Glass cutting

[holabird]

Ok, here is a strange request. I want to take a 55 gallon tank and make it shorter. It fits under the main tank but it is too tall to work in it. Is there any way to cut 5" off the top all the way around without taking it all apart?

 

[eagle9252]

the bottom is most likely temp. so no.

 

[holabird]

The bottom is but I don't want to cut that. It is too tall so I only need the 4 sides cut

 

[rdnelson]

The short answer is, yes it is possible. The long answer is, I sure wouldn't trust myself to do it. LOL I cut glass years ago when working in a body shop during high school. It is not an easy task when you are cutting flat pieces on a nice bench. Trying to cut it while the sides are all attached would be extremely difficult I would think.

 

[bulldogg@me_com]

I would be more than happy to cut the glass for you. I have about ten years experience.

 

[holabird]

can you cut it without taking every thing apart?

Bulldogg@me.com;703685 wrote: I would be more than happy to cut the glass for you. I have about ten years experience.

 

[eagle9252]

again,... i say no. after you score it you have to bend it backwards. the bottom glass is between the sides so it would break correctly you can try it but if you hit or nick the sides of the bottom it will shatter.

 

[mojo]

It'd be cheaper and easier to find a smaller tank that would fit your needs... If it were acrylic, it'd be one thing, but I would never consider cutting down a glass tank like that.

 

[cr500_af]

How about a 45 low breeder? 48x16x12 or so?

As to the original question, it *can* be done with some risk. There are table saw blades and router blades that can cut glass (for example, Grouper Therapy cut a big square center brace into an "I" shape without removing it from the tank). My worry would be the last part of the cut, when the weight of the attached panels that have already been cut are weighing on the remaining uncut glass.

 

[holabird]

It can only be 13” wide. I looked at a 40 but it wouldnt fit. Its just a cheap 55. I might have to give it a try.

Is Chris (fishscales) still around. I might have him build me one.

cr500_af;703703 wrote: How about a 45 low breeder? 48x16x12 or so?

As to the original question, it *can* be done with some risk. There are table saw blades and router blades that can cut glass (for example, Grouper Therapy cut a big square center brace into an "I" shape without removing it from the tank). My worry would be the last part of the cut, when the weight of the attached panels that have already been cut are weighing on the remaining uncut glass.

 

[grouper therapy]

I can cut it for you but the edges will not be polished. Disclaimer :There is always a risk of fracture when cutting glass with a diamond blade. if you can take the trim off and reuse it would solve the rough edges

 

[ripped tide]

You could build it yourself out of acrylic. From what I hear, fish scales is still around, but do your research first. I have built a basic refugium out of acrylic that was made to hold about 25g and went under a 55. The dimensions were 36"x10"x14.5". There are some pics floating around the forums somewhere.

 

[rdnelson]

Ripped Tide, what was the thickness of the acrylic you used?

 

[myvwrock]

Odds are on a 55 the entire thing is tempered

 

[holabird]

Not this one. I already have a hole cut in the side for the return plumbing. Bottom is tempered but not the sides.

myVWrock;703797 wrote: Odds are on a 55 the entire thing is tempered

 

[grouper therapy]

holabird;703801 wrote: Not this one. I already have a hole cut in the side for the return plumbing. Bottom is tempered but not the sides.

I'm not sure where the 55 gallon are almost always tempered, I bet I've drilled a dozen or more.

 

[ripped tide]

rdnelson99;703740 wrote: Ripped Tide, what was the thickness of the acrylic you used?

I've made a few, all have been less than 40g and have been made of either 3/16 or 1/4 inch

 

[rdnelson]

Thanks Ripped Tide.