Adding center braces to rimless tank

[Peter N]

Hey all,

I am new to this forum. I bought a rimless tank a couple months back and wanted to do a reef tank; however, I now figured it is not the right time to move into reef. The tank is just too nice and it has everything ready for reef so I want to hold on to it. Instead, I will have my Arowana in it.

It is a 100Gal tank. Dimensions: 60 in (L) x 24 in (W) x 16 in (D). 1/2" glass all around. It has Euro brace on the bottom and center overflow.

A tank with dimensions as above is just perfect for my Arowana now and it is also a great tank for reef in the future. The tank is used but it is still in very good condition. It looks like the tank was home built and the silicone job is not that great. It is very rough and thin along the sides so that's why I want to add some center braces to improve structural integrity of the tank first before I fill it up.

The questions are:
1/ Is 1/4" or 3/8" glass thick enough to be used as center braces? (I am thinking adding 2 braces along the 2 sides and 2 in the middle, leave a space in the center so I can access the center overflow). Each piece of glass will be 6" - 8" wide.
2/ If the glass is not thick enough, should I do dual layer of 1/4" to make it 1/2" thick?
3/ I am thinking about wrapping some super tensile strength tape all around the bottom of the tank. That way, the tape will support the silicone just in case. Is this a good idea? Since 1" on the bottom will be covered by the tank stand anyway. No one can see the tape there.

Rimless look is nice but that is not my priority. With that being said, is there anything that I can do to make the tank stronger. I don't want to risk having 100gal of water on the floor and losing the fish.

Any input will be appreciated.

Thank you and have a fun and safe holidays with family and friends!!!

 

[Maritimer]

Welcome to Reef2Reef, Peter N!

I'm not sure about the practicality of a glass center brace, but have seen tanks with a sort of glass "internal rim" - pieces running the length of the panels, just below the rim.

#reefsquad, any thoughts for Peter's project?

~Bruce

 

[jsker]

Peter, Welcome to R2R and reefing.

If you are not sure about the tanks integrity, I would suggest purchasing a new tank the fits your need, and then sell the other tank to recover some of the cost of the new tank.

As far as adding a center brace, I am not qualified, but my opinion would be. What you are thinking of adding would fail if ever under any real stress. Basically you would be putting a bandaid on something that need stitches. I think you would have to rim the hole inside for the top of the tank then add the center brace for it to have any integrity.

 

[Peter N]

Thanks Bruce and jsker for your inputs.. I understand that I have options for another tank and sell this one. I honestly just love this one. It seems like a perfect tank for my needs at the moment. It is long and wide enough, yet shallow (16" Deep), it is just a perfect tank for my Arowana at the moment. I will eventually move into reef and with those dimensions, I strongly believe this tank is also perfect for reef.

There is really nothing wrong with this one tank. The previous owner has used it for a couple months without issues. He just then decided to sell. I have never had a rimless tank before and this one is 100Gallon (a big tank) so without any braces or trims, I just feel that the tank is not strong enough for 100Gallon. It's possible that I underestimate the capabilities of the tank and I want to add something to ensure it is safe for use. It's better to be safe than sorry.

The reason why I want to add center braces rather than internal rims that run along the panels is because I believe 1/2" thick glass front and back panels are strong enough and will not bow. The tank is only 16" deep so not much water pressure to the glass. I want to add center braces so that they will support the silicone to prevent panels from being pushed out by water (as mentioned, silicone job is not that great).

 

[kyleinpdx]

@Peter N not sure if you’ve seen this thread or not but might help https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-euro-bracing.24075/

 

[ca1ore]

Picture of the tank?

 

[Peter N]

Picture of the tank?

I was thinking the same thing too. Photos will help. I will post some today when I get home.

 

[Peter N]

@Peter N not sure if you’ve seen this thread or not but might help https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-euro-bracing.24075/

Thank you for the link. This helps me to have a better understanding. The tank in that link is 72" (6ft) long and it is a 180G which is a much bigger tank. It is also deeper. Thus, the water pressure will be much greater. Euro Bracing is a must for rimless tank at that size. In my case, I am still leaning toward crossing braces on top since my tank already has Euro brace on the bottom.

 

[Fin]

1/2" glass is not thick enough for a 100 gallon tank 24" tall, without bracing. Usually, rimless tanks of that size are built with 3/4" glass and are very heavy. My Reef Savvy 125 is made of 1/2" glass, but is euro-braced on both bottom and top. Homemade tanks of that size would be a concern to me. I am with @jsker on this one. When you are ready for a reef tank, sell the one you have and get a good quality tank. Looking nice and being structurally sound don't necessarily go hand in hand. Big tanks that rupture are not fun.

 

[Peter N]

1/2" glass is not thick enough for a 100 gallon tank 24" tall, without bracing. Usually, rimless tanks of that size are built with 3/4" glass and are very heavy. My Reef Savvy 125 is made of 1/2" glass, but is euro-braced on both bottom and top. Homemade tanks of that size would be a concern to me. I am with @jsker on this one. When you are ready for a reef tank, sell the one you have and get a good quality tank. Looking nice and being structurally sound don't necessarily go hand in hand. Big tanks that rupture are not fun.

Thanks for your input. My tank is only 16" Tall (Deep). 24" is the Width.

I will post some photos tomorrow morning. It is dark by the time I get home today and the tank is in my shed.