Plastic trim on a 75 gallon glass tank

M

mracko

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Jun 18, 2004
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Ashland, WI
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I am looking at a 75 gallon tank a person is selling. It is a little over a year old, but the person cut the center plastic piece, on the upper trim, off. He originally used it for lizards, but recently filled it with water and had fish in it. He says it holds water just fine and has pictures of it.

The missing plastic brace makes me a little nervous as I suspect it helps keep the tank from bowing out to much in the middle. If the price was right I was going to either replace the upper trim with a new piece (If one can be found) or weld an aluminum angle trim, with a center brace, lay it over the existing plastic trim and then build a canopy.

My guestion(s) is; am I worry about nothing? If it is something to worry about are either of my plans going to adequately address the problem?

thanks,
Mike
 
If you can get a good deal on it, I wouldn't hesitate to get it. I would, as you suggest, make a brace for it before using it. A 75 without a center brace is asking for trouble, IMO. I bet 75 gallons on your floor could do a bit of damage...

Some companies, like All Glass, will sell replacement frames, but removing the old one could be a chore. I think you could easily fashion with aluminum or plastic. (If you use metal, be sure to either paint it well or use something that won't rust/pit/corrode. I'd be worried about aluminum corroding if it were in constant contact with moisture.

HTH,
Jim
 
It is true that replacing the entire plastic trim to restore the center brace is a messy chore, but it is best done on an empty tank.
Some sort of aluminum brace, such as the fix your planned, will also work if you are handy with your hands, as they say.
Personally, I would not use the tank long term filled with water without that brace; it seems like an unnecessary risk to take.
I had a 55 gallon with a broken center brace, and it went for many months in that condition, but I was always nervous about it. I eventually repaired it, the fix coinciding with a move to a new residence--the tank had to be taken down anyway.
Good luck with your 75 gallon.

Bill in WI
 
Thanks Jim and Bill for your replies,

If things work out and I get the aquarium, I plan on addressing that trim before I put any water in it. I have never had a tank that big and I much rather the water stay off the floor.

Aesthetically, I think I would try to replace the trim with a new one first. One thing I don't want is to end up with something of a frankenstein looking setup. Do you know what a rough price would be for this trim? $20 to $30 or is it more than that?

If the plastic trim is over say $60 or $70 then I probably will fashion something on my own. Fortunately, I'm pretty handy and my buddy is a welder. perhaps it would be as easy as taking a lenth of angle or U channel with lips on either end and setting it over the center of the tank and plastic trim.

Thanks again,
Mike
Ashland, WI
 
My local LFS has the trim piece for a 55 gallon tank size at about $15.
If your tank is made by the AllGlass Company, they can ship you one directly. (that is how I got mine). I called customer service.
I have noticed that on new aquariums made by this company, the brace is wider and seems less prone to breaking.

Bill in WI
 
Well,

I think buying the new upper trim and replacing the old one is the way to go. Now how do I go about it? Does the following sound like a good plan?

  • Take a single edge razor and cut the old silicone from around the trim.
    Remove old trim.
    Scrape any remaining silicone from glass.
    Clean glass edge with some type of solvent and rag.
    Apply 100% silicone bead to trim and slide onto tank.

Mike
 
I would add:
Apply pressure to trim in order to secure it to the tank (use some heavy weights) during the curing process.
The instruction I got with the trim piece said to use tape to secure it, but that could be messy.
Good luck with your fix.
I think I would do the same thing if I were you. A 75 gallon tank is worth repairing, and once repaired, it should be good as new.

Bill in WI
 
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