Please help w/ broken aquarium brace

themadblimper said:
You NEED the center brace? WHY WASN'T I AWARE OF THIS!?!
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If the tank is made for it you do...JOn..apparently he didn't realize this. I didn't either at one time.
 
I see what he means. I was reading up on this last night and one FAQ I read was about lighting for an older tank with no center brace. Yes, this tank needs one. When we filled it up, it bowed out about 3/4 of an inch. Still can't believe it held. But, I plan to reinforce all of the seams just to be on the safe side.
 
AQUA_OBSESSION said:
I just found something today at Home Depot for the exact same thing. I have a 92 corner tank and had to design my a custom plexiglass cover for it so I could use my filtration systems. The plexiglass bows big time and I needed something to brace it and hold it up.

I spent about 40 minutes at Home Depot and found what I think is the perfect fit. It was in the hardware isle. They sell aluminum (this is the best since it won't rust like metal would) pieces for about $3 to $4. They have different lengths, just cut with a hack saw the perfect length and you are set. They also have different widths as well. They are called FLAT PLAT, the upc number is 030699447107.

Good Luck, I hope it works out for you.

AQUA_OBSESSION
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Jon-Al's problem is the front/rear vertical glass pieces bowing out, not the top.

Jon, you are probably going to have to find a local pet store dealer to order this part for you.
 
My top tank brace is cracked, so i just went ahead and made a top that would reinforce the sides of the tank, it just fits close and has a lip that goes all the way around the tank with a brace in the center.

Erik
 
Alot of different things can be used for bracing. On smaller tanks, like a 55g, the center brace does not need to be very strong. I've seen wood, threaded rod, steel cable, acrylic, or glass used for bracing on much larger tanks. For a 55g, I'd look around the house for something I could use. Even some strong fishing line would work if it was fastened properly.


IMO,

A new 55g tank probably cost around $80. A new center brace will cost atleast $20, plus $ for silicon, plus time. Thats not worth spending $ IMO. If you don't trust it not having a brace, just don't fill the tank up to the top. Maybe just fill it half-way. Make a nice looking terrarium or paladium.
 
Is it me, or does this seem to be a common problem with the all-glass 55gal aquariums? I had this exact same problem. I made a hood to support the top, but when I sold the tank and everything I repaired the cracked brace by apoxy-ing a black piece of pvc underneath the orriginal bracket and to the inside of the glass. That brace isn't going ANYWHERE now. and unless you are inside of the tank looking up you can't even see the new brace.
 
Pretty sure mine is an all glass too. Looks to me like the guy before me had too hot of a light too close to the brace and it got dried out and cracked? Sound familiar to anyone? Yea my top hold it good tho so its alright.
 
I talked to a manager at my lfs and he made a lot of sense to me. He made a comment about like what chefkeith said. A brand new 55 gallon would cost less than $100. How much would the damages be if the tank were to break? Makes too much sense to me. i think I will end up seeling it to be used for a reptile tank. We are going to be buying a new home in the near future. So I probably didn't need to have 2 55 gallon tanks to have to worry about trying to move. Thanks to all of you for your ideas. But the idea of having that much water in my floor doesn't excite me.
 
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