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05/19/2018, 07:23 AM | #1 |
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cutting down a tank question
I have a non-tempered 55 gallon tank and was just thinking about trying to cut it down to 14" high without disassembling it. Score the glass (inside and out) all the way around> heat score line with low flame> hit with ice cold wet sponge along score line> sand top edge and replace the top trim. Has anyone ever tried to cut down a tank in this way before?
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"55gal glass box full of water, rocks and some not-so-amused little fishes" 2x Occellaris, 1 Pajama, 1 Neon Dottyback. Current Tank Info: 55gal tank, sumpless, ReefOctopus Classic 90, Twin bulb T5. |
05/19/2018, 07:28 AM | #2 | |
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Quote:
Do not try to score both sides. You only need to score one. Kind of risky doing it without disassembling the tank first. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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05/19/2018, 07:55 AM | #3 |
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It's a spare tank I drilled to convert to a reef tank. Currently looking for a drilled 75 in my area instead. If I can find a drilled or non-tempered 75, I'll try cutting it down, it would make a good sump.
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"55gal glass box full of water, rocks and some not-so-amused little fishes" 2x Occellaris, 1 Pajama, 1 Neon Dottyback. Current Tank Info: 55gal tank, sumpless, ReefOctopus Classic 90, Twin bulb T5. Last edited by Shawn O; 05/19/2018 at 08:10 AM. |
05/19/2018, 08:07 AM | #4 |
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I would just score and pop like cutting regular glass. Make sure you cut the silicone from the corners and in between the panels of glass before you pop it.
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05/19/2018, 08:16 AM | #5 |
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I'm glad you suggested that, I was thinking I should wait until after popping it. That way I wouldn't ruin the structural seal of the silicone.
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"55gal glass box full of water, rocks and some not-so-amused little fishes" 2x Occellaris, 1 Pajama, 1 Neon Dottyback. Current Tank Info: 55gal tank, sumpless, ReefOctopus Classic 90, Twin bulb T5. |
07/15/2018, 08:29 AM | #6 |
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Why decrease the sump volume? Volume=stability and provides a buffer for [inevitable] neglect. If you can fit it, the use it. $0.02.
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Steve ---------------------------------- Current Tank Info: 2 separate 250G bowfront rimless ELOS tanks plumbed to 260G sump, 220G refugium, 220G frag, BK DeLuxe 300, 400W MH x4, closed loops, 3/4hp chiller x2, Phos reactor, Kalk reactor, Charcoal reactor, Ca reactor, 60G surge tanks, & a huge elec bill |
07/15/2018, 05:01 PM | #7 |
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I had thoughts of cutting down a 75 once. Never wound up doing it. My thought was to use a circular saw with a diamond blade. Tape and mark line around tank and have someone run water on the blade and glass from a garden hose as you cut. I cut a couple pieces of granite this way.
I've cut sheet glass with my tile saw on a few occasions as well. Just can't get water in the saw. |
07/15/2018, 07:44 PM | #8 |
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If you end up getting it done please post pics, though about doing the same with a Craigslist find for a shallow frag tank but wasn't sure of how to go about cutting the long front and rear. I used my wet saw to make my sump baffles and it worked great but need to find a way to do the longer cuts.
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07/16/2018, 10:15 AM | #9 |
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I've been contemplating the same. I do not have room for a 30/40 breeder as a sump due to the width of my stand. However, cutting down a 55 to a 16" height would work wonderfully.
Is the best thought to disassemble the whole tank, cut the front, back, and sides to the proper height, then reassemble? |
07/17/2018, 09:09 PM | #10 |
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Easy way take it apart and take the panes to a glass shop and have them do it. Than ree-seal it up. It will be done easy and be re-sealed for a long time to come. They don't charge much. My local glass company did one for me and charged 15$ for all 4 panes.
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If it was'nt for the sea I could not see or sing ( Jimmy Buffet ) I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other Reefing is'nt how long you been in it. It is how deep you get in it. Current Tank Info: 400g display build, 300g sump, 75g ATO, 75g refug and a few more. Close to a 1000g. 200g mixing station. |
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