Cutting open the top of an acrylic hex tank. Safe?

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knifegill

knifegill

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Sep 19, 2005
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Oscar Tummy
So if I leave a good two or three inches around the top as a supportive rim, can I tear out the darn stuff that makes it hard to get my arms in there? It's a 50 gallon acrylic and it's a little on the tall side and tough to get to the bottom of. Would be much more manageable if I had better then a little slot to reach through.
 
Okay, so I'm just going to do this and if it explodes when I fill it I'll melt it in the sun for revenge. :D

I've been thinking about it and the pressure distribution that bows the sides out should also be pulling the top slightly down in the center. The corners then sort of twist inward from the weight. However, it seems to me that the outer few inches of the top should be able to hold their own without the bracing portion since they'll be compressing and the brace ought to not be playing much of a part at all in the support of the walls. Amirite?! I mean, it's practically round and made of a very thick plastic.
 
the pressure is going to be the greatest at the bottom of the tank. the sides aren't going to bow outword from the center to the pane.
 
Mmmm, all acrylic tanks bow. But I do agree that most of the pressure will be on the bottom. I'm not afraid to cut the top out anymore.
 
i could be wrong, but i agree a three inch boarder around the top instead of the small openning should be fine.
 
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