Quick input needed

[ptreef]

I'm making plans to buy a 220 tank tomorrow, used, but was told one of the top braces has broken off. Does this compromise the strength of the tank or will it be fine?

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[ghbrewer]

The top braces keep the front and back glass from bowing from the weight of the water. You can always add bracing, but would want to make sure your getting a good price since your going to have to do some work.

 

[wildernets]

It could. Hard to say without pictures.

 

[ptreef]

I have a picture but I can't upload it for whatever reason

 

[ghbrewer]

I'd be curious about what happened, what the tank was used for, and how long it has been in that state.

 

[ptreef]

I can send the picture to someone if they could post it. I was told it broke off in moving of the tank

 

[ghbrewer]

Here's your pic.

If you do not mind disclosing, how much are you getting it for?
Both braces are for sure broke, so you will need to repair them.
You can just silicone in two 2-3" wide pieces of glass in place of the existing braces, that should be sufficient.

Edit: A lot of people remove these braces and replace them with glass anyways. This is done to reduce the shadows that the stock braces can create.

 

[ptreef]

That's what I thought too. I'm getting it for 200 so I thought it was a good deal. If it's an easy fix, I might still go for it

 

[ghbrewer]

Anything around or less than a dollar per gallon is a good price for used tanks, so I would go for it.
I would make sure to give it a really good cleaning with vinegar, then fix the bracing and you should be good to go. Doesn't look drilled, so I would definitely find out if it has any tempered glass if you plan on drilling it.

 

[ptreef]

It's supposed to be drilled. That's the overflow box in the middle. The seller said it is drilled on the bottom, but the picture does seem to hide the holes

 

[ghbrewer]

Yeah, now that you mentioned it, I can see it. You planning on setting it up as a peninsula?

Edit: That overflow looks a little crooked, with a few teeth broken.

Not a big deal, you can always modify or relocate. At least you know you can drill it if you want to relocate it.

 

[ptreef]

I was planning on keeping it how it is and just building up around the overflow box. I just want to be comfortable that everything will hold up if I set it up

 

[ghbrewer]

Should be fine, as long as you replace the bracing.

 

[KrisDeitz]

Check for scratches.. Who just puts a tank on its side like that. Goodluck is all I can say. Check everything. Dont rush or get to excited or you will be unhappy the entire time.

 

[ghbrewer]

PFCDeitz;931411 wrote: Who just puts a tank on its side like that.

LOL... I have a sump setting up like that in my garage, uh oh. I guess I am one of those guys...

 

[KrisDeitz]

Sump is fine. You dont care about scratches. but your display scratches are ugly!

 

[ghbrewer]

Heading down to the garage...

 

[k3nnyp]

ghbrewer;931396 wrote: A lot of people remove these braces and replace them with glass anyways. This is done to reduce the shadows that the stock braces can create.

Hijacking...

How is this done. I have a 120 and the shadows are a bit annoying. Can you just silicone the glass to the existing brace on each side and once cured cut the plastic brace from beneath?

I'm assuming a glass shop for the pieces. 1/4 inch thick?

 

[ghbrewer]

k3nnyP;931436 wrote: I'm assuming a glass shop for the pieces. 1/4 inch thick?

At a bare, bare minimum. I would suggest matching whatever thickness your tank is composed of. Make sure to get the edges of the glass ground/sanded, so that you won't cut yourself when working in the tank.

 

[k3nnyp]

ghbrewer;931474 wrote: At a bare, bare minimum. I would suggest matching whatever thickness your tank is composed of. Make sure to get the edges of the glass ground/sanded, so that you won't cut yourself when working in the tank.

Good idea. Still curious how others secured them in place.