DIY euro bracing

cichness · Jun 17, 2009

ive got a glass 180 (72x24x24) and i need to reseal it, and the trim is all cracked in the corners and ugly looking (got used, for cheap)and i want to scrap the top trim and do kinda euro bracing on the top instead.

im thinking 3 strips of glass, one on each end and one on the middle.

what thickness would i need and how wide should the strips be?

Poseidon · Jun 17, 2009

Euro bracing is a frame all the way around the tank, not just strips from front to back. I am planning a 120, and will use 3/8" in 4 strips all the way around the perimeter. I was hoping to get a 1 piece frame, but that may be to costly for me to attempt to cut, and BREAK if something goes wrong.

cichness · Jun 17, 2009

how would i set them in there? stager them? or do the sides full length and the front and back from strip to strip? i need lots of detail

Poseidon · Jun 17, 2009

I plan on the opposite, front and back strips go full length, and the side strips fit between the front and back.

I am planning on using 2" wide strips, you may want to go 3" for yours due to the increased length.

cichness · Jun 17, 2009

and that will be strong enough? nice.

should i put on in the middle? or will it not matter?

Poseidon · Jun 17, 2009

The idea of Euro bracing is to eliminate the cross braces all together. I would talk to a tank builder or 2 and ask about a euro braced 180, see what they suggest.

What is the glass thickness of your tank now?

cichness · Jun 17, 2009

its all 1/2 inch glass, came assembled but was told it had a slow drip leak, so i took her apart and have the panels all lines up, need to finish scraping the silicone and clean it up.

i need to find a new bottom frame, unless i can do the same type of bracing?

H@rry · Jun 17, 2009

I have two 180s with eurobracing. The glass for the braces is the same thickness at the tanks (1/2 inch). They measure 3 1/8 inch wide. The front and back are full length. and the ends are fitted between those.

HTH