Broken Center Brace

0rangeFish · Dec 20, 2018

Noticed my center brace is completely broken in three places while doing a water change. It's a 46 gallon bow front tank that I had bought off Craig's list five years ago. I'm not sure how long it's been broken, but I'd like to replace it or repair it. The problem is the back of the frame has pulled apart, so most of the DIY solutions wont work for me. I've called four of my local fish stores. None of them will order a brace, only tanks. I'm not sure what to do. I really don't have the money to get a new tank right now. It's also disappointing to have to possibly buy a new tank that's the same size as my current tank. I wanted a huge tank in a few years and would rather put money into that, but I doubt my current apartment's floor can handle anything larger then 75 gallons.

If anyone has a suggestion for repairing it myself or knows of a place online I can order a BOW tank frame from, I'd really appreciate it. A huge plus if it's a place in Canada.

flooddc · Dec 20, 2018

Put a clamp on it asap. Best is to remove livestock and drain. Frames for it is going to be hard to find unless some LFS have stock them from years ago. If you can find one, it's likely expensive.
I'd just buy a new tank. If not, still need to drain and repair. You can setup temp holding tank using XL large storage bin why you figure out what to do.

kirbuno · Dec 20, 2018

Pretty sure you could make a custom brace out of glass to repair. However you'd still have to drain as suggested. Your brace broke and the glass appears to be bending. Not something you want to ignore. Salt water flooding in your abode is not fun. Especially if someone is living below you.

jda · Dec 20, 2018

Who made the tank? Write the manufacturer. I broke the top of an all-glass once and they sold me a new one through a local shop.

You should find a bar clamp for now... you can get them at home depot or Lowes to spread that distance.

0rangeFish · Dec 22, 2018

I couldn't find the manufacturer's name. I finally found a store to at least check if they an order a new brace, so here hoping. I've for now apoxied the top. It's still 1/4" off, but I got it pulled back some. If it comes to it. I'll get a new tank. Great timing for when I had to leave for the holidays. I apoxied plexi glass to the frame with metal corner brackets over each side. I forgot to take a picture of it before leaving, but here's my roommates not so great try. You've gotta zoom in on the shot.