Mother-in-Law's 40 Breeder Build (1 Viewer)

[acharpenter]

Pretty annoyed at this point. Turns out the bottom glass was tempered after all, even when the aqueon website said their 40b tanks are NOT made with tempered bottoms. Sigh

You drilled it?

If thats the case this wont help but for future reference there is a way to check for tempered glass using polarized glasses...

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

You drilled it?

If thats the case this wont help but for future reference there is a way to check for tempered glass using polarized glasses...

Yes, we attempted too. We were under the impression we were good to go, obviously that wasn't the case. We know about the glasses trick now. Gonna try now to hunt down an all plate glass tank.

 

[scubaspew]

Yes, we attempted too. We were under the impression. We were good to go, obviously that wasn't the case. We know about the glasses trick now. Gonna try now to hunt down an all plate glass tank.

Yo, call me after 3pm today if you have my number or shoot me an email with yours!

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

Petco did take back the cracked tank and refunded my money, so at least there is that. Just trying to find a tank now. If i could find one today, we might be able to get it drilled tonight.

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

So I've called about 5 LFS in the twin Cities metro and I'm getting crazy mixed messages about 40b tanks and the availability of finding one that doesn't have a tempered bottom. Some are saying that none are manufactured that way, others say there are, or ordering a pre-drilled one...I dunno. Just frustrated at this point. Anybody have some insight into this?

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

Crazy turn around of a day. Found a guy on Craigslist with a 40b that needed to be cleaned up. Stopped by, did the polarized glasses test with my laptop and brought it home. the tank is now drilled with the internal plumbing dry fitted.

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

I have a thought here in regards to the above photo. I know that center overflows get a bad rep due to improper circulation in the system; instead of having the center doing the skimming, what about just cutting the wing right next to the primary return to encourage circular flow? Think that would work?

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

 

[jlanger]

It's always good to end the day on a good note.

As for your overflow sketch...
The flared nozzles will direct your filtered water far enough away from the overflow that you can utilize the entire length for surface skimming. With the entire length pulling water from the surface, you will have a more effective skim of the junk collecting on the surface. If you limit the surface skimming to just the left end, you may end up with a slick somewhere on the right side.

I have a center overflow on my 120gal and I don't have any issues with improper circulation. I have the nozzles set to agitate the water's surface while the water pumps make sure there is enough water flow to minimize any dead spots.

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

So just came home from A-1 Acrylics in osseo...the plan for the overflow is as follows: 12.5 inches in width at the face, with 45 degree wings bent to meet the back glass, all in one piece at 15.5" tall. The cover will be 3.5 inches off the back glass with the left "wing" and left middle of the face having overflow teeth every 3/8" by 1/2" deep that are 1/4 wide." Thinking that will be enough skimming power. Greg at A-1 said hell "try to have it done by the end of the week, but no guarantee." Also looking at getting a couple tank tops cut and a smaller 2-3 gallon ato reservoir from them as well.

 

[BEAV9900]

just an FYI have them notch out the corners that will be up against the glass silicone. will fit much better and not potentially cut into the factory silicone.


looking great so far. really wish I had 3 holes to work with (hmm that doesn't sound right lol )

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

just an FYI have them notch out the corners that will be up against the glass silicone. will fit much better and not potentially cut into the factory silicone.


looking great so far. really wish I had 3 holes to work with (hmm that doesn't sound right lol )

Cut the corners on just the bottom I assume right? I was thinking 3 holes was the way to go until I saw Angie's two holes post. Lol

 

[BEAV9900]

Cut the corners on just the bottom I assume right?

Yeah just the 2 bottom spots where it meets the bottom corner of tank.

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

Finally picked up the overflow cover today. Looks pretty good so far. Just gotta cut a notch for the locline return Y and nip the corners to protect the tank silicone. Hoping to make some progress sometime this weekend.

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

 

[BEAV9900]

nice, that turned out great!

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

nice, that turned out great!

I thought so, I really like the look of the bent edges vs 90 degree angles.

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

Made good progress today. Waiting for everything to dry. Hopefully water testing tomorrow.

 

[Mandarin_Jake]

Had to cut this notch out for the locline from the return. That was nerve racking after what we've been through. Also sanded the edges with a hand file so the overflow cover would sit flush and not gouge the tank silicone.