acrylic tank

[poisson]

Has anyone tried to widen the small openings at the top
back of an acrylic tank ? would using a regular hand saw do
the job ?
Basically, I am running out of room after hanging the overflow
box (about 6.5"), I do not have enough room for the Prism skimmer
which requires another 7".
Would appreciate your inputs and help.

 

[tangtang]

Hi Poisson!
I thought I'd give you a bump. I'd be interested in an answer also.
While we're waiting... <smile> The guy that set up my acrylic FO used a drill with a hole saw bit to drill the plumbing holes... For that reason, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to do it. Maybe a blade with smaller/finer teeth would.
Just my $.02. Definitely, wait for the troops! <smile> I am a newbie!!!
Linda

 

[mr . salty]

I would think that the top on acrylic tanks is somewhat strutual Being that is is glued or molded in place.
Acrylic tanks are much lighter,and weaker than aglass tank.So I'm guessing that the topis there for a reason,any cutting may result in tank failure..
I wouldn't do it.

 

[sebae0]

not to dismiss what you said salty but everything ive read about acrylic is that it is stronger than glass, about 17 times stronger. i would think though if you cut the top to much you are reducing the effect of it keeping it from bowing, causing more pressure to pull outwards and maybe lead to failure.

 

[simm]

I second salty. Iv actualy had a friend whos 72 gallon busted because he made a "few" adjustmens.

 

[beerman]

I have a 110 gallon acrylic. If you are talking about the back of the lid by the overflow, I used a hand router. Worked like a charm. I would practice first on some scrap pieces. Go slow but not to slow. I had to widen the opening so I could fit the skimmer. Then when I built the sump the wider opening worked good for the return line. Good luck.

 

[poisson]

thanks for all of your input.
I am not considering cutting out a big chunk of the tank
but merely a couple of inches in order to fit the skimmer.
Beerman,
how much did you cut ? I think I will go down to the local HD this week end
to get a hand router and will give it a try.

 

[robchuck]

Here is a link to a story about a fellow reefer who had a custom built acrylic tank break because of the modifications to the design of the top plate of the tank. I stumbled across his site last night, and it's actually a pretty interesting read. At any rate, here's the link: http://www.globaldialog.com/~jrice/o...page/break.htm

 

[beerman]

I cut a four by three inch piece out. It was part of the lid that went over the overflow in the back. It wasn't supporting the tank at all. If the part you are cutting out is supporting the tank together I guess you'll have to weight the risk/reward. This was the only way I could fit a skimmer so it was worth a try for me. I have a Tenecor 110 gallon flat back hex. They seem to make good tanks although their customer service stinks. I'm not sure where you live but I'm in Sacramento and there are a lot of acrylic places out here. I talked to them to get some free advise. They were also willing to come out to my house and cut it for pretty cheap, if I signed a waiver. You may be able to find one in your area that would come out and look at it for cheap too. Just a thought. Hard for me to judge without seeing it. Good luck.

 

[javatech]

Why not just drill it for bulkheads in the back and doaway with the over flow or do you not have a sump