75GL tank has crack on upper support frame

[ReefStar]

I am starting to set up a 75gl tank and all thats in it right now is water as I was testing for leaks. Last night I noticed that the upper support frame on the tank has a crack just to the left of where the center brace attaches to the frame that runs along the front of the tank at the top. Is this a major problem? The center brace is still intact with the right side of the upper frame,as the crack is just to the left. Will this considerably weaken the tank causing it to leak??? I don't want to add everything and all of a sudden it cracks....

Has anyone else experienced a crack on the upper support frame of a 75 or any other size tank?

 

[Omni2226]

Im no egineer or builder of aquariums, but for peice of mind get a strip of glass or acrylic and some bonder and add a cross brace to the side that has a crack. Ive seen a few people say they remove the center brace and add a glass/acrylic brace to elimante shadows from the lights so I dont see why this wouldnt be a solution.
Just be sure to add the brace BEFORE removing the origonal brace if it has water in it of course, heh dont want an instant saltwater carpet wash do we?

 

[ReefStar]

Well...if thats the case...maybe I can just repair the crack. The center brace is still intact from front to back including the right half of the tank. The brack is where the center brace meets the front horizontal brace just to the left of the junction where the brace meets the front. I wonder what glue I could use to reseal it?

 

[Omni2226]

Not positive but seems like a marine fish safe epoxy would be best, but I have no experience with these things.
Im sure some one with more knowledeg/experience will answer soon.

75 gl..nice I just started a 55 in my bedroom and in a week or two will be starting a 29 in the living room. I live in a trailer/mobile home so to install a large tank (100 gl or bigger) Id have to remove the floor and build from the ground up lol.

 

[Omni2226]

Oh let me add this. This I do know, any time you have a crack and it has any kind of stress or pressure on it it will continue to get worse, so repair or replace it, dont do like me and let it slide. (Im a lazy type who puts things off till tomorrow way too often).

 

[ReefStar]

I am going to call All Glass also and see what they say...I wonder if it is warrantied...otherwise I will try an epoxy...

yeah..its a nice size tank..I now have an apt and the ex wife has the ex 180 reef built into the wall in the house ...arggh...but I have a 75 and no wife so life is good...lol...

 

[ReefStar]

Ok..so I called All Glass and I can order a replacement upper center brace frame for $22!..except...I need to remove the old one and epoxy the new one in place...

As anyone ever completely removed the upper frame from a tank? I believe it is siliconed in place and am wondering how much of a project this would be...

 

[ChrisRD]

They are siliconed in place. I'm guessing it won't be fun getting the old one off. Let us know how you make out.

 

[FragMaster]

Use a dremel, or az small hack saw .Cut slowly through it and take it off in SECTIONS.
DO NOT ATTEMP TO REMOVE IT IN ONE PIECE!!