Cracked top center brace - not good

[maelstrom79]

Everything I'm reading online and in this forum indicates that I need to replace the entire top rim of the tank. It's a 72 gallon bow front; it's as level as we could make it (as in maybe off by .012 on each side from dead level). I need some help from you all -

Where can i find a replacement rim?

Given the picture, how much at risk am I of a flood? Really worried about this and I've got live rock that needs a tank to cure in.

I bought this used and i'm sure it's just due to the age of the tank. Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

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Edit: i apologize for the picture quality, that's my cruddy phone camera for you

 

[myvwrock]

go to home depot and get a piece of flat metal and bend the two ends so they fit over the rim on the top of the tank. My 55gal did the same thing ,and fixing it this way was cheap and simple.

 

[maelstrom79]

Metal rusts from the salt doesn't it? I read about acrylic braces but not when it's near the glass wall like that......

 

[jennm]

I can order the piece for you. It's not cheap, and it's likely special order - I got one for someone else a few months back. PM me if interested and I can get you information.

Jenn

 

[rskillz]

I would fix it. I always kind of chuckle at how willing people are to take the risk with used/cracked/poorly siliconed tanks. The idea of 72 gallons of water on your floor and your fish flapping around helplessly doesn't sound so hot. You could go years with no issues only for that brace to give out. Not worth the risk!

 

[cr500_af]

Glass cages sells rims, but I would absolutely order the one from the OEM tank builder. I wouldn't trust Brand A's rim to fit Brand B's tank snugly... and if it doesn't fit snugly, it isn't holding the panes like it should.

 

[maelstrom79]

I just think its a pretty well used tank (was an Lfs display for years, then had another owner for a few years), and even the silicone on the inside could be replaced. I'm leaning towards a new tank I think?

 

[myvwrock]

Maelstrom79;744951 wrote: Metal rusts from the salt doesn't it? I read about acrylic braces but not when it's near the glass wall like that......

Stainless steal, galvanized....rust-oleum..

 

[crewdawg1981]

Maelstrom79;745076 wrote: I'm leaning towards a new tank I think?

Hahahaha! That kind of thinking can get you in a lot ($$$$$) of trouble.


But I like.

 

[jennm]

Maelstrom and I spoke this morning. I can get the part but it's special order and takes a bit of time. The cost of a new tank isn't horrible, but yes, it's more than the replacement part.

Other considerations are the "hassle factor". Either way - replacing the frame or the entire tank, will require draining it. Replacing the frame involves painstakingly removing the old frame, cleaning off the old silicone, cleaning the glass surface where the new frame will go, applying new silicone, fitting the new frame in place and allowing it to cure.

Replacing the tank also requires draining the tank, but also disconnecting all the plumbing, placing the new tank, plumbing the new tank and all that other fun stuff...

Either way it's a hassle, one just has to weigh which cost and hassle has the most satisfying outcome.

Jenn

 

[eric b]

I would have a piece of glass cut to the correct length and the width of the plastic brace then clean the underside with acetone and silicone it in place and that will be way stronger than the cheap plastic brace in the first place. I have done it many times and you won't even see the glass under the plastic if done correctly.

 

[hud3339]

JennM;745132 wrote: Maelstrom and I spoke this morning. I can get the part but it's special order and takes a bit of time. The cost of a new tank isn't horrible, but yes, it's more than the replacement part.

Other considerations are the "hassle factor". Either way - replacing the frame or the entire tank, will require draining it. Replacing the frame involves painstakingly removing the old frame, cleaning off the old silicone, cleaning the glass surface where the new frame will go, applying new silicone, fitting the new frame in place and allowing it to cure.

Replacing the tank also requires draining the tank, but also disconnecting all the plumbing, placing the new tank, plumbing the new tank and all that other fun stuff...

Either way it's a hassle, one just has to weigh which cost and hassle has the most satisfying outcome.

Jenn

If it takes all of that, I would just buy a new tank!

 

[gnashty]

Maelstrom79;745076 wrote: I'm leaning towards a new tank I think?

Yup....I wouldnt risk it.

 

[myvwrock]

If you do get another tank, I am interested in the old one.
Chris c