Broken center brace

underbrink1017

New Member
I have a 150 gal. 24x48x30. The center brace broke out completely. What is the best way to brace the tank? We cant afford to replace the whole thing so we have to fix it if possible. It is full and is bowing less than 1/8" but I don't want to take any chances. Thank you.
 

2quills

Well-Known Member
Can we see a pic of the brace to see how it is broken? What brand of tank (manufacturer)?
 

acrylic51

Active Member
The center brace needs to be replaced......At best I'd try to drain the tank down a bit to take any unnecessary pressure of the seams itself....When I say take it down "I'm meaning water level". Probably the easiest way to fix it would be to have a glass brace cut and siliconed into place, but for it to be effective....the tank would need to have the water level lowered till there isn't any stress or bowing of the tank, and the brace siliconed into place an allowed to set up correctly. The other solution would be if you know the manufacturer of the tank, to contact them and see about getting a complete top brace for the tank and replace it that way.
 

acrylic51

Active Member
A temp fix could be to clamp it, but I'd still lower the water level and then I'd try to run a board across to distribute the load of the clamp somewhat evenly.
 

2quills

Well-Known Member
Saw this as a fix as well. This guy removed the brace on purpose I believe due to his three bulb halide fixture to not block light in the center of the tank. You could probably do the same by picking up a piece of alluminum flat bar and drilling some small holes through the bars and inner lip of the plastic trim and then insert some stainless stell nuts and bolts. I believe he also used an epoxy adhesive as well.
 
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