125 Cracked Brace/Trim, Opinions?!?

Jgro1413 · Jan 26, 2020

Hi all, So I bought a 125 rr from another member a few months ago and it's been sitting in my garage ever since. I went to set it up finally today and noticed that the trim is split / cracked in 2 places. One on the top frame and one on the bottom frame. Does anyone think this is safe to setup?

BrandonS · Jan 26, 2020

If it is just the trim I would say its ok. Would want to make sure the silicone seam is not split. I have a 75 that looks similar and have had it running for 3 years with no issues thus far. I would fill it up and check for leaking or bowing. If none then your probably good.

TPE · Jan 26, 2020

Is the crack on the same side top and bottom? If so I would be concerned about bowing/ seam separation.
How does the silicone look?
Definitely fill in safe area for testing.

ca1ore · Jan 26, 2020

Personally, I would not use it; though to be candid I am not a fan of using larger, used tanks. Just no way to know what kind of abuse they have endured. It’s not easy to crack frames like that. While the trim is mostly cosmetic, the cross brace plays an important structural role. That the top crack is so close to said brace would be a big problem for me. You could fill it and it’d be fine for years; or it could fail. None of the ‘it’ll be fine’ crowd are likely to come over to help you clean up the mess.

xabo · Jan 26, 2020

Just replaced a 220 that started leaking. The crack started out like this: Over time the brace separated completely from bowing. If you plan to use the tank I would replace both trim pieces.

cvrle1 · Jan 26, 2020

Brace is there for a reason, it is structural piece keeping your tank from bowing and seams from coming apart. Once that brace cracked, its integrity is gone. It is injection mold, so once it's gone, it cannot be repaired anywhere close to the way it was originally made. With all that said, what you could do is remove whole top plastic frame, and then do a proper euro bracing. That way you have strong brace that will keep your tank safe, and get rid of the plastic brace that is now almost useless. You could also look into buying complete replacement frame, but that can be more work than just getting glass pieces and euro-bracing.

W1ngz · Jan 26, 2020

I vote no. On larger tanks like that, the 'trim' isn't just a decoration, it's actively controlling how much the large panes bow out, and allows the manufacturer to use thinner glass than if it were rimless. Without the support from a structurally intact frame around the top and bottom of the glass, you're heading for a blowout.

nereefpat · Jan 27, 2020

I voted no. The rim no longer has its integrity, so it no longer increases the safety factor as much as intended.

You used to be able to get replacement trims, and it wasn't that difficult to install. I've been told by message board folks that maybe fish stores don't carry them anymore...worth a call to your local fish store to see if they can get you one.

PghReef · Jan 27, 2020

I vote no for living quarters use. Make a good basement or garage tank where you have a floor drain and no risk or damage from a leak. As a grow out tank or sump maybe?
I had a frame partially crack on me as well, I used the industrial strength epoxy and clamped it together and then filled and let test for a week for any sign of separation and all was good, but it was on 46 gallons of water not 125.