Help: 450gal Modifying - filtration

[thecoolguy]

ok, so first, the pics

1) the tank --- 96x30x36, 1 built in overflow which is freestanding (not connected at the top)

2) shows the 4 holes and base of the tank, along with the dimensions of the entire space i would want to cover

what my plan is: cut out the overflow, and cap the 4 holes

so, here are my questions

1) the overflow is made of 1" acrylic all around, what is the best way to cut it out flush as possible to the bottom of the tank? tools i have: rotozip or jigsaw

2) once i get the overflow out - best way to cap the 4 holes? should i get one large piece of 3/4" acrylic and cover the entire 20x10" space? get bulkheads and cap them off? etc...im obviously skeptical of the cover with acrylic approach because i strongly doubt i will be able to remove the overflow completely flush to the bottom - unless there is a method of de-bonding the cement that holds it there

3) if cover with acrylic - which product(s)/cement do i need to purchase? cure time? experiences?

now, just to clarify:

i may still be going with a sump - but 100% do not want to use the overflow box in the tank

 

[Crobattt]

how much was the tank?

 

[thecoolguy]

how much was the tank?

"enough"

also - just in case you guys are wondering - the overflow is freestanding - so it is not connected to any sides/corners/top - just @ the base

so i am guessing by removing most of it, the structural integrity of the tank will not be affected

 

[thecoolguy]

in case anyone is following:

spoke to a local aquarium builder and he suggested i use (as he does) a fined toothed sawzall and cut it out that way

awaiting any other suggestions or input

 

[soul_assassin]

nice tank, i would cut as much as possible and then sand it down smooth with a sander. those small air powered drill/saw things would get the cutting job done nearly to the bottom. i would not saw into the bottom...leave enough to sand about 1-2 mm just to be sure you are not cutting into the bottom GL

 

[thecoolguy]

nice tank, i would cut as much as possible and then sand it down smooth with a sander. those small air powered drill/saw things would get the cutting job done nearly to the bottom. i would not saw into the bottom...leave enough to sand about 1-2 mm just to be sure you are not cutting into the bottom GL

i like the idea of sanding it relatively smooth to the bottom, as that would enable the holes to be covered via another acrylic piece

are you referring to a cutting wheel? not really sure what tool i could use to get a cut that close to the bottom?

if i can get it cut pretty flush - would you guys recommend weldon 3,4,16?

thanks for the help guys

 

[soul_assassin]

someting like this http://www.babcotools.ca/Tools/Air-Die-Grinder-Kits/AST1220

if you dont have the air compressor get something similar byut electical...or anything that will do this kind of job

dont know about the weldon

 

[creepyoldguy]

I like the sanding idea. Cut it as close to the bottom as you can and sand it smooth. As far as bonding apiece of acrylic, I bought some stuff from my lfs when I patched up a sump. It was a little pricey but set up instantly and was like concrete. I believe this tank was designed for all around viewing hence the reason for the overflow to be in the muddle.

 

[thecoolguy]

oh, you are talking about a grinder? and using a cutoff wheel with it?

i imagine that is gonna cause some insane melting

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

why dont you want to use the overflow that came with the tank? cutting it out is just more work