Center Brace of a 55 is cracking, HELP!!

[nycfatcow]

I just got back from work and im looking at my 55 gallon tank. I noticed that the top center brace has a few cracks on top, which is getting me super worried. For now I think i should be ok as the plastic is still holding everything up. What should i do to fix this problem? The tank is not bowing at all at the moment but i know if the center brace snaps im screwed. Is there any way to fix it as the tank is fully stocked at the moment. Pics below, and responses are appreciated.

 

[rkaragozler]

the only way to fix that problem is to drain the tank about 3" clean the under side of the trim very good and add a glass brace, the area has to be very clean and the silicone has to cure for 24 hours. I have heard of people using 2 part epoxy, mage for plastic, but can't confirm how long it would last.

 

[nycfatcow]

ive seen people do that online, from what you see do you think im in danger of the tank just collapsing on me? How does a 1/4 inch thick glass - 11 and 1/4 x 2 inches as support sound silconed to the underside?

 

[rkaragozler]

1/4" glass is more than enough if it is 3" wide, as long as you don't have halides over it. if you do i suggest 3/8",

 

[johnnyj3089]

when i had my 55 the brace actually snapped and the front glass looked like a bow front it was pretty scary lol I wound up having to drain the tank almost half way n slide a razor around the plastic rim and re silicone a new rim. Once the new rim was on I added my water back right away and no problems.. good luck man

 

[nycfatcow]

ughs, this is such a hassle im thinking about what i should do, im about to just get a new tank....

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

I have a glass brace for a 55G I was using it on my old 55G lmk if you are interested in it

 

[nycfatcow]

I have a glass brace for a 55G I was using it on my old 55G lmk if you are interested in it

What kind of brace is it? You are a bit far away, how much?

 

[dbriceno]

Time to buy a new tank! The cost of a new tank ($100-$150) is minimal compared to the corals, fish, etc. that are contained within.

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

What kind of brace is it? You are a bit far away, how much?

Its a glass brace one once I get home I will post pictures of it. Its free I don't have no use for it too. I also have a DIY overlfow box that I was going to use in my old 55G lmk if you would like both of them.

 

[ecvernon]

you can have a store order a new brace for you. the cracked one looks like it will hold for quite a while longer. then remove old brace with pliers and razor after draining it down 4 inches. then replace with new brace and new silicone.

or the best thing to do rioght now is go for a upgrade:fish: perfect excuse. bump it up to a 75 gallon tank or 90. lol

 

[CHEMCHEF]

I wpuld support it with a pipe clamp for now. Just in case it cracks fully.

 

[thirty5]

Can't you just replace the plastic brace... Can build a brace to put around the tank for now and replace the brace..

 

[nycfatcow]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions guys. I thought about it and i went to buy a new tank. Pet land was having a dollar a gallon discount so it only cost me 60 after taxes.

And angel thanks for being so nice for offering me the free brace

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

no problem whats size tank you purchased?

 

[nycfatcow]

i bought another 55 - painting the back of the tank right now. This is going to be crazy moving everything around.

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

i bought another 55 - painting the back of the tank right now. This is going to be crazy moving everything around.

Awesome cant wait for the tank thread