Removing glass-reinforced overflow

pacificdiver · 04/23/2017, 06:21 AM

Hi all,

I had a custom 110 tall built with a glass-reinforced right corner overflow, and I'm tired of staring at it, since it's way too big. I've seen a few good tutorials about removing overflows, but none has been for one that has glass reinforcements behind the acrylic wall.

Is there anything different I have to do with a glass-reinforced overflow? I called the manufacturer and they pretty much blew me off. Has anyone done this?

Thanks

billdogg · 04/23/2017, 06:38 AM

Pictures would help. I'm not really sure what you mean. Is the rest of the overflow acrylic?

FullBoreReefer · 04/23/2017, 07:07 AM

Is it a glass cages tank? That's how mine is built. 1/2" glass overflow, then skinned in black acrylic.

pacificdiver · 04/23/2017, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

Pictures would help. I'm not really sure what you mean. Is the rest of the overflow acrylic?

Sorry, I'll be home later today and can post some photos. It's basically a 1/2" glass aquarium (110 tall) with a right internal acrylic overflow, but inside the walls of the acrylic overflow, there's more 1/2" glass, presumably to reinforce the weight of the 30" tall water column. The overflow is a horrible design, and takes up an enormous footprint. It's got to go, in favor of a Reef Synergy external.

Just wondering if anyone's ever removed something like this, and looking for tips.

billdogg · 04/23/2017, 07:18 AM

(assuming the tank is empty?) It really should not be too big a deal to remove it. Just have an ample supply of new single edge razor blade to score the silicone and peel off the layers. Use more blades to remove the residue left on the sides of the tank. Wipe it down with acetone to get rid of what you can't see, rinse it well and you should be good to go.

ca1ore · 04/23/2017, 01:25 PM

Some manufacturers use glass for the overflow and 'skin' it with acrylic. Glasscages does this, as does CtC and my old world class 180. The glass parts ARE the overflow. You can remove them with some effort in the same way you'd remove a plastic one. razor blades, thin putty knife, etc. Just don't damage the structural tank seals.

04/23/2017, 06:21 AM	#1
pacificdiver Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 121	Removing glass-reinforced overflow Hi all, I had a custom 110 tall built with a glass-reinforced right corner overflow, and I'm tired of staring at it, since it's way too big. I've seen a few good tutorials about removing overflows, but none has been for one that has glass reinforcements behind the acrylic wall. Is there anything different I have to do with a glass-reinforced overflow? I called the manufacturer and they pretty much blew me off. Has anyone done this? Thanks

04/23/2017, 06:38 AM	#2
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	Pictures would help. I'm not really sure what you mean. Is the rest of the overflow acrylic? __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

04/23/2017, 07:07 AM	#3
FullBoreReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 1,862	Is it a glass cages tank? That's how mine is built. 1/2" glass overflow, then skinned in black acrylic. __________________ 60x36x24 mixed reef. 40b sump. Regal 250int Varios. 4xHydra26HDs+t5s. 4xMp40wes. Apex2016.

04/23/2017, 07:18 AM	#5
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	(assuming the tank is empty?) It really should not be too big a deal to remove it. Just have an ample supply of new single edge razor blade to score the silicone and peel off the layers. Use more blades to remove the residue left on the sides of the tank. Wipe it down with acetone to get rid of what you can't see, rinse it well and you should be good to go. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

04/23/2017, 01:25 PM	#6
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Some manufacturers use glass for the overflow and 'skin' it with acrylic. Glasscages does this, as does CtC and my old world class 180. The glass parts ARE the overflow. You can remove them with some effort in the same way you'd remove a plastic one. razor blades, thin putty knife, etc. Just don't damage the structural tank seals. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs