135 tank no brace

[marino6t9]

i have a 135 gallon tank 6 x 18 x 24 without any brace. the support that came with it didn't show that braces were taken out. has anyone seen a tank like this? i am kinda thinking if i should put a brace/braces on it or don't need it. lmk pls . thanks.

 

[masterswimmer]

How thick is the glass/acrylic?
I personally would not use a 72 x 18 x 24 tank without any bracing. Six feet is a long run of glass/acrylic without any additional support. If you answer the question above with a ridiculous thickness of 1" or so, I'd say you could probably get away with it. However, the likelihood of it being 1" is extremely remote to say the least.

swimmer

 

[marrone]

This is most likely an older oceanic tank. They didn't come with center braces and for the most part are safe, Oceanic made very good tanks. You should have a molding that goes around the top of the tank which is strong enough to keep the tank together and not bowing out.

Generally the center brace will keep the tank from bowing out and depending on how the tank is made is very important. Oceanic made very good tanks, they were usually more expensive than the other tanks. I would contact Oceanic and see if it's one of their tanks and ask them if the tank is safe the way it was made or should a center brace be put in.

 

[Falco]

My 135g tank that is currently in use does not have a center brace and has been holding water for over 15 years. I believe it is an Oceanic like Marrone described but I can't be 100% of the make because it doesn't say. Around the top over my tank is a very thick molding which has held the tank without bowing for its lifespan. Oh and I believe the glass on my tank is 3/4" but I need to double check.

-Chris

 

[bad coffee]

my old 72" 100gal didn't have a brace. it was 5/8" glass. It did have a center piece of glass from the top that you couldn't get in place until the tank was half full, and bowed out. . .

B

 

[marino6t9]

it should be safe then.....thanks guys.

 

[marino6t9]

Does anyone know where to get a brace for my 135? Just to be on the safe side.

 

[jackson6745]

I've never seen a 6ft tank wth that volume with no bracing. It will definitely bow. If you doubt the integrity of the tank at all, you should buy a new tank.

 

[marino6t9]

no center brace is what i meant but would like to add 2 braces across. you guys know where i can get them?

 

[marrone]

I would think you could go to a glass place and get some glass cut to fit the top and the silcone it in place.

For what it's worth this is how the tank was made and unlike similar size tanks ,that have either bracing or a center brace, this tank was made with much thicker glass. The molding around the top is all you need to keep the tank from bowing out and the tanks do hold up very well.

 

[masterswimmer]

Mike, he's not sure it's an Oceanic. Without knowing for sure, it might be wise for him to err on the side of caution.

 

[marrone]

If he has any doubts he shouldn't use the tank.

Tanks where made that way, and made very well, and they didn't break. Not knowing how old the tank is or how long it was used for it would mostly likely have broke by now if it was used regularly.

 

[Falco]

Tanks where made that way, and made very well, and they didn't break. Not knowing how old the tank is or how long it was used for it would mostly likely have broke by now if it was used regularly.

So your saying that a tank that was made this way and used non stop for say 15 years would have its days numbered?? If thats the consensus I will be pooping my pants shortly[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

 

[marrone]

No what I'm saying is that if the tank was going to break it would have happened long ago. That is was being used all that time, without any problems, mean that the tank is ok and you shouldn't worry that it's going to break.

 

[marino6t9]

thanks guys.