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View Full Version : 160 gallon without center brace ?


Ryi
06-09-2009, 9:10 PM
We picked up this used 160 gal and are finally getting ready to use it. It does not have a center brace and does not appear to have ever had one. The plastic frame has no provision for it, it is completely smooth inside the whole length of the tank.

The glass is thick, we measured it at 5/8" front/back, with 1/2" short sides.

">http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww65/ryiania/P1130624.jpg (http://s706.photobucket.com/albums/ww65/ryiania/?action=view&current=P1130624.jpg)

We're giving it a trial fill to check out the bulkhead seal. The old owner drilled the tank but didn't give us any of the plumbing but one trip to the local commercial plumbing supply got the right size bulkhead, seal and plug. (hint: the big Orange home supply store and its rival the Blue store do NOT stock appropriate bulkheads)

It appears to be sturdy enough not to need it, it obviously was not made with one. The prior owner said he didn't have one and he's used the tank for several years. The silicone is in excellent condition on all corners, around top and bottom seals.

What do you think?
Lupin
06-09-2009, 9:42 PM
I think it is fine. Considering the thickness of the glass and long term use as alleged by the previous owner, it should not bow in the center or be of any issue at all.
snoopy65
06-09-2009, 9:45 PM
I have a 6' long 110 that was built that way and have had no problems what so ever.
CWO4GUNNER
06-10-2009, 9:16 AM
Nice tank! How did you buy it, Craiglist and how much?
Jackd
06-10-2009, 9:20 AM
I would silicone a piece in the center for a little extra security. Glass or plastic the tank will be a little more stable if you do. Might not be necessary but won't hurt anything.

Nice tank!

Jack
Ryi
06-10-2009, 10:15 AM
Gunner, it was a Craigslist find. It's been a couple months, but I think we paid about $150 for it.

Behind the stand frame you can see the 75 we bought right before it. The ORIGINAL plan was to move the contents of our 45 long to the 75 (also from Craigslist), then we found the 160. Never even got water in the 75 and we've already upsized :)
http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww65/ryiania/P1130417.jpg
http://s706.photobucket.com/albums/ww65/ryiania/?action=view&current=P1130417.jpg
I'm afraid we have all the symptoms of BTS (BiggerTankSyndrome)
CONDUCT
06-10-2009, 11:02 AM
No center brace.. No problem... I had the same thickness on my 150gal tank and it also did not have center brace. So there should not be any problems.
Great find by the way.
CWO4GUNNER
06-10-2009, 11:24 AM
Wow! Now that what I call a score, congratulations.
:jaw:


Gunner, it was a Craigslist find. It's been a couple months, but I think we paid about $150 for it.

Behind the stand frame you can see the 75 we bought right before it. The ORIGINAL plan was to move the contents of our 45 long to the 75 (also from Craigslist), then we found the 160. Never even got water in the 75 and we've already upsized :)
http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww65/ryiania/P1130417.jpg
http://s706.photobucket.com/albums/ww65/ryiania/?action=view&current=P1130417.jpg
I'm afraid we have all the symptoms of BTS (BiggerTankSyndrome)