Need Advice please

[olive oil]

I found this 75 gallon thrown out in someone's trash today. (YAY)
The bad part is they used something way to hot to heat the tank so the bottom is shattered. I could you some advice on fixing it. If I use plexiglass would I be able to use a utt heater? Do you think it could be fixed? I was thinking it would perfect for Mellows (bp) adult tank. Here is a picture.

[adamanteus]

Get a piece of glass the exact size of the internal measurements of the base, then fix it in on a bed of silicone. Seal the edges to cover any sharps.

[olive oil]

Thanks James, I was wondering if I could go with the cheaper plexiglass?
Would there be a big differnce in cost? Would the plexi be able to handle the heat?

[adamanteus]

I don't know about price difference, I never use Plexiglas. Glass would certainly be the better option in my opinion, and I doubt that a simple rectangle that size would be particularly expensive.

[olive oil]

That sounds good. I have never had to buy any glass

[infernalis]

Or if you can shy away from the UTH idea, a sheet of wood will work well for cheap.

Your not attempting to make it water tight, so any cheap bottom should work.

[olive oil]

Wayne, how could I have belly heat for a bp if I use wood?
I'm all about saving money!

[infernalis]

if its wood, and up on a rack or stand, drill a hole for the cord, and put the heat on the UP side of the bottom.

Then just place something flat, like a floor tile on top of the heater,( Not soft linolium, use hard ceramic, or a scrap pane of window glass.) maybe get a big enough one to cover the hole too.

[olive oil]

if its wood, and up on a rack or stand, drill a hole for the cord, and put the heat on the UP side of the bottom.

Then just place something flat, like a floor tile on top of the heater,( Not soft linolium, use hard ceramic, or a scrap pane of window glass.) maybe get a big enough one to cover the hole too.

Great Idea!
Thanks Wayne.

[adamanteus]

Indeed any sheeted base would work, as long as it is fully adhered to the entire surface of the broken existing base, but certainly in the UK glass is cheaper than sheet timber.