Mounting SeaSwirls on EuroBracing?

[Mac1]

Anyone done this before?
I'm close to ordering my new tank, and I wanted to get Euro BRacing on it instead of traditional trim. I talked w/ the manufacturer, and their bracing is 4 incehs wide, 1/2-Inch thick glass. They suggested just getting an appropriately sized hole drilled in the brace, where I want the SS to return, and drop it through the hole. That seems like it will work, but I don't see how I can mount the 'unit' to the tank then (or will it just sit peacefully in the hole?) I have a 1" model SS now, and am planning on adding 2 more to the new tank, so I'm familiar w/ the size/construction fo them. I also saw on their website, an acrylic tank adapter, however, I'm concerned that using that mount, will place the output too far out into the tank - I like it near the back wall.
Any idea's? Anyone have experience w/ mounting SS's to Acrlyic tanks and/or Euro Braced tanks?
TIA.

- Mac

 

[Bill2]

MAC,
I just went to OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) and bought a piece of acrylic that would be big enough for my sea swirl and my bracing. I then cut a hole where the outlet of the sea swirl would be. Next, I siliconed the piece of acrylic to the bracing. Viola works like a charm.

 

[tomheo]

Anyone done this before?
I'm close to ordering my new tank, and I wanted to get Euro BRacing on it instead of traditional trim. I talked w/ the manufacturer, and their bracing is 4 incehs wide, 1/2-Inch thick glass. They suggested just getting an appropriately sized hole drilled in the brace, where I want the SS to return, and drop it through the hole. That seems like it will work, but I don't see how I can mount the 'unit' to the tank then (or will it just sit peacefully in the hole?) I have a 1" model SS now, and am planning on adding 2 more to the new tank, so I'm familiar w/ the size/construction fo them. I also saw on their website, an acrylic tank adapter, however, I'm concerned that using that mount, will place the output too far out into the tank - I like it near the back wall.
Any idea's? Anyone have experience w/ mounting SS's to Acrlyic tanks and/or Euro Braced tanks?
TIA.

- Mac

Hi Mac,

I did what your manufacturer suggests, which is to have holes drilled where you'd like the Sea Swirl to be. They just sit on top of the tank, and I haven't had any problems with it. Just make sure to measure correctly.

Hope this helps.

Thomas

 

[Mac1]

Thanks Tom, I was thinking, that since the manuf. recommended it (apparently other customer's have asked this same question...), it should be fine. I just couldn't picture the box just 'sitting' there on the glass bracing.. I supposed I could glue some acrylic 'stops' to the glass, to help hold it into place.. it just seems weird.

Hey Bill2, can you explain a little more? You mean to replace the glass bracing w/ an acrylic one, or just add the acrlyic one on top of the glass one?

As it is I'm a little nervous about how far out into the water these things will be sitting.

Thanks!

- Mac

 

[Anonymous]

Here is what I did:

The ss are in the front corners of my tank. The pile of square acrylic rods are just piled in the front of the ss. When I get around to it, I am going to remove the zip ties, they just arent needed.

RR

 

[SPC]

You might want to consider some velcro strips to hold it in place Mac.
Steve

 

[Anonymous]

Steve,

I was going to use velcro, but worried that it would get all wet. Now that my system has been up, there is no water where the velcro would go!

Go for the velcro to keep them in place!

RR

 

[Mac1]

Thanks for the thoughts guys!
The more I think about it, and look at mine, the more I like the idea of drilling the bracing for the hole. I can just it on top, and ask him to make me a couple w/o the little clamp attached to it (so that it's flat bottomed). I'll bet some silicone along the edges would hold it in place just fine. They really don't seem to move much, so I'm guessing it wouldn't take much to hold them still.
Thanks again!

- Mac

 

[mhurley]

I'm setting up a 375 acrylic tank and it's got holes predrilled for 1 inch SS's. Take a look at the attached pic...The SS's will be those 2 back holes. I just have to take the flare nozzles off the SS's, feed them down the hole then silicone seal the box to the top of the tank then put the nozzles back on.


Mike

 

[Bill2]

Hey Bill2, can you explain a little more? You mean to replace the glass bracing w/ an acrylic one, or just add the acrlyic one on top of the glass one?

- Mac

No I positioned my sea swril where i wanted. I then cut a piece of acrylic that would support the sea swirl and reach all the way to the tank trim. I then cut a hole in the acrylic for the sea swirl to go through (the part that goes down below the black box.) Next I siliconed the piece of acrylic to the euro bracing. Let it dry and then placed the sea swirl on the acrylic.

The sea swirl box does not move at all. There is no reason to attach it to the acrylic or put guides on the sides. The elbow that comes out of the black box keeps the sea swirl on the acrylic enough so it's won't fall out.

I use pretty thin acrylic. Try it on a piece of cardboard and you'll see what I mean.

 

[npaden]

I used the acrylic mounting brackets that sea swirl sells for $19.95. Bill2's idea sounds like it would actually be better and also cheaper.

FWIW, Nathan

 

[turtlespd]

Have the manufacture drill the holes, usually about 20 bucks a hole. I would then just go to HD and pick up some 3M double sided tap.." 5lb" tape. Packaging will state so. Then double side tape the ss on. I have had mines like that for over a year and had no problems.

Paul

 

[Mac1]

Thanks for all the help guy's, I think I'm going to be OK with this idea.
That's a nice drawing Bill2.... I can see very clearly what you mean now. Thanks.

- Mac