Center brace is broke...

[SRT80]

Checked my 80 bowfront today and just noticed the center bow front has split in the center, causing about a 1/2" gap. So the glass must be under pressure and spreading. How much of a panic mode should I be in?

I went ahead and listed the livestock for what I consider a great deal. Should I go ahead and drain the tank and move the live rock and corals to rubbermaids?

I had a interested buyer coming Wednesday so I'm glad this happened now. My main concern is, I don't want the tank to just explode on me, so what should I do?

Thanks for any info/advice,
Steve

 

[turbo21]

If you have the tubs and equipment i would move it over just to be safe. You could also rig up a temp brace with wood or metal.

Lower the water level in the tank until the brace is back together and then make a brace that goes from the front of the tank to the back to hold it together until you get situated

bob

 

[coralkiller]

I wouldnt bail on it all together. Like Turbo said lower the water level until the brace comes back together and then repair it or move everything in to tubs.
I know that both Mel and Bart have made their own braces and they work great! You might want to hit them up.

 

[turbo21]

It can defintiely be fixed. No reason to give up yet, but i wouldnt ignore it.

bob

 

[SRT80]

Cool, thanks for the info. Well, the whole setup was for sale anyways before I noticed this. I'm fixing to drain some water now. I have a guy comin' Wednesday to buy all the rock and corals. So if anything, I'll setup somethin' temporary in rubbermaids.

I figure the tank could always be cleaned and someone could make a nice dart frog setup like Aquatic Critter has. I think they even have a 80 bowfront setup for dart frogs. So, I'm not to worried about the tank. If I can find a 72 bowfront, I will probably set up a African Cichlid setup. That was the main plan anyways, but I was planning on a 75 gal. But since I'm gonna have a stand and canopy now for a bowfront, might as well use them.

Thanks again for the tip.
Steve

 

[luisgo]

The center brace of my 125 gallon broke last year after 11 years! I fixed it with a new braket made of Lexan which is a very strong plastic.

First the brace was adjusted to the original position with a wood clamp. The plastic was glued with a two part epoxy with cable ties where used to help. Then the part was built and placed in the tank. The Lexan was covered with formica.

Now it looks better than before!!

Photos of all the process...

Tornillos are screws

 

[turbo21]

Very nice repair exactly what i was talking about

bob

 

[SRT80]

Thanks for all the details luisgo. That actually really looks nice. I'm not gonna mess with tryin' to do it though. I'll just figure the tank a loss and if someone else wants to try to make a brace, they can. For now, I'm probably gonna pull some of the larger rocks and put in a rubbermaid and try to get at least half the water out and just run the heater and powerheads for a couple of days.

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[orthokardia]

Off topic, but nice tank.

 

[SRT80]

Well a little good news. Called AC this morning and they can order me a replacement frame for $27. So gonna go up there and get it ordered. Once the tank is completely cleaned out, will do the job.

Looks like the hardest part will be getting the old frame off. Anyone have any tips?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[reefaholic420]

strong shoulders, elbows, and hands.... some razorblades and maybe a six pack... good luck

 

[pickupman66]

Steve, I removed the frame off an old 225 I was re-building. I used a very long flathead screw driver and a rubber mallet. the hardest part is getting under it at first. once you do that you can work your way around the tank. put the tank on the floor so it is stable and break the remainder of the brace. then you will need to cut all the silicone from under the inside rim, get your tool under it and start to gently pry it. once you are under it, work the screwdeiver parallel to the top of the glass edge. use the angle fo the driver to force it apart. it will be stuck very very well. once off, remove as much ofthe silicone as you can with teh razors. the glass needs to be really clean. then lay a bead all the way around the top edge and press the new frame on. turn the tank upside down and let its weight get it on good.

 

[SRT80]

Thanks for the reply pickupman. That's pretty much what Chris at AC told me. I'm just glad the tank is not gonna be a loss. I guess I should wait and see how the removal/install goes first...

I'm actually lookin' forward to gettin started on it.

Steve