Center brace broke

[jpontier212]

Good afternoon you guys. I'm new to the hobby. I got a 55g glass. I'm running a 20g sump with a ebay protein skimmer, live rock, filter sock and 1100 return pump. I filled it with water this weekend and while filling it the center brace tore. I've been watching it to see if it gets worse and it hasn't. Should i be concerned?

 

[Tegridy Reef]

My vote yes I wouldn't have water in it sounds like a disaster. my guess would keep bowing and eventually give out happened to buddy of mine

 

[Nick92515]

i would drain it. the only thing holding that thing together is the frame brace around the top and bottom. it needs to be fixed anyway, easier to do it before the glass breaks.

 

[Dr. Phil]

I agree with everyone else, drain it and replace the brace now. Repairing it now will keep you from having a ton of trouble later when you have livestock in the tank.

 

[pondman]

You can order a new top brace it's kinda pain to get old off but it is really worth it to do so. Better than all that water and livestock on your floor.

 

[PatW]

On something like this, I would replace it. It is better than worrying about it or worse feeling like an idiot after the tank fails.

 

[aaron23]

I would not risk it. It's there for a reason

 

[jdl513]

The cost and effort to replace the brace is likely not worth it. I would look into getting another 55 gallon or maybe another size if you have the means. no way would i risk filling it with a bad brace. Like others said it's there for a reason.

 

[mfinn]

If you were saying that it was a sump or a temporary tank I would say that some repairs are possible.
But since it's a new setup I would say replace it now before you have time invested in it.


I fixed a brace on a 55 a couple years ago and it's currently being used as a sump.