Urgent Question

[tim_12]

To put it bluntly, I ****** up big time. I have a 46G bowfront, and I decided to cut off the plastic support peice that goes from the center back to the center front. Its to stop the water from pushing the glass out more than it should. I cut it off to allow more light to get to the middle of the tank, as my MH is dead center above the tank. I though it was only a support peice for the glass top that came with the tank, but I was very wrong. The big question: Now what? Is the tank going to break open? I've drained as much water from it as I can to reduce the stress on the glass, and because the water level is low my overflow isnt working and the tank isnt running through the sump. Help please!!!

 

[drew2005]

Originally Posted by Tim_12
To put it bluntly, I ****** up big time. I have a 46G bowfront, and I decided to cut off the plastic support peice that goes from the center back to the center front. Its to stop the water from pushing the glass out more than it should. I cut it off to allow more light to get to the middle of the tank, as my MH is dead center above the tank. I though it was only a support peice for the glass top that came with the tank, but I was very wrong. The big question: Now what? Is the tank going to break open? I've drained as much water from it as I can to reduce the stress on the glass, and because the water level is low my overflow isnt working and the tank isnt running through the sump. Help please!!!
It is a support brace for the glass. Im sure you can contact the company who manufactured the tank and get a new one from them. The seals on the tank should hold very well. The stress is always on the glass no matter what you do. But without that brace you weakened it a little bit. I doubt it will break open. But i would not leave it like that for long term.

 

[jambi0n]

:scared: i was going to do the same thing... but it does cause a lot of stress on the tank... hope everything works out, and you get that fixed soon.

 

[jfdjason]

I can tell you this. I have had a tank for over 15 years now and have had the support removed for all of that time. It has never pushed out on that glass. I don't think you have to worry about this one.

 

[tim_12]

Originally Posted by JFDJason
I can tell you this. I have had a tank for over 15 years now and have had the support removed for all of that time. It has never pushed out on that glass. I don't think you have to worry about this one.
How big is this tank?

 

[zman1]

Send the manufacturer an email and ask them if it's a saftey issue and they may be able to direct you to a retailer that can order you a new frame. I know Oceanic does answer emails as i asked them about drilling my 75 gal.

 

[schenkel]

Just for the short term.
Honestly JB weld would probably fix is right up.
Have a smoke and don't freak out.

 

[jfdjason]

Myh tank is 45 Tall. I just checked the corners again and there the same as I bought it 15 years ago. It is a Glass tank too.