How to retro fit an aquaclear 70 to a 75 gallon tank with fish in it

Hey, I have an established 75 gallon aquarium of cichlids. I have an aquaclear 110 running and an old whisper filter. I wanted to replace the old whisper with an aquaclear 70 but the intake tube wont fit over the lip. I've seen videos of retrofitting the aquarium but not sure how to do it. especially with fish in the tank. looking for any ideas how to do this. thanks!

 

when i upgraded from a 29g to a 75g, my AC70 wouldn't fit, the gap was too narrow for the wider 75g top trim. i bought a Tidal 110 instead of messing with it.

 

I had to file the tab circled in jtjgg's photo, and then file the aquarium inside rim with a half round file so the uplift tube would fit. I did one side before the tank was filled with water, and the other side after.

If the tank is filled you just lower the water level and rig something to catch the shavings. I cut a plastic gallon water jug about 3-4 inches from the bottom. The extra thin wall on the jug makes it sit flush with the glass while you hold it in place and file with the other hand.

You could even dry the glass and duct tape it in place...

 

thank you! I'm going to try and file it like that! I'll let you know how it goes!

 

The first 2 pics show the AC 70 fit to my Oceanic 75. This I did when the tank was empty. I had to file the tab on the first pic, and a small section of the frame edge on the other side so the uplift tube second would clear. (second pic)

Then, even though I seeded the new filter with established media from another tank, the cycle was taking longer than I wanted so I decided to mount an established AC mini on the other side to ensure happy fish. At first it was sitting high on the top frame. Higher than normal, but it worked fine.

Later I decided I wanted to keep the mini filter on the tank permanently, so I dropped the water level and did the filing trick to make it fit flush. (photos 3 and 4) The Mini took a lot more filing on the frame edge. It now sits flush with the top... and is quieter without the additional water drop it had previously.

Final photo shows the tools I used.

 

that helps sooooo much! especially the water jug trick! I already have an established aquaclear 110 on the tank but i just wanna add more filtration. I keep cichlids so i want the more filtration. I'll post pics after i do it tomorrow night. thanks again!