turn two 3'x2'x2' acrylic tanks into one 3'x4'x4' acrylic tank is this possible

[skillzizzo]

Hello every one,

So i have been trying to do some research on this subject but surprisingly I am coming up empty handed. The only thing i can get to come up is water bridges, or putting tubes to connect and so forth. What i am actually looking to do is turn 2 separate 3'x2'x2 LxWxH tanks into 0ne tank that is 3'x4'x4' tank. As it sits they are basically a 180 gallon standard tank cut down the middle as 2 tanks. Since they are acrylic i am sure it can be done just not sure how to approach it. They are 1/2" panels all around top, sides, and bottom. In theory they should be thick enough because you are not raising the height of the tank? I bought these used recently they were being used as some kind of industrial sump. Thanks for the input i am looking fowfard to hearing you guys ideas.

 

[skillzizzo]

here are the pics. ignore the blue one and the one on the top of it thats a seperate prodject in its self.

 

[twentyleagues]

The only way you'll be able to separate the panels is by cutting them off. Sounds like more work then just getting new panels of acrylic and building the size tank you want. But if you have the right tools and are skilled with those tools and are able to get straight even lines it's possible. Any of the cut off pieces could be used to brace or reinforce the new seams. The possibility of cracking a panel while cutting the panels off is higher then cutting a new sheet. Also at 1/2" and the doubled total volume you may get bowing, height of the tank has a lot to do with structural integrity but so does the depth.

 

[skillzizzo]

thanks for the reply i was thinking more of taking the two panel that will be touching each other and routering the hole panel out except maybe and inch all the way around and using weldon on the outside of the seem, and the inside of the seem to join it together. in stead of cutting the sides completly off. Would surely be the easyiest way to approach it. Im not sure if this would work thow is what lead me here for all you guys opions.

 

[skillzizzo]

allso i actualy do have a blade for my chop saw, and skill saw to cut acrylic from when i cut some sheeting to make sump baffles a couple years ago

 

[Backfromthedead]

I don't see how 3x4x4 can be accomplished. Do you mean 3x4x2?

I think unless done with absolute precision it has the potential to look very ugly. But...if you were to build the stand in such a way that you could obscure the seam with paneling I could see it looking pretty neat.

Otherwise to do what you're suggesting you gonna need to make some very precise cuts and make sure both tanks are exactly the same dimensions on each panel you're bonding. I've read that weldon 40 would be the thing to use on the butt joints youd be making.

Let us know how this turns out.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I don't see how 3x4x4 can be accomplished. Do you mean 3x4x2?

I also don’t see how this is even possible. If you put one of the tanks on another then it’s a 3 x 4 x 2 like dead said above. Unless you cut all of the seams apart I doubt you’ll be able to do it.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I also don’t see how this is even possible. If you put one of the tanks on another then it’s a 3 x 4 x 2 like dead said above. Unless you cut all of the seams apart I doubt you’ll be able to do it.

I think the objective is to cut out one of the long sides of each of the tanks, then butt joint all 4 seams of the tanks together to make a 3Wx4Lx2H tank. OP did say roughly 180 gallons which would make sense at these dimensions. The 3x4x4 would be like 350.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I think the objective is to cut out one of the long sides of each of the tanks, then butt joint all 4 seams of the tanks together to make a 3Wx4Lx2H tank. OP did say roughly 180 gallons which would make sense at these dimensions. The 3x4x4 would be like 350.

True, true, I hadn’t taken close enough notice of the gallon numbers, perhaps he had meant a 3’ x 4’ x 2’ *or* a 3’ x 2’ x 4’, needless to say I’m excited to see how this thread plays out.

 

[fishdance]

Yes, very easy to join two (or more) glass or acrylic tanks together. I have joined up to 4 glass tanks together, can make L shaped easily too.

You should decide whether you want a neat appearance or not.

If you are happy to hide the join with front facade or have a visible joint then simply remove common sides, butt tanks up and join together. Would need secure stand (base), may need a overlapping vertical reinforcment strip and recommend top cross brace. Or go back and reconsider a connecting tunnel (open top rectangular or closed cylinder).

If you want a neat appearance, remove both the front faces as well and replace these with one long (new) panel.