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WTB Acrylic

Discussion in 'Buy/Sell/Trade' started by SaltWaterloo, Apr 8, 2010.

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  1. Apr 8, 2010 #1
    SaltWaterloo

    SaltWaterloo Inactive User

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    Hey I'm drilling the bottom of my 55gal tank but need to switch the tempered glass for acrylic. I thought i'd check if anyone had a half of a sheet or something leftover from a project or something before i went and bought a sheet. The piece must be at least 13"x49" and at least 3/8" thick. If anyone has anything available let me know. You can also call me at 319-464-7267 and make me feel important =D Thanks!
    -Sam
    P.S. Also wtb a skimmer and some heaters
     
  2. Apr 8, 2010 #2
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Don't drill the bottom, drill the back...and don't replace the glass with acrylic, drill the glass. Silicone does not stick to acrylic well and you would be just asking for problems. Go to www.glass-holes.com for tank drilling supplies, bulkheads, overflow kits, etc

    --AJ
     
  3. Apr 9, 2010 #3
    snowman82

    snowman82 Experienced Reefkeeper

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    thats a no go for a 55 if i remember correctly all 55's have tempered glass all around
     
  4. Apr 9, 2010 #4
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    Agreed with AJ!

    Some 55's were tempered, some werent. No way to tell.

    I am assuming you want a sump so yes drill the back. Make sure you are wearing safety glasses & go slow. If it is tempered it will shatter on you!

    If you dont want to do that you can get an external overflow (although I hate them, drilled is the way to go)

    GL
    Craig
     
  5. Apr 9, 2010 #5
    FishBrain New London

    FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

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    +1 on all of the above!
     
  6. Apr 9, 2010 #6
    SaltWaterloo

    SaltWaterloo Inactive User

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    That would be great, but I believe the entire thing is tempered. I can try drilling the side, but if it breaks, then what?

    and there isnt a back to it, its going in the middle of the room. I could go thru the sides? but still tempered so i gotta do something. It was recomended to me by someone who did it very sucessfuly so thats what i was going to do.

    An i really dont want a hob overflow. would look not so good and i just dont like them
     
  7. Apr 9, 2010 #7
    mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    can you use a hob overflow system?
    edit nm i see you would rather not
     
  8. Apr 9, 2010 #8
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    You are going to have all 4 sides viewed?

    If so you dont have much to choose from.

    Silicone will not hold acrylic to glass. It may for a week, month, but eventually it WILL fail.

    Your other choice is to watch for a reef ready predrilled tank & not use that 55. There are always tanks going up for sale.
     
  9. Apr 9, 2010 #9
    SaltWaterloo

    SaltWaterloo Inactive User

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    is there anything that will hold acrylic in place?
     
  10. Apr 9, 2010 #10
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    Acylic will seal to acrylic with weld on

    Glass seals to glass with good silicone

    glass & acrylic is like water n oil
     
  11. Apr 9, 2010 #11
    SaltWaterloo

    SaltWaterloo Inactive User

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    xroads - i believe you live in wloo/cf, do you know of a place that sells glass around? maybe i could get a piece to fit.

    Also, if i used acrylic on the bottom with glass, would i be able to reinforce it somehow with caulkking or some other option on th bottom? the bottom of the tank will be going inside a little lip that will hold it in place, if i did some serious reinforcing with something, you think that would help?
     
  12. Apr 9, 2010 #12
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    I always get my glass from Don @ allen glass. When I get baffles & stuff I have him cut it out of scrap glass, it is usually really cheap.

    He can probably cut you a new bottom panel. Are you going to install a corner overflow then to hide the stand pipe?

    If you do need acrlyic talk to Denny at Regal Platiscs in Evansdale. Tell him Craig from Crossroads sent you. 3/8 & bigger usually gets really expensive. They do have a nice scrap bin that they sell by the pound. There is usually a $25 minimum, so grab $25 worth.

    I can drill glass fairly easy. I have exploded a few tempered ones too, not petty.

    What kind of frame does it have? Will you destroy the frame putting in a new bottom panel?
     
  13. Apr 9, 2010 #13
    SaltWaterloo

    SaltWaterloo Inactive User

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    Awesome thanks for the advice. Where is allen glass? i can look it up.

    I have two brand new frames for the tank
     
  14. Apr 9, 2010 #14
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    1620 Jefferson
    232-0461
     
  15. Apr 9, 2010 #15
    SaltWaterloo

    SaltWaterloo Inactive User

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    oh and yes i was gonna go with a grav flow pipe, but i didnt know how i was gonna hide it. like i said its going to be open on all sides. if it has to be covered to keep fish and things out of hte pipe, i will prolly just cover it close to the top and paint the rest of the pipe. I was also going to drill in for the return unless thats not advised?

    Thanks for your help. i will stop in at allen next time i get the chance. Also, I have plumbers putty, but what else will i need? a glass hole drill? Adam offered to help me out as well. Shopping list: 100% Silicone, glass, PVC, and a few gaskets for sealing between the pvc and the hole? anything else?
     
  16. Apr 9, 2010 #16
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    well you will def need a bulk head for your hole, then the pipe will screw into the bulkhead. And yes if it is going to be viewable from everywhere I would drill the return as well & put a bulkhead in that.

    Gl
     
  17. Apr 9, 2010 #17
    SaltWaterloo

    SaltWaterloo Inactive User

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    Alright thanks /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/hybrid//emoticons/smile.gif I really appreciate your help.This tank is gonna look very nice. I will get some before and after pics.
     
  18. Apr 9, 2010 #18
    SaltWaterloo

    SaltWaterloo Inactive User

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    Oh one last thing, Is there a place to buy bulkheads around here? I didnt think they old them at HD or Mendards but i could be wrong
     
  19. Apr 9, 2010 #19
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    Sometimes you can get them at blains back in the farm sprayer section.

    You can get the from Drs Foster & Smith, Marine Depot, or Savko.
     
  20. Apr 9, 2010 #20
    tgauger

    tgauger Inactive User

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    Tractor Supply will sometimes stock them as well with their stock tank parts
     
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