I aquired a 55 where the center brace was there, and cracked due to someone (afriend not knowing any better) and lifting the tank by the brace.
Well I put the tank in the bathtub to fill, and check for leaks, about 1/4 fill, I noticed the 2 sections of the brace spread to 1/4 inch apart. The front and back were bowing out! I rigged up some acrylic and plastic auto body plugs and reinforced the brace. It worked, but I replaced the whole tank when I had the extra money.
Well I put the tank in the bathtub to fill, and check for leaks, about 1/4 fill, I noticed the 2 sections of the brace spread to 1/4 inch apart. The front and back were bowing out! I rigged up some acrylic and plastic auto body plugs and reinforced the brace. It worked, but I replaced the whole tank when I had the extra money.