is the center brace realy needed?

[devaji108]

I found a good deal on a 55gal that I wil be using for a QT tank for a group buy. I need a 55 because I will be QTing three fish for my 240.
now the questions is the center brace is missing on the tank!
he told me it hald h2o for a year like this!
after this group buy I was thinking about useing it as a refug. on the big tank.
is this safe? any feedback would help thanks

 

[dogstar]

Without the brace, the presure from the water can cause the glass to want to bow out at the top...this can cause the glass to crack or the seal to pop. You might could rig a brace your self and still use the tank....

 

[devaji108]

Originally Posted by Dogstar
Without the brace, the presure from the water can cause the glass to want to bow out at the top...this can cause the glass to crack or the seal to pop. You might could rig a brace your self and still use the tank....
I was thinking that might be the case.
what type of DIY brace would you do.
I thought of big C clamps like you use for wood working.

thanks Dogstar

 

[bojik]

find the manufacturer (if possible) and get a new top 'rim' if you can. Else somewhere on here there was a post about replacing a centerbrace that might help some.

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by Bojik
find the manufacturer (if possible) and get a new top 'rim' if you can.
Best solution.
If your tank is an industry standard size (for example, almost every manufacturer makes a 55gallon that's 48x12), you can likely order a top frame from anyone and it'll fit.

 

[dogstar]

I have heard many suggestions for fixing this problem. The best one I have heard is to get a new tank and not risk any dissaster in the future...
C-clamp might work but need to check it often for comeing loose or rust, I would think or silicon a glass brace either down the sides or across the top... or a new trim as SCSI suggest.....

 

[valgae]

hi i posted last week cause i was replacing my brown plastic center brace w/ clear acrylic. is the whole thing gone or just part of it? if the whole thing is gone id order the new rim.

 

[chilwil84]

not to try to change ur mind on the top but many of the lfs near me cut the center off 55 and 75 gallons when they use them for feeder fish so they can catch them easier and the one i frequent regularly has had a 75 without the brace for a few years that i know of without any problems

 

[devaji108]

ok I went ahead and got because it was not as bad as I thought.
I think I can contact cement it or some other strong glue.
not bad for 25 bucks

here are some pics:

 

[hot883]

Any support is better than no support

 

[devaji108]

oh and what would use guys use to clean out the tank?
It was pretty drity. I just housed iot off of the pic.
what about bleach.....and then clean it realy good and leave it out in the sun for a couple days? od just h2o and a mild soap?
thanks

 

[scsinet]

I'd use an ammonia based cleaner like Windex. Rinse very well. Any residual ammonia will only serve to help your cycling along.

 

[puff_puff_]

10% bleech 90% water and sun dried is best. and as far as a center brace. the best and easies way to do it.. 2 inch wide 1/4 inch acrylic or plexiglass.. heat both ends up and put a 90 degree angle on each side about 3/4 inch or so.. to make a U shape then silicone it to the out side of the tank... i would remove that whole ugly rim and do that.. if looks are important then mask of the tank leaving a 1 inch exposed area on the top and get black aquarium safe paint and spray it. youll have a nice black rim and a clear support. or your canpaint the support and the silicone you use to adhear it wont be under stress cause of the bends and will hold indefenatly...

 

[devaji108]

wow that is a good idea! just might to the acrycil brace.
but it not really all that bad and no looks are not that important it just a QT tank for now and then a sump refuge.

 

[engineer]

IMO I wouldntt chanceing it, just go to the LFS and get a new top frame. even if looks dont matter it still has to hold water. I had a 55 and the top broke I replaced it and never had a WORRY or problem again. They are around 25-30 dollars!

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by Dogstar
I have heard many suggestions for fixing this problem. The best one I have heard is to get a new tank and not risk any dissaster in the future...

I agree wholeheartedly.

 

[oceana]

due to the length i would get a new rim. OR even better remove the entire rim and euro brace it. you will gain. better looks, better access, and it will be stronger. should be able to do it for the same cost as the frame