Help with glass tops

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Slim2634

Slim2634

Plecostomus
MFK Member
May 8, 2006
1,504
80
51
34
Central Ohio
I got two new glass tops for my 55 gallon, they are both the 24x12 ones. i also got two strip lights with them. i put them on and they dont fit, there about 1/8" too long for the tank. can i sand the edges down with some handheld sandpaper to get the 1/8" off of the glass. i really dont want to go pay for them to be cut off. would they break? there not tempered but i want to fit the plastic strip and handles on but havent yet because i havent wanted to because they dont even fit my tank.
 
Anybody know? Not trying to be impatient but I need the info soon so my dad can help me sand the glass or whatever were going to do by this weekend. THANKS :headbang2
 
Too wide or too long?If it's too long just let 'em overlap the front lip of the tank were they would of been snug behind,no biggie
.
 
If you bought them new,return them.
If they are allglass tops,maybe try tops for a perfecto,or see if there is a slight difference in the two.
 
Yep, try to exchange them without the reciept. Since you will be exchanging them and not getting cash back, they will be willing to accomodate without a reciept. They will have to get a managers approval, but it is the managers duty to say yes to everyone.

If you decide to cut them, sanding by hand will take forever and a day. A belt sander will make quicker work out of it. Cutting by scoring and using run and nip pliers will leave a nasty jagged edge since it is so close to to the edge. A dremmel will do the job but if the sanding drum is off balance, it will take chips out of the glass rather than sand it.
 
I will have to cut them, because they have been on my tank to prevent evaporation and I only found one of the boxes. I have a pad sander that I could use, what grit of sandpaper should I use?
 
What type is more important. If it is black you are ok. If it is brown, make sure it is not silicon dioxide. Aluminum Oxide is good.

Generally any fine grit is good. Go for 120-200.

Make sure you wet sand the glass. Dry sanding will cause heat stress in the glass and will cause the glass to crack at a later date (or as soon as it cools). Keep a small stream of water on the sanding area.
 
I ran into the same problem when I bought my glass canopy for my 120. Apparently Perfecto an All-Glass make there tank frames in different sizes.

I took mine to a local glass place an they cut them (at my risk).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom