Emergency-Broken Center Brace

xabo · Dec 3, 2023

Have a 225 gal. Sephora tank. Center brace has come a loose from the frame on one side of the tank. Can Gorilla Glue contact adhesive be used to reattach it?

Gorilla Adhesive - Contact Adhesive Clear | Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Contact Adhesive is a flexible, fast-setting, crystal clear glue that creates a strong, permanent bond. 100% waterproof & easy-to-use no-run formula

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ryanjohn1 · Dec 3, 2023

Does the piece have a gap?

xabo · Dec 3, 2023

There's about a 1/4" gap between end of the brace and the frame. Looks like the adhesive gave way.

xabo · Dec 3, 2023

Center brace is made of glass.

ryanjohn1 · Dec 3, 2023

Sounds like tank bowed, is it a brand new tank?

Reefering1 · Dec 3, 2023

So nothing broke, the adhesive let loose?

Fungusamongus · Dec 3, 2023

You could also use some additional plastic on each side of the current brace and glue, or fuse, those down to to each end and along the current brace. That would give more support. I dont know how strong it would be or how long it would last considering the volume. In the end a new tank would probably be best.

xabo · Dec 3, 2023

xabo · Dec 3, 2023

Reefering1 said:
So nothing broke, the adhesive let loose?

Yes the adhesive gave away. Nothing is broken. There's a ledge where the glass sits atop of the frame.

Reefering1 · Dec 3, 2023

For any(best? ) chance of long lived repair, I'd say you need to drain the water from tank, clean with alcohol maybe sand it a bit to roughen the surface for more bite from adhesive, and clamp the tank from front to back and clamp the brace to the trim. Imo allow it to fully cure before removing clamps and filling with water

TurboTang · Dec 3, 2023

Can you please tell us the age of tank

CBonito · Dec 3, 2023

First, you need to get enough water out of that where the bow goes away so you can get things situated where they were before attempting to fix anything. Don't try forcing it with water in it or you may be very sorry.

Rick's Reviews · Dec 3, 2023

xabo said:
Yes the adhesive gave away. Nothing is broken. There's a ledge where the glass sits atop of the frame.

I would love to suggest to strap it and glue it but unfortunately this is a possibility that your aquarium is breaking down and showing signs of pressure breakage.

Your aquriam in one way or another will burst.

I strongly suggest removing water to ease pressure, maybe 50%.
Then look to alternative/new or used aquarium

TurboTang · Dec 3, 2023

Agreed - need to lower water level fast. Don't try to fix this while full of water

Reign1 · Dec 3, 2023

I had a aquairum do this . Drained it lower and placed a clamp on it until I was able to order a new aquarium.

mfinn · Dec 3, 2023

If this was my tank I would use a bar clamp and pull the tank back into shape.
Then order some Momentive 103 or 108 adhesive.
Then drain the water down a few inches, make sure the area under the brace is dry and apply a liberal amount of the momentive adhesive on the tank and brace.
Clamp it back up tight and and let it set for a good 9-10 days.
Remove the clamp and see if it holds.

And while you are waiting, start shopping for a new tank.

xabo · Dec 3, 2023

TurboTang said:
Can you please tell us the age of tank

About 2-3 years old.

CBonito said:
First, you need to get enough water out of that where the bow goes away so you can get things situated where they were before attempting to fix anything. Don't try forcing it with water in it or you may be very sorry.

That's my plan.

Along the frame, there is a ledge about 1/8-3/16" wide. The glass center brace sits atop of this ledge. It appears that the glass was held in place with silicone.

xabo · Dec 3, 2023

Reign1 said:
I had a aquairum do this . Drained it lower and placed a clamp on it until I was able to order a new aquarium.

I've had 2 do this before......this is the third tank.

CBonito · Dec 3, 2023

xabo said:
About 2-3 years old.

That's my plan.

Along the frame, there is a ledge about 1/8-3/16" wide. The glass center brace sits atop of this ledge. It appears that the glass was held in place with silicone.

You're going to want to clean that and the brace like super good before trying to fix it so you get the best bond, then let it cure for a few days before putting any pressure on it. I hate telling people they should get a new tank because that's almost insulting to hear, but I would at least prepare for the possibility that you may have no choice.

It sucks that people have to go through stuff like this.