Flimsy Brace
- Thread starter AquaCentralFan
- Start date
Yeah thats to prevent bowing.
My 55g I got has a snapped brace, and terrifying finding out when I first filled it, it bowed and was a major break-risk.
I used a glass panel and aquarium silicone to reinforce the centerbrace.
I probably could have done a neater job, but it was a heck of a nightmare as I had transferred the fish and everything to it before realizing it so had to keep it only 1/4 way full for a few days to let the sealant cure fully and securely.
But it works.
I will say with your centerbrace, as long as it is not snapped and the tank doesn't bow when it's full, it's doing its job.
It's a matter of force being pulled against the brace where it needs to hold.
My 55g I got has a snapped brace, and terrifying finding out when I first filled it, it bowed and was a major break-risk.
I used a glass panel and aquarium silicone to reinforce the centerbrace.
I probably could have done a neater job, but it was a heck of a nightmare as I had transferred the fish and everything to it before realizing it so had to keep it only 1/4 way full for a few days to let the sealant cure fully and securely.
But it works.
I will say with your centerbrace, as long as it is not snapped and the tank doesn't bow when it's full, it's doing its job.
It's a matter of force being pulled against the brace where it needs to hold.
I had a 55 and 90 that did the same thing. I never could get the 90 to hold well enough that I was comfortable. It always seemed to work it's way apart. The 55 did fine, but I used JBWeld top and bottom on the plastic brace to hold it together, and then used a glass panel and silicone like you did. I don't know if the JBWeld made any difference, but I JBWeld everything.
If nothing else it gives me peace of mind. WYite
Yeaaahhh.... every one said already what has been said by me. The genius of 2021 
From the look of the frames, it's a Marineland tank. There's usually a label on the bottom that gives the manufacturer. If there's a ship anchor on it, it's Marineland. Like said, that center brace is to help secure/stabilize glass tops and act like a strap to prevent bowing. They're really not meant to bear weight down on them. You'll be fine. Lighting has a tendency to break down the plastic there over time is the biggest risk.
Lots of repair options should you need to. I like the JB Weld idea or some type of epoxy adhesive like gorilla glue that requires water to harden.
Lots of repair options should you need to. I like the JB Weld idea or some type of epoxy adhesive like gorilla glue that requires water to harden.
A 40b has a more sturdy shape than a longer 55g, less force against the glass in a shorter more compact tank, than a long and narrow and taller tank would have.Sitting here trying to work out why a 40B has no center brace, but a 65 does. And they both use exactly the same kid.
Gonna have to call shenanigans on it doing anything except preventing bowing.
A 65 has the same footprint as a 40, not a 55.
Hence using the same glass lid.
There's only negligible difference in weight/pressure on the lid, do I am really not sure what you are saying?
The brace, vs the frame, has no bearing on the lid being supported whatsoever.
This is clearly all crazy talk.
Hence using the same glass lid.
There's only negligible difference in weight/pressure on the lid, do I am really not sure what you are saying?
The brace, vs the frame, has no bearing on the lid being supported whatsoever.
This is clearly all crazy talk.
