Cutting down a tank?

[ineedfire]

Calling all DIY peeps.
Has anyone ever cut down a tank WITHOUT disassembling it?

I have a 3x1.5x1.5ft tank under the house and I would like to cut a little off the top to make it a tad more shallow. Also it would get rid of the supports to make it a bit more appealing without a hood.. Has anyone ever read about or done it themselves?

I know the smarter option would be to just buy or make a new tank but if I can just reuse a tank I already own, then why not?

PLANNNN!
If I go through with it an try for myself;
-I'll cut down the sides first since they're wedged in between the front and back panels.
-Slice the silicone as much as I can from the top to the cutting line.
-Crack out the side panel
-Repeat for opposite side panel
-No sides leaves the front and back panels open to bend back after scoring.
-Sand down cut edges so I don't end up with slit wrists.

I think that's all i wanted to know. Lol.

[Bushkill]

I know there have been several threads along these lines over the years on this and other forums. I've yet to see the end result, so I honestly can't say it can or can't be done, but here are my thoughts:

I wouldn't try to separate the inner silicone bead before trying to snap the panels in place. Once that bead is compromised, it will continue to run down the seam when under pressure. Granted cutting the tank down reduces the pressure, but since you're leaving the trim off, I think it's a significant issue. At least you realize the resulting edges will be just dangerous. Sanding will certainly make them safe. you can also run the flat side of a small diamond wheel on a Dremel tool get to the same place faster. However, neither is a "polished" edge like you would expect on a rimless tank. If you have access to one, I would try a hand-held water-cooled tile saw with a diamond blade. The bearings on these things aren't the smoothest things you'll use, so many shallow passes would be the way I would go.

I think in the end you'll find that it would probably be less time consuming, and safer to just dismantle the tank, cut the panels, have a glass shop polish the edges for you, and simply re-assemble.

[jcgd]

I wouldn't cut it down without taking it apart. 3x1.5x1.5 are nice dimensions though. Could you just add a euro brace?

[dbosman@msu.edu]

There is a back thread on someone cut down a cube tank. Last year I believe. They used a portable, hand held, water cooled saw with a diamond blade.

[Bushkill]

Originally Posted by dbosman@msu.edu

There is a back thread on someone cut down a cube tank. Last year I believe. They used a portable, hand held, water cooled saw with a diamond blade.

I have one and I've certainly bought more expensive tools. I bought it to cut tile though. I tried it on 1/2" glass at one point and I have to say it was slow and nerve-wracking. Definitely needed a beer after I was done and it wasn't the biggest cut you'll ever see. With 3/8 or 1/4" it would probably do much better.

[talontsiawd]

I have been interested in doing this as well but never seen anyone actually do it, much less talk about it. I want to make a super short version of a 20 Long out of a 29. Like only 6-8 in tall. I have a donor tank but I really don't want it enough to spend a bunch of time doing it or buy expensive tools. Let us know how it goes.

[ineedfire]

Originally Posted by Bushkill

I wouldn't try to separate the inner silicone bead before trying to snap the panels in place. Once that bead is compromised, it will continue to run down the seam when under pressure. Granted cutting the tank down reduces the pressure, but since you're leaving the trim off, I think it's a significant issue.

I wouldn't have thought that removing half a seal of silicone would compromise the rest? But it is now something I am aware of. Would I be able to just top off the silicone somehow to avoid it splitting?

Originally Posted by talontsiawd

I have been interested in doing this as well but never seen anyone actually do it, much less talk about it. I want to make a super short version of a 20 Long out of a 29. Like only 6-8 in tall. I have a donor tank but I really don't want it enough to spend a bunch of time doing it or buy expensive tools. Let us know how it goes.

I would also like to avoid buying a tool just to do this tank.. So I'll be doing it with a few simple tools i already own..

And will give it a few weeks testing under the house full of water as a pressure test on the remaining seals.

Might try it out this weekend. Will keep you guys updated.

[ineedfire]

Originally Posted by dbosman@msu.edu

There is a back thread on someone cut down a cube tank. Last year I believe. They used a portable, hand held, water cooled saw with a diamond blade.

What was the size of the tank? Did he have any issues with the seals splitting like Bushkill mentioned may be a problem?

[dbosman@msu.edu]

As I recall, it was a heavy glass cube tank.
He used something like this.
http://www.contractorsdirect.com/Til...isk-Saw-G30019

[ineedfire]

If I had some money to throw around I d probably invest in one. But then again I could buy a new tank for how much something like that would probably cost. I'll try it the cheap way and if I succeed then I'll put together a quick step by step or something. I will definitely be testing and checking the beads for at LEAST a fortnight to see if there is any chance of them splitting. If they go or seem to be weakened by the removal of half the bead then I probably would have to assume and recommend nobody cut a tank without disassembly.

[tentacles]

Well, why not put it on an advert, have 40 breeder will trade for 30 breeder?

You could probably cut the glass no problem with a glass cutter, if you had a diamond saw to do the corners where the cutter won't reach (IE score the glass on the inside of the tank). You'd have to slice the silicone down to the cut point, though. A high quality glass cutter makes a HUGE difference in how well it works. I bought a german made one from a local fish shop that makes lots of tanks, and it is a joy to use. FWIW I saw he has a jar with about 50 of the chinese ones in it, untouched.

[In.a.Box]

I cut a 55g in half.
Once you cut it you will have to reseal it, slicone.

[ineedfire]

Originally Posted by In.a.Box

I cut a 55g in half.
Once you cut it you will have to reseal it, slicone.

Without taking it apart?
Re-seal where abouts - just the inside corners?

[steven p]

I don't see this working at all with taking the tank apart, I'd like to cut a 10x20 down to about 6 inches tall.

[ineedfire]

Well I guess you'll find out after I've attempted. I've only read threads online that ask if it's been done. As far as my research goes (which wasn't too far past the first page of google lol) it hasnt been attempted and posted online. I'm sure people have done it before, though.

I should have it prepped tonight and hopefully will start cutting it up tomorrow or Sunday.