Sealing Acrylic Hole Question

[thecoolguy]

hey guys, its been a LONG time....but it looks like i can finally re-enter the game....and im going BIG.....450gal

so, have a quick question

the tank is 100% brand new, and has a single overflow built into the right hand side - center of the tank - with one hole on the bottom

i want to cut out the overflow, and seal the hole

how?

piece of acrylic with acrylic cement to attach?

as for cutting out the overflow - just a hacksaw? sawzall? cutting wheel?

thanks for the help - and looking forward to posting up some pics very very soon

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

you mind posting pics of the tank and over flow first?

 

[thecoolguy]

ok, so here is a pic of the tank as it sits in the warehouse i need to go pick it up at...not a good pic - but you get the idea, standard internal overflow box

so - i am continuing to debate now on whether or not to just use the thing....or remove it completely......

remaining questions

1) removal: will it affect structural integrity of tank?

2) i would be cutting the entire thing out - top to bottom - leaving 1 hole - would using a 3/4" acrylic piece + cement be enough to plug that hole? as i would rather plug it that way, and not by using a plugged bulkhead - as the aquascape will cover the acrylic piece

3) would a bulkhead be safer....haha?

ill obviously have a better idea once i actually get the tank (going to see it for the first time later today) - but just wanted to be prepared to hack away.....

ahh.....

4) are the tops of the internal overflow boxes typically cemented onto the top of the tank? (its been a LONG time..)

 

[black056mtc]

if it were me i would leave it there and use it.

If you could somehow cut it out there will be scratches and marks and lines that left behind which will be more of an eye sore unless you could cut it out cleanly which i don't really see it going to happen.. If you don't like the look of it just plug it up with a BH and cap the bottom. use some plant/wood/decoration to cover the overflow box.

also it's 3/4 -1" thick acrylic so taking that out won't have any affect on the tank... sealing the bottom with a 1/2" or thicker and 3 times the size of the hole with a piece of acrylic.