Aquarium modifactions

I just recently acquired a 170G acrylic tank, 72 x 18 x 30, that I plan on setting up as a reef tank at some point in the future as funds allow. On hold until the damn kitchen remodel is done though. Anyway, the openings on the top are small, 22 x 9, and was wondering if it would hurt anything if I opened them up a little more, say an inch more per side or so. The center brace is 13 inches wide right now. I also have 4 inches in the front, 5 inches behind them and 7.5 on the outside edge. Just hoping to give myself a little more room to work in the tank and to shine the lights through. Thanks for any help.

 

I dont see how it could hurt, but then again I dont know acrylic that well..

Bump..

 

Oh and welcome to 3reef.. be sure to make a post in here Say Hello! - 3reef Forums and tell us a little about your setup.

 

If you have the tool to cut acrylic, by all means, go for it. Nothing wrong to do that.

 

Just wanting to make sure the tank will still be structurally sound if i remove some of top. I'd hope 10 inches of center brace would still be enough.

Currently the setup is just the tank. It has a LONG way to go.

And thanks for the welcome.

 

You need to be careful when modifying the bracing on acrylic tanks. With yours being 30" tall especially. Most manufacturers use the thinnest material they can. I suggest you fill the tank first and then check for bowing. There will be some but very minimal if they built it with thick enough acrylic. The acrylic should be 1/2" to 3/4" thick on the walls. If it is 3/4" you could safely make the modifications to the braces, if not I would suggest not making modifications.

 

I checked the tank. The sides are 1/2 and top is 3/8. I had hoped with the brace being 13" wide, I might be able to take some off. What would you think of at least opening it front to back? Just trying to make things easier as far as maintenance and lighting.

 

I would fill it up first to check out how much the tank bows. Front to back I wouldn't modify. You want 4" to 5" bracing around the edges. Cutting the center brace to 10" probably would be ok.

 

I'll definitely fill it up 1st then, before I do anything and check out the bowing. But, even if i only gain the 3" in the middle, that would help some. Thanks for your help.

 

Very good info. I would not modify that tank, with those dimensions and that thickness of acrylic. You will probably notice a bow to begin with and IMO, that acrylic is pretty thin for that sized tank. Unless you consult with an engineer of some type, I would not mess with, your only asking for trouble IMO.