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08-16-2003, 02:01 PM
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#1
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'Noles Fan
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Georgia, USA
Posts: 47
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Cutting Acrylic
I need to replace the bulbs on my 125's hood but the acrylic splash lens has whelped up where the MHs are over it so I can't get the splash lens out. First, how do I get the old lens out? I'm guessing it'll have to be cut out but what do I use to cut it? Second, would I be ok running the hood without a lens? I don't think it is a good idea but someone suggested it so I thought I'd ask.
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Studly
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08-16-2003, 03:19 PM
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#2
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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without seeing the situation it is hard to suggest anything. acrylic warps pretty easily under mh's if it is thin. usually lenses around mh's are glass due to this fact. i use a jig saw to cut acrylic. you may need to drill a start hole.
G~
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08-16-2003, 06:07 PM
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#3
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Big Fishy
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Grayson, Ga
Posts: 758
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depending on how thin and dried out the acrylic is , it might actually just crack and fall apart when you try to take it out. otherwise, yes drill a hole and stick a jigsaw to it. if youre careful and know what youre doing you can put it on a table saw of use a circular saw or even use a router.
hth
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08-16-2003, 06:24 PM
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#4
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Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,603
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Its probabaly dry and brittle tin snips would take it out fast 
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08-16-2003, 07:18 PM
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#5
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'Noles Fan
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Georgia, USA
Posts: 47
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Thanks. What about replacing it? Would a piece of glass that thin work? Maybe multiple pieces so they are lighter and easier to slide in. I'm not comfortable without something there since the MHs are only 10-12" from the water. Of course I don't know how much the acrylic will cost.If it isn't very high I wouldn't mind replacing it when I replace the bulbs every time.
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Studly
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08-16-2003, 08:44 PM
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#6
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Salem, Oregon
Posts: 537
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If your MH's are 10-12" from the water, you should be fine without any kind of cover. Mine are about 10" and no cover with no problems at all. Hope this helps
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08-16-2003, 08:45 PM
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#7
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Land Shark
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 5,946
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Studly, I think you'd be better off getting some thin glass to replace the acrylic. If it's going to be a real long piece, just have the glass cut into 2 sections. It's much easier to clean and won't need to be replaced (as long as you don't break it). This is what I did with my 75 gal...the acrylic/plexi covering warped, and the salt spray "baked" into the acrylic as well, making it nice and hazy.
HTH,
Derek
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08-16-2003, 09:04 PM
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#8
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squid
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Lewiston Idaho
Posts: 1
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My MH bulbs are 8" from the water, no problem! Cutting the acrylic is another problem, I use a rotary/zip saw, works well
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08-16-2003, 09:54 PM
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#9
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Woodstock, GA
Posts: 667
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I always recomend tempered glass.
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08-16-2003, 11:46 PM
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#10
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It can be rebuilt.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 19,158
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Quote:
Originally posted by AquaticCo
I always recomend tempered glass.
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i agree. not real fond of plate glass for anything that could be jostled or handled more than 1 a year.  just to fragile for my tast.
petedoc-Welcome to TRT!!
G~
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