Cutting Glass in existing tank.

[DeVitaf]

Hello all,

I have a 29g tank that holds a couple of small red ear sliders for my daughter. I want to get rid of the small internal filter and add a power filter that hangs over the side. Since the tank is half full (or half empty :)) it won't run properly.

Is it possible to cut a hole in the glass for the power filter to fit.

This is what I am trying to do:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/393665/turtletank.JPG

Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks.

[chefkeith]

If your cutting a hole other than a circle in your aquarium, there's an excellent chance that the corners of the hole will start a large crack.

I'd go with a small canister filter instead. It might seem difficult to plumb the canister, but once its installed nothing beats it.

[DeVitaf]

I didn't think of that.

I already have some left over power filters I was hoping I could reuse.

Do you think it would be possible to drill two big hole a couple of inches apart and then cut the glass in between them. (Let me know if this doesn't make sense)

This way I could avoid making corners. Or do you think the glass would still crack where the cuts meet?

[chefkeith]

That would take some good glass cutting skills, but I think it would work. Good idea.

[DeVitaf]

Unfortunately, I don't think I have the skills, lol.

Thanks for the help!

[RTR]

Right angle corner cuts are possible in glass, but they are always major weaknesses, even rounded ones, and can run a fracture at any time. In a word, don't.

The critter cages/tanks intended for turtles have solid base pieces, then three top pieces - the middle one being shorter to leave room for the filter to set in/through. That is a stable configuration.

[slipknottin]

Take the back piece of glass you want to cut out from the tank.

Cut the entire piece of glass in a straght line from one side to the other right above water line. Silicone that piece back into the tank. Then you can work on the remaining glass to seal around the filter.

[rockhead44]

Here is my 2 cents on this.What you need to do is drill 4 holes in each corner of the rectangle you want to remove(using a lubricant or soapy water and a glass drill bit).Then using a straight edge and a glass cutter score the remaining lines and gently tap the glass till you have a break in them.Tap out the piece,grind and then sand down the edges smooth.This is possible but the only concern that I have is if you are going to hang the power filter through the hole it needs some type framing for support.Maybe you can frame it out with some kind of plastic picture frame molding.I was in the glass business for many years and it is possible.You might be better off cutting the whole top off the tank and putting back the original frame .Hope this helps and let use know how it works out.Good Luck!

[Captain Hook]

IF you are going to do it I like slipknottin's idea best. You could take the flat pane to a glass and have them take care of it from there. I don't know how hard it would be to take the glass apart and put it back together though.

[rockhead44]

Captain Hook I did not see slipknottin response before I replied.I will agree that it would be easier to do that.But it is just as easy to cut the back piece out while still connected to the tank.I would just make a straight line across the back using a glass cutter and a straight edged.Then you don't have to deal with the silicone.Good idea slipknottin and thanks for pointing this out captain Hook.

[slipknottin]

you ever tried to cut 3/8" glass with a glass cutter? ;)

[DIYMatt]

I am all about DIY, but all these ways seem like a lot of work to me. Why just pick up a small internal filter or a power head with a foam prefilter. Both of these can be had for less than $20 online. Also, it always seems like a shame to cut a tank when someone like might want to pick it up at a garage sale a couple years down the road:)

[RTR]

My tanks will go to a sale when my estate is settled and not before. I have donated a few to schools and nursing homes, but I still have and operate some old tanks.