225 gallon tank with no center braces
- Thread starter keiths
- Start date
Not to derail this topic too much since it sounds like this is a more modern design tank.
I did see an old fashioned style 75 gal tank listed on craigslist. So while rare, I assume there were some larger sizes around.
I can't imagine lifting a 75 gal with a slate bottom, though if it didn't leak and I had a place to setup it up, I'd love to have taken it.
That was my point exactly, that it wasn't a slate bottomed/metal framed tank because they simply didn't exist that size.
For a tank that size, you'll need 1/2" thick glass. Measure the inside dimensions then cut a piece of wood that size. Make sure it fits just barely, snug, but not where you have to force it. Sand/trim if necessary. Take it to your glass shop and have them cut your glass the same size. I suggest doing this because it's more accurate than a measurement and you have something there that you know fits to compare it to. Ask for some 2"x2" or thereabouts scrap pieces of glass while you're there. You'll need 4 for each brace.
Make sure they grind the sharp edges on all 4 sides of each piece. If they don't, you'll likely cut yourself on it which isn't fun at all.
Now that I'm thinking about it, my 225 had the braces on each end, not the middle one.
The scrap pieces of glass are going to be used to hold the brace up while the silicone cures.
Set the glass brace in place then make a small mark with a sharpie on the inside of the tank where the bottom of the brace is. Put the brace off to the side as you won't need it for a couple days.
Put a glob of silicone on each scrap of glass, line it up with your mark and squish it to the side of the tank on the inside. Tape a piece of masking tap across it to hold it in place while it cures. Don't push the scrap completely against the glass as you'll want to be able to get a knife in there to cut it free once the braces have cured. Repeat for each side.
Let these cure for two days to be sure they'll support the braces. What it does is provide a little support for the brace since 1/2" glass is very heavy.
If you don't want to use the scrap glass method, you can build something out of wood to support the brace while it cures or stack a bunch of phone books under it.
The brace is the easy part. Put it in place, run a bead of silicone along the edge on top and bottom, then smooth it with one stroke of a plastic spoon, your finger, or whatever you prefer. Just don't go over it more than once because that'll make the seal look funky.
Make sure they grind the sharp edges on all 4 sides of each piece. If they don't, you'll likely cut yourself on it which isn't fun at all.
Now that I'm thinking about it, my 225 had the braces on each end, not the middle one.
The scrap pieces of glass are going to be used to hold the brace up while the silicone cures.
Set the glass brace in place then make a small mark with a sharpie on the inside of the tank where the bottom of the brace is. Put the brace off to the side as you won't need it for a couple days.
Put a glob of silicone on each scrap of glass, line it up with your mark and squish it to the side of the tank on the inside. Tape a piece of masking tap across it to hold it in place while it cures. Don't push the scrap completely against the glass as you'll want to be able to get a knife in there to cut it free once the braces have cured. Repeat for each side.
Let these cure for two days to be sure they'll support the braces. What it does is provide a little support for the brace since 1/2" glass is very heavy.
If you don't want to use the scrap glass method, you can build something out of wood to support the brace while it cures or stack a bunch of phone books under it.
The brace is the easy part. Put it in place, run a bead of silicone along the edge on top and bottom, then smooth it with one stroke of a plastic spoon, your finger, or whatever you prefer. Just don't go over it more than once because that'll make the seal look funky.
Here is a pic that should give you a good idea...I did this to my 55 because the center brace broke (used tank...previous owner tried glueing the plastic back together and SNAP it went...severe bowing).
Just got a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" glass. Get it cut at least 6" x width of tank" (inside dimentions). Silicone that puppy in with aquarium safe silicone. Let cure for 24-48 hrs or more (vinegar smell should be gone). Fill.
Before (SNAP! "WTF was that sound?)
Bar clamps are handy too...just snug...NOT tight enough to squeeze the slilcone out. (Be sure tank is empty, dry and clean..not like this pic)
After (AHHHH! safe and sound)
I kept the old plastic center brace just to give a little more surface area for the silicone to stick to. I could have easily been removed and still been strong.
Just got a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" glass. Get it cut at least 6" x width of tank" (inside dimentions). Silicone that puppy in with aquarium safe silicone. Let cure for 24-48 hrs or more (vinegar smell should be gone). Fill.
Before (SNAP! "WTF was that sound?)
Bar clamps are handy too...just snug...NOT tight enough to squeeze the slilcone out. (Be sure tank is empty, dry and clean..not like this pic)
After (AHHHH! safe and sound)
I kept the old plastic center brace just to give a little more surface area for the silicone to stick to. I could have easily been removed and still been strong.
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I thought of another idea to use to support the glass brace while curing. I've been seeing those little hook things that you can stick on the wall or wherever. When you're done you pull the sticky stuff out from the bottom and the hook comes right off. Those would be perfect and easier to clean up than the glass scraps and silicone.
Check out this thread
I have a 125 with no center brace and very thick glass. It is just about to be flooded once Santa brings my filter. Please see my thread for a detailed explanation with pictures as to how to make center braces from glass. The glass I used was leftover from an old glass top, but it would have costt me $4 to buy at the glass shop. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169746. Good luck!
I have a 125 with no center brace and very thick glass. It is just about to be flooded once Santa brings my filter. Please see my thread for a detailed explanation with pictures as to how to make center braces from glass. The glass I used was leftover from an old glass top, but it would have costt me $4 to buy at the glass shop. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169746. Good luck!
I have a 75gal that has no center brace. One of the old style. When filled the glass bows about 1/16" so it's very minimal. I had some 1/4" glass cut to sit in the top frame (not glued). I set it in the center to support the glass tops I bought. It works great. You can glue it if you like but it most likely is not required.
