Tank cutting?

Norboo

Premium Member
tank i would like to use as a sump is little tall.

1. Can I cut it? If so, how?

2. How do I remove the top frame?
 
Just my .02cents, but it sounds to me like it would be cheaper and better in the end to just build one yourself from acrylic sheet.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6540112#post6540112 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fast Fred
Just my .02cents, but it sounds to me like it would be cheaper and better in the end to just build one yourself from acrylic sheet.

Gee...why didn't I think of that Freddy?

Acrylic sheet is about $160 for .375. Each precise cut is $10 and I don't know what they will charge for all ends to be 45 degree, weld on etc...it adds up fast.

I saw a tank that will work best for my corner bow tank for $149. Just need to cut it down few inches...if I knew how.
 

Gee...why didn't I think of that Freddy?

Acrylic sheet is about $160 for .375. Each precise cut is $10 and I don't know what they will charge for all ends to be 45 degree, weld on etc...it adds up fast.

I saw a tank that will work best for my corner bow tank for $149. Just need to cut it down few inches...if I knew how.


I don't know where you are getting those prices, but that is expensive for acrylic. How big is the sump going to be?

No need to make special 45 degree cuts just to make a sump. I don't know if you can cut down a tank that is already made, without disassembling it. It would be easier to just order a glass tank in the dimessions you need.
 
1/4" sheet acrylic near me is about $60. for enough to make a 30g sump. Glue is $6. When you're putting baffles in it, you don't need much thickness for the outside walls and bottom. No need for precision cuts. a straight edge and a razor knife are all you need. Sounds REALLY cost effective if you ask me.
 
You could always use an aquarium and cut a bulkhead out of the aquarium you are going to use for a sump...

I cut a bulkhead out of the side of a 55gal tank for my sump and then used 1/4 acrylic for baffles and polycarbonate/lexane glue/silicone.


Here's a couple pics (from when I was setting up my tank):


pump.jpg


tankclear.jpg



Now if you're talking about shortening the tank.... I'd say you're much better off going acrylic.
 
I thought about many possibilities and this way comes out to be the cheapest. I have a 54 gallon corner bow tank. Stand will only fit triangle or corner bow tanks. The sump I am trying to cut is 44 gallon corner that is little high for me to work once in the stand.

To build a sump out of acrylic, I have to build it triangular and would need to cut 45 and 46.35 degree angles or bend a long sheet (78") and have one joint.
 
Stand is 31" tall and give me about 29" of clearance. Tank is 26" tall. If I cut it down to 20" to 22", I would have enough room to maneuver.
 
I suppose you could always use a glass cutter and have a go at it. Or you could try to use a dremel and try to cut it down. Once you break it though your "cheaper" option is all of a sudden not so cheaper. Is it worth the risk?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6544890#post6544890 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FishhyRen
too risky cutting the sheets and not just a hole...
What's plan B?

Plan B? *sigh* Return the tank and take apart the stand and rebuild it wider to fit a 29 gallon or build the stand taller which will make it look ridiculously out of proportion.

A friend at the glass shop told me he might be able to cut it with diamond saw blade but no guarantees.

:confused:
 
Taller won't look out of porportion....
Especially if you put a canopy on it.

I've seen many tall corner tanks (my tank's not a corner but the stand is 40" tall).

It sounds tall, but it's great not having to bend over to look at it!
 
it's finally done! Sump is cut down to size without any complications. Took pictures and notes along the way.

I will post notes and pictures once I am finished with everything including DIY stand. :D
 
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