best way to cut trim so AC 110 will fit?

[12 Volt Man]

Hello all. I just brought home my new 50g breeder tank (36x18x18) and the trim is annoying in that it has a thin part and a thick part on opposite sides (unlike Aqueon/Oceanic and Perfecto tanks that are the same all the way around). Well made tank, black silicone and all from Miracles Aquariums (best Canadian domestic brand) but the trim is annoying LOL.

the thin part is presumably where the HOB filters go.

problem is, my tank is in a corner and the filter has to go on the left hand side which is the thick part...and the AC 110 will not fit over the lip.

what is the best way to shave off 1 or 2 mm? a dremel tool? grinder of some kind?

any help would be appreciated. I can't post pics yet until the attachments get fixed..

 

[KAWAMIKIE]

Save the pic to your album in your profile. Copy the BB code and paste it here, the pic will appear when you submit post.

 

[Heathd]

I had an old old 20 gallon hex that was made before HOBs existed, and when undergravel filters were the thing. I bought an HOB and the trim was too thick for it to fit, so i took a razer and notched the trim where it would go.

But, with out seeing what your working with, that may or may not be a very bad idea.

 

[bob965]

Sawzall or jigsaw with a fine blade. Clean it up with a file. Dremel with a little sanding drum would work, but it would be hard to keep a straight edge and it'll be easy to take too much off.

 

[12 Volt Man]

thanks for the tips. It doesn't need to be perfect as no one will ever see it.

the tank is on underneath my 65g in a corner on an angle on a steel stand designed for two tanks.

 

[Toby_H]

Sawzall or jigsaw with a fine blade. Clean it up with a file. Dremel with a little sanding drum would work, but it would be hard to keep a straight edge and it'll be easy to take too much off.

A Dremel will be to hard to keep straight so you suggest a sawzall?

In general, I hate Dremels... But this is an application I would pull it out for. Expect the plastic to gum up the sandingtool as it melts. You may go through a couple sanding tools / attachments.

If you do not have access to a Dremel I would try a brand new razor knife. Of course I am suggesting that without seeing how thick the plastic trim is.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I am going to try and get some pics up soon. its funny right around when the board lost the attachments, I downloaded a virus checker update for my norton and now it won't recognize my camera when I plug it into the computer. I am going to try and uninstall and re install the camera software, and get pics up via my profile album as suggested above..

 

[12 Volt Man]

ps I should have access to a wide variety of tools as my Dad has a whole workshop and he has all kinds of tools. he is into metal lathing and all kinds of stuff. I am going to get him to help as he is much more handy than I am

 

[12 Volt Man]

okay, got the camera working again, copying image of the new setup underneath the 65g from album. hope this works:

 

[12 Volt Man]

a closeup of the new tank, you can see why the AC 110 has to go on the left side. I can't access it from the right:

a closeup of the lip that Dad and I will cut on the weekend. he is coming over with 'the right tool to do it'

wish me luck!