Aqueon column 15 gallon aquarium broken brace

[Rizzle30]

Hello, I just picked up a used aqueon column 15 gallon aquarium for a sweet deal. Got it home and realized that the support brace was broken.

I have seen some pretty cool mods on these tanks and plan on doing some but I know that I need to fix the support brace first.

Any suggestions on how to do this as cost effectively as possible?

This will be a sea horse tank so any suggestions on mods are welcome too?

I know this hobby isn't cheap

 

[Not_Eeyore]

You might try "Over the Edge" as they sell replacement frames.

 

[Rizzle30]

Thats a good idea, but I'm trying to fix it as cheap as possible. Since it was a clean break in the center of the brace I decided to glue it with fish safe super glue. Hopefully it holds.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Does a 15 gallon tank even need to be braced?

 

[Rizzle30]

Thats a really good question. From everything I've read I'd say no but since it came with a built in brace it was probably meant to have one. My guess is that the additional height of the tank can cause extra stress on the glass and that's why a brace was used.

I did ask the owner of my lfs and he said for a 15 gallon its not nessarsary. So I may be over thinking it but don't want to risk any amount of water the floor do to an avoidable failure.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I’m not familiar with that tank, but could it be that what appears to be a typical brace really has a dual purpose— like to hold up a glass piece, or a light hood?

 

[Rizzle30]

Its possible but there is a bottom brace in the same spot underneath the tank.

 

[Goaway]

Best you can do once your glue cures. Set it on a level ground. Bathtub or outside. Fill it up and wait a few hours to see if it bows out.
Any diy brace will cost close to a new 15g

 

[Rizzle30]

Good advice. I filled it with water to test it and it didn't leak or bow but I only had it filled for about 10-15 minutes max.

 

[JumboShrimp]

It might be difficult to perceive bowing in a tank that small— if it even occurs— but I would say if you want to repair it, talk to someone knowledgeable about plastics and use a glue that will more or less ‘melt’ or ‘fuse’ the brace back together. Best wishes on your tank!

 

[Rizzle30]

Thanks! I even thought about buying a abs plastic strip and screwing it in with nylon screwing and heat welding the plastic.

 

[Goaway]

That could work. Just don't turn it into a project that costs more than a new tank.

 

[Rizzle30]

Good point, it can be easy enough to diy your way into spending more then you would with a factory built tank.