My friend just got a free 55gal. The crossmember brace on the top is broken. Is it still safe to use??? He's worried about it.
55 Gal with broken crossmember safe to use??
- Thread starter Hypertek99
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If he is worried, go to Lowes. by a piece of acrylic. Cut a piece the width and length of the crossmemeber, get some Weld on #16 and adhere it to the bottom of the crossmember. You can't get Weld On #16 from Lowes. I had to order it online. Thats what I did to my brace on my 120g
I wouldn't trust it. Repair as described above. I'd also want to know how long it's been holding water with that cross piece broken. The corner seams might be weakened. There's a reason that piece is part of the design.
Gary
Gary
OP
OP
It's one of those plastic crossmembers.
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As was mine and most crossmembers.
AquaWorldPSC
Well-Known Member
2 of our 120 gallons (48"x24"x24") both got cut center braces and they are filled to the top and been okay for 5 years. (Knocking on wood)
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It's a lot of work cutting out the old. Reinforcing it with acrylic is jsut as good.
AquaWorldPSC
Well-Known Member
Acrylic is the best idea!
dbarker
Active Member
I can't believe you asked this question today!!! I moved some of my fish to my older 55 gal last night and the crossbar is broken. I didn't realize the tank would bow so much. My son and I made some reinforcing braces last night at about 10p! Duct tape fixes most things but not great for aquariums!
Thank all of you for your ideas! Now I will be able to relax knowing my fish won't rest in peace!! Debbie
Thank all of you for your ideas! Now I will be able to relax knowing my fish won't rest in peace!! Debbie
kgross
Local Fish Store Owner
You can actually replace it with glass even easier than the acrylic. The silicone is easier to find.
But I would not suggest running the tank without the brace. It will work, but it does put a lot of extra stress on the glass.
Kim
But I would not suggest running the tank without the brace. It will work, but it does put a lot of extra stress on the glass.
Kim
