Recycling a large tank

[zab34]

I came across 300 deep dimension tank. Problems are A) I don't have the space for a 6 foot tank. And the front is cracked. I have a place to get 1/2 glass fairly cheap and plan on making a smaller albeit not much smaller tank.

So here is my plan.

1. Cut the glass to proper dimensions to make a 60x36x24 (will a photon48) light this?
2. Use the 3" cut from the top to make euro-bracing along the top rim.
3. finally cut 12" from the bottom rim and somehow reattach It to the bottom pane.

If anyone has some tips or other ideas that would be awesome.

 

[caldone]

Ahhh ur the guy who beat me to that tank

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Looks like a plan!

 

[Kworker]

I have very little experience with the build process of putting one together so I feel I cant really contribute..

but do have to say, the bottom pane of glass may very well be tempered.. Which would restrict modifying it. You may either have to get a new sheet of glass, or make room for 6'. Hopefully for your sake it is not tempered.

 

[FL_Reefer]

Following, was thinking about this my self.

 

[revsgirl]

Watching

 

[zab34]

Whoops.

 

[zab34]

I have very little experience with the build process of putting one together so I feel I cant really contribute..

but do have to say, the bottom pane of glass may very well be tempered.. Which would restrict modifying it. You may either have to get a new sheet of glass, or make room for 6'. Hopefully for your sake it is not tempered.

I asked Marineland. They say no panes are tempered. A quick amateur check with polarized glasses agree.

 

[zab34]

Ahhh ur the guy who beat me to that tank

If I give up on it. I'll let you know.

Following, was thinking about this my self.

Please do share some of your thoughts.

 

[zab34]

Couple questions.

Does anyone know where to source the bottom plastic rim in 60x36?
Will the rim I have now hold if I cut 12" out of the middle and epoxy or Weldon it back to one piece?

Euro bracing the top? Anyone have tips on this. Is overlaying them stronger,or should they sit at the same height?

I plan on using RTV silicone. Thinking of going clear over black (my previous tank was black)

Anyone have experience cutting 9 and 15mm glass? Would like to diy but may go professional if the quotes come back reasonable.

 

[FL_Reefer]

I have a 220 gallon that is about 30'' deep. I was thinking of cutting the top down to about 20'' or so. Using the cut off and buying a piece of glass for a bottom to make a large frag tank with. The problem I'm having is getting the courage to do it and also if it will even work. I love my tank the way it is but I think it will be easier to maintain with a not so talk tank plus I am going to need a good size frag tank here in the near future. If it was me I would bring it to a pro to cut the glass. I'm just weighing out my options on a price of the tank vs doing what I'm thinking. It's deff doable it will just be a lot of work for me as the tank is loaded now with livestock. As to how to brace things, a pro needs to chime in here as I'm no tank builder but would like to hear some advice on this subject as well.

 

[zab34]

I'm with you. My good thing is it's not my current tank so timeline is no issue. I've seen a guy cut a 75 in half without dissembling. Not sure how but it worked. But the frag tank idea sounds awesome. Where in fl are you located?

 

[FL_Reefer]

I'm close to spring hill so not to far from ya

 

[Kworker]

I asked Marineland. They say no panes are tempered. A quick amateur check with polarized glasses agree.

:thumb: looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[zab34]

Project won't start for a little while. Bit I'll make build thread for everyone when I start. Should be fun.

 

[zab34]

Bump for anymore advice on the matter.

 

[trickedout900]

Well at the least the responses here are more supportive. Good luck with the rebuild. I am in the middle of rebuilding a 4 foot 120. There were a ton of scratches in glass so the build has been paused but hopefully I get it rolling again soon.