Center brace

tbouts603 · Oct 24, 2020

My 55 gallon tank I got for free the center brace was cut out, any good ways to fix this ?
I bought two aqueon glass lids, but can’t really use them since there is no inside support when you open the lid.
I was tossing the idea of black plastic rulers and using epoxy to fasten the ruler from front to back.
Or glass panels

Thoughts ?

Halal Hotdog · Oct 24, 2020

Why not just buy a new brace? 55 gallons is pretty common.

Daddy-o · Oct 24, 2020

I used thick plastic strips. Drilled them and the lip on the rim and used nylon screws and nuts. I can get a pic. if you like?

tbouts603 · Oct 24, 2020

Well funds are the main issue. I got this tank plus a whole system to go with it for free. Guy is moving to japan.
For now this is what I have. I 110% plan to buy a 90 gallon next year, it this is my saltwater entry into this portion of the aquarium hobby.
So I want to fix this, I don’t think they glass will break. But I would lie to use this glass lids to help with heat retention, evaporation, and keep fish in the tank.

tbouts603 · Oct 24, 2020

That would be great.
Where did you get these plastic strips ?

Daddy-o · Oct 24, 2020

tbouts603 said:
That would be great.
Where did you get these plastic strips ?

I will get a pic in the morning when the lights are on. My tank actually had a bit of center brace left on either side (someone melted the middle with a heat lamp)

Daddy-o · Oct 24, 2020

The strips are these:

American Printing Equipment & Supply Co.

paper trimmer Plastic Cutting Sticks

www.americanprintingequipment.com

They are used in paper cutting guillotines (I had access)

tbouts603 · Oct 24, 2020

I’ll add a photo of mine as well. Mine has past a couple of inches towards the center. So not all missing.

Daddy-o · Oct 24, 2020

Someone should clean up all this salt

Daddy-o · Oct 24, 2020

I did use silicone also - quick and cheap

WvAquatics · Oct 24, 2020

I got a 120g with the braces torn off. I removed the trim. Cleaned the area the trim was attached. I then bought 1/2 inche thick and 3 inches wide sheets one for each side and one in the middle. Holding strong 6 months later. The bow from being full stopped when I glued the pieces on.