Bottom Tank Brace Broken Question

[Cmccarthy]

Hey friends. I have a 220 gallon tank that I was moving and the end of the bottom tank brace got caught and snapped off. The whole frame is intact except on one end. Should I be worried. It is a 24 inch piece. I cannot find a new frame anywhere and I am getting different viewpoints on whether it is more for cosmetics or keeps the tank from bowing. The glass is 1/2 inch thick. The center braces are good it is just the one end. I have to believe that if a seam failed the plastic frame would not do anything to stop a blowout but I am looking for some more answers. I feel like it hides cosmetic issues like excess glue or sharp edges. I bet the center braces do some work for bowing. Thoughts?

Thanks for your time and advice.

Cullen

 

[Flippers4pups]

Hey friends. I have a 220 gallon tank that I was moving and the end of the bottom tank brace got caught and snapped off. The whole frame is intact except on one end. Should I be worried. It is a 24 inch piece. I cannot find a new frame anywhere and I am getting different viewpoints on whether it is more for cosmetics or keeps the tank from bowing. The glass is 1/2 inch thick. The center braces are good it is just the one end. I have to believe that if a seam failed the plastic frame would not do anything to stop a blowout but I am looking for some more answers. I feel like it hides cosmetic issues like excess glue or sharp edges. I bet the center braces do some work for bowing. Thoughts?

Thanks for your time and advice.

Cullen

That this point if a replacement can’t be found, I would remove all the trim at the bottom and treat the tank as if it’s a acrylic tank. Plywood stand top and foam underneath. Fill the tank with tap and observe how it does. Should be okay if the silicone between the glass panels is intact.

 

[KrisReef]

Pictures might help,...i can only guess what kind of plastic frame is broken and if it was just cosmetic or structural?
If the tank was designed to sit on the frame, then 24" of unsupported bottom sounds not too good.
Either way, when in doubt, fill it outside.

 

[Drewe]

Pictures might help,...i can only guess what kind of plastic frame is broken and if it was just cosmetic or structural?
If the tank was designed to sit on the frame, then 24" of unsupported bottom sounds not too good.
Either way, when in doubt, fill it outside.

This right here. I'm having a hard time understanding exactly which piece is missing. Would the tank be sitting on the piece of plastic had it been there?

If not, I don't imagine it's too important to structural integrity - but you'll definitely want to take it outside and fill it with a hose. Let it sit for a few days as long as the temp will stay above freezing. If it were me and no issues popped up, I'd be comfortable using it.

 

[Cmccarthy]

It is the trim that goes around the bottom of the tank. Like a standard glass tank except this tank is quite big. The tank is now sitting on the stand now and you cannot see the missing piece. I can try to move the tank and glue the piece back on

The glass is intact and the seam seems to be great. But of course I will test it.

 

[Drewe]

It is the trim that goes around the bottom of the tank. Like a standard glass tank except this tank is quite big. The tank is now sitting on the stand now and you cannot see the missing piece. I can try to move the tank and glue the piece back on

Oh - you're probably fine. I would glue the piece back on and still test it, but I'd wager that you're good to go!

 

[Cmccarthy]

Thank you everyone for helping me out. I will glue the piece back on and water test.

 

[Backreefing]

Thank you everyone for helping me out. I will glue the piece back on and water test.

In my experience with glass tanks even plastic braces have a porpoise s I wouldn’t risk it , but I can’t see it so ...

 

[vetteguy53081]

It’s more cosmetic than supportive and if you consider, rimless tanks don’t have this bracing. You can hot glue together or epoxy it for a piece of mind

 

[Backreefing]

It’s more cosmetic than supportive and if you consider, rimless tanks don’t have this bracing. You can hot glue together or epoxy it for a piece of mind

You may be correct as your there seeing it and your the one takeing the risk as well
I have seen a glass tank with a broken cross brace bow outward at the top and the owner put a bar clamp on it to hold it . It was big to had to have been a 180 or more
You be the judge good luck

 

[dantimdad]

That this point if a replacement can’t be found, I would remove all the trim at the bottom and treat the tank as if it’s a acrylic tank. Plywood stand top and foam underneath. Fill the tank with tap and observe how it does. Should be okay if the silicone between the glass panels is intact.

This right here.

I have had experience with this helping more than one person.

You will more than likely cause a pressure point trying to put it back.

If you absolutely want trim, remove all the broken trim and have a frame made out of aluminum and grind the welds smooth.

If you don't mind and just want to hide the seam, put face trim around it and call it done.

 

[Cmccarthy]

I talked to Glasscages and they said the bottom trim or brace is not that structural. The top brace is more structural for bowing.

I glued it back on and I think my next step is to water test it.

In all reality we are all taking risks with aquariums as we can have a seam fail on any tank.

Thank you all so much for your time and thoughtfulness to help me.

Best wishes to all.

 

[MnFish1]

It’s more cosmetic than supportive and if you consider, rimless tanks don’t have this bracing. You can hot glue together or epoxy it for a piece of mind

Dont rimless tanks for the most part have thicker glass to make up for the lack of the brace? That said - Im not sure the bottom brace does 'much'. Perhaps a call to the company that made the aquarium would answer the question - without having to 'guess' what to do.

EDIT - just saw that you called the company... Great that you fixed it

 

[vetteguy53081]

Dont rimless tanks for the most part have thicker glass to make up for the lack of the brace? That said - Im not sure the bottom brace does 'much'. Perhaps a call to the company that made the aquarium would answer the question - without having to 'guess' what to do.

EDIT - just saw that you called the company... Great that you fixed it

Most of the rimless will have Euro bracing for that support, otherwise not on thicker glass.

 

[MnFish1]

Most of the rimless will have Euro bracing for that support, otherwise not on thicker glass.

Yeah my Red Sea has no bracing or eurobeace always wondered