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I am about to reseal and divide an old 4' breeder tank. My plan is to divide it into 4-6 sections in order to reduce clutter and hopefully cut the need for so many heaters (powerpoints and energy consumption are a bit of an issue, and this will hopefully at least fix the powerpoint issue!)

This is the first of 3 tanks that I plan on doing this with. The other two will either be divided in half or into 3, depending on needs.


I am thinking of dividing the tank using 4-6mm glass petitions. These would be siliconed into place and there would be no gap between lids and the dividers. Hopefully, lids will run back to front as opposed to side to side, in order to have a separate lid for each section.

1) what is the most effective way of cutting glass? I have heard turpentine on the blade works well, has anyone got any other tips?

2) where would I be able to find 2nd hand glass suitable for this job? I don't relish the thought of $15 per divider.

3) is there a material that could be used for lids that is better than glass? I don't like perspex, if that could be avoided, i'd appreciate it.


Now, the tank currently has a centre brace. This is going to be a bit of a hinderance. IF the glass petitions are evenly distributed,

1) Can this be removed without the tank bowing out?

2) If not, can it be replaced with something less annoying?

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Hi,
When reading the initial part of the thread, the use of
plastic mesh from a Craft Shop came to mind as the mesh
would allow circulation between sections and you could
set the filter up to draw from one end, and replace at the
opposite. Then in further reading it sounds like you are
going to turn the one aquarium into several "separate"
aquariums. Each would then require its own filter, and
heater (though a smaller wattage than normal).

Because the partitions would not be structurally involved
in holding the large front and back glasses together, I
would keep the front to back brace and work it in to the
overall partitioning. I'd place the one partition below
the middle of the front to back brace in the shape of a
"T" and silicone the partition on all four sides.
Then, I would space the remaining partitions out,
equidistant from the center.

Were you stateside, I'd suggest dropping into a shop that
sells glass that can be cut to size and shape as desired.
I'm sure that you have the equivalent down under. I've
got one nearby that sells sheets of glass and will make,
or replace store & home windows.
They don't really charge that much when you purchase
a large piece and have it cut into many small ones as
you will be doing. And, you can have them polish
the edges and corners at the same time (saves
cut fingers!).


Frank


Last edited by FRANK at 13-Dec-2005 11:16

Last edited by FRANK at 13-Dec-2005 11:17

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Thanks Frank

I got 2 lids cut earlier this year and in total it cost me $30, which is half the price of a 25gal tank, so i'm kinda hoping to either find somewhere cheaper or cut the cost by doing it myself.

I plan on running air-driven filters in each section, and probably having slightly different setups for different types of fish (its basically a bunch of love-nests )

Will have a think on this, its going to be fiddly!

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

1) what is the most effective way of cutting glass? I have heard turpentine on the blade works well, has anyone got any other tips?
To start off with you will require a good glass cutter. Yes turps works very well it helps to keep the cutter running freely.

2) where would I be able to find 2nd hand glass suitable for this job? I don't relish the thought of $15 per divider.
Not recommended to cut second hand galss as with age it becomes extremly brittle and does not always cut cleanly.

3) is there a material that could be used for lids that is better than glass? I don't like perspex, if that could be avoided, i'd appreciate it.
Glass is best.

Now, the tank currently has a centre brace. This is going to be a bit of a hinderance. IF the glass petitions are evenly distributed,

1) Can this be removed without the tank bowing out?
It will bow that is what it is there for.
What can be done is leave it where it is and add two less in width which will make the tank three equal spaces at the top. After the new divisions are completly set then remove the old center brace. These braces can be placed directly over a division.

2) If not, can it be replaced with something less annoying?
Sorry I do not know of any thing else.

Final conclusion take the tank to a glazier and ask him to cut the divisions for you. If he breaks them its his problem not yours.

Glass looks easy to cut unless you have all the correct tools and the experience dont even attempt it.

I can cut glass and have been able to for many years but I prefer to get it done by a glazier.

There are some very cheap thin glass on the market today and it will certainly be more convenient and safer (as cutting glass can become very dangerous if you have an accident.)

Keith

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