Modifying acrylic tank

thenissantech · Jul 6, 2016

Hello reefers. So I just bought this tank from a fellow reefer who had it running for 11 years. I love the tank size 60x24x24. What I don't like are the openings in the top of the aquarium. I was thinking of enlarging them. There is a crack in the back right corner of the top but the previous owner said it was like that for 10 years with no issues. he did give me two pieces from the manufacturer though to repair it. Like I said I would like to open up the two holes but still keep the bracing for structural integrity. Any and all input is appreciated. thanks

jsker · Jul 6, 2016

You are going to need a router, straight bit, plywood template of how large you would like to make the holes and clamps to hold the template in place. Glue to fix the crack

thenissantech · Jul 6, 2016

jsker said:
You are going to need a router, straight bit, plywood template of how large you would like to make the holes and clamps to hold the template in place. Glue to fix the crack

Got it! Do you think the tank would be structurally sound if holes were opened up

hybridazn · Jul 6, 2016

It should be fine as long as you don't go too crazy.

jsker · Jul 6, 2016

@hybridazn is right on. Myself you leave the center brace at the least 2.5 inches and 1 inch from the sides. bleed the glue down into the crack before you cut it. Use blue masking tape to dam it. Were safely glasses for the chip out.

thenissantech · Jul 6, 2016

Would you use weld on 4,6 or anything in particular for the crack?

cromag27 · Jul 6, 2016

Yes, use a template. no, don't use a straight bit, use a template bit. be sure and route in the proper direction. use Weldon 40 for the crack.

This is a tricky operation any way you slice it. do it wrong and you'll destroy the euro.

thenissantech · Jul 6, 2016

cromag08 said:
Yes, use a template. no, don't use a straight bit, use a template bit. be sure and route in the proper direction. use Weldon 40 for the crack.

This is a tricky operation any way you slice it. do it wrong and you'll destroy the euro.

Thanks. That was my plan. I was going to make a template and use a router bit that followed the template. Thanks for your help

cromag27 · Jul 6, 2016

There are several bits that have bearings for following templates. the correct one for this purpose is actually called a template bit. there's also a flush trim bit but the bearing is on the wrong end for what you're wanting to do.

I use mdf for my templates and double sided tape. be sure and use 2" diameter radius for the corners and don't cut the brace less than 2.5" wide.

thenissantech · Jul 6, 2016

I should be routing the acrylic in the clockwise direction correct?

cromag27 · Jul 6, 2016

For this purpose, correct.

thenissantech · Jul 6, 2016

That's what I thought. Just wanted to double check

thenissantech · Jul 7, 2016

Ok.. So these are my preliminary ideas of opening up homes

cromag27 · Jul 7, 2016

I would never build a euro less than 2.5" wide for a tank this size. you want to be especially careful with this tank because it's already been used and the acrylic has most likely already warped to a certain extent. cutting away too much material could cause it to warp more. you also want 2" diameter radius in the corners of your cutouts.

cromag27 · Jul 7, 2016

Just keep in mind, the manufacturer made the euro that size/design for reason. so good luck with whatever you end up doing to it!

thenissantech · Jul 7, 2016

Thanks I will compensate for that

thenissantech · Jul 8, 2016

jsker said:
@hybridazn is right on. Myself you leave the center brace at the least 2.5 inches and 1 inch from the sides. bleed the glue down into the crack before you cut it. Use blue masking tape to dam it. Were safely glasses for the chip out.

How would you bleed the glue down? Just apply tape under and let it fill crack? What glue would you recommend? Thanks

jsker · Jul 8, 2016

thenissantech said:
How would you bleed the glue down? Just apply tape under and let it fill crack? What glue would you recommend? Thanks

Link to the glue I use. The glue is almost as runny as water. it will seep into the crack, hence the suggestion to use tape and the glue will fill the crack

let the glue setup for for a few hours.

cromag27 · Jul 8, 2016

Do NOT use 16 for anything. it is junk and has the lowest bonding strength of all the different Weldon solvents. I previously posted the correct Weldon to use. you would need to actually solvent weld a piece of acrylic to the bottom of the crack, cut the opening then weld another piece on top of the crack.

jsker · Jul 9, 2016

cromag08 said:
Do NOT use 16 for anything. it is junk and has the lowest bonding strength of all the different Weldon solvents. I previously posted the correct Weldon to use. you would need to actually solvent weld a piece of acrylic to the bottom of the crack, cut the opening then weld another piece on top of the crack.

Never had an issue with it and I have been using it for years, have you? and the resason I suggest to fill the crack, so when the router bit hit the crack the crack will not fisher and will not be chip out when the bit hits it.