Sorry for delay as I find this site a bit of an abyss to navigate. I ended up having a friend simply make a bigger hole in back thanks to his circular saw and savvy. Sump fits perfectly with room to spare! Not sure why Deep Blue would sell a stand with a 13" wide opening for a sump to accommodate a 60 gal tank! By the way, just posted another query I have on pros and cons of RO/DI plumbed directly from kitchen into sump or display (i.e. No reservoir). Thanks again guys!