Help Centerpiece Broke

[paradigmcubed]

The piece of plastic that goes across the middle of my tank, the centerpiece broke. I was taking the top off and it fell on the plastic piece going across the tank. Should I be worried about it breaking? I also noticed my tank is slightly bowed in the front.

Thanks

[Slappy*McFish]

I would get a new rim for that tank asap...the old one can be a complete ***** to get off..just so you know.

[paradigmcubed]

Couldn't I bar clamp it, then use the two-part epoxy technique?

P.S Whether it makes a difference for the previously mentioned technique, the brace is plastic.

Thanks

[paradigmcubed]

How do you attach the bar clamp? Is it similar to this: http://www.dropshippedtools.com/search.asp?7=bar+clamp

[KateA.]

:eek: I would get it fixed no matter what ASAP also. Your bow will continue to worsen until......!!! You can buy those new rims and the old ones are hard to get off. Hopefully you know the manufacturer and the correct size of your tank. Most any decent fish store should be able to order it for you. You don't mention your tank size, but we have commonly ordered them for 55 gallons and I think they cost somewhere around $30, if my memory serves me correctly. However, you might want to just consider a new tank. We routinely sell brand new 55's tank, light and hood, for $99 USD, so they are the best value usually. If your tank is bigger than that, I'd say it's worth it to replace the brace.

[TKOS]

You'll need something stronger than regular 2 part epoxy from the hardware store as it will eventually fail with moisture. Try to see if there is a marine epoxy available.

[paradigmcubed]

I don't think epoxy will hold the plastic together either. Right now I've rigged a clamp.

Thanks

[rdmpe]

If it were mine, here is what I would do. Use a bar clamp to pull the pieces back into contact. Then temporarily clamp the new piece of plastic under the old one. Then drill 4 or 6 small diameter holes (1/8" or 3/16"?) through both pieces of plastic (you'll need to place a dinner plate or plastic or something under it to catch the drill shavings). Use some small diameter stainless steel machine bolts to secure it (my local Ace hardware has a great selection of SS hardware). Epoxy would be nice instead, but you have to be able to trust it. If that tank breaks... whew

[Slappy*McFish]

If your tank is made by "all glass", you may get a new rim for free just by calling them....most of the rims that I've bought, or have seen bought, cost no more than $7-8 for a 55g rim. I would just replace it.