EMERGENCY! Cracking bracing!

ZJedi945 · Jul 16, 2016

So I am finishing up my 65 to 120 and with about 10 gallons to finish filling the tank I heard I loud crack. Took a look and saw that the center brace had cracked and down about a foot there was a crack around the whole trim piece.

Here is what I am asking. Is there a way to fix this or reinforce the bracing? It is a used tank so would it be best just to go buy a new one?

143MPCo · Jul 16, 2016

I'd contacting the manufacture for a replacement brace, cutting the old one out and replace it is reportedly is a nightmare, let see what other option might be available.

Good luck!

[HASHTAG]#reefsquad[/HASHTAG]

den75 · Jul 16, 2016

No way I would be trusting that or try to fix it. I would just get a new tank.

Diesel · Jul 16, 2016

Ugh not a good start.
Need to empty the tank ASAP or you might be in to mop the floor for a few hours.
Not sure if the have a replacement brace as you need to remove the whole trim.
You can make one your self from a aluminium strip and some L pieces but I won't use this tank IMO.
It always has a weak area.

ZJedi945 · Jul 16, 2016

well poop and sorry

zoomonster · Jul 16, 2016

Yeah I would not take any chances and would at least partially empty it. My first tank years ago was an AGA 55g and after a year or more the same thing happened. Then the glass on that tank bowed out front and back. How it didn't explode was probably just luck but I got stuff out of that tank as quickly as possible and rushed out and bought my second tank a 90g. Not sure what quality of tank you have or the glass thickness but if it's along the lines of AGA, Perfecto or the like the glass is probably thin and that top brace holds it together.

ZJedi945 · Jul 16, 2016

I believe it is a Marineland/perfecto... I think

Anthony kolodziej · Jul 16, 2016

superglue the crap out of it and get a new brace made or a new tank . I replace my broken brace on a 210 gallon with a billet aluminum sort of U shaped brace that I glued in place over the trim hooking on the front and back . worked fine for over a year till I shut the tank down . that tank sits in my basement as my back up for my DT

BoneXriffic · Jul 16, 2016

ZJedi945 said:
I believe it is a Marineland/perfecto... I think

Replace

Waboss · Jul 16, 2016

Since you asked the question "It is a used tank so would it be best just to go buy a new one"

The answer is a resounding, YES.

Seriously though, I'd just go get a new one. It's sooooo not worth the risk especially on a tank that's not too expensive.

Reefcowboy · Jul 16, 2016

Yes, replace it. It breaks a someday in the middle of the night leaking saltwater water down your house floors...you will regret today for a long time asking why didnt you replace it.

hybridazn · Jul 16, 2016

I've replaced quite a few of these braces, while its not easy it def can be done. If you don't want to replace the whole brace just cut out the brace and silicone in a piece of glass to act as the new center brace and you will be good to go!

Reefcowboy · Jul 16, 2016

Ive seen these braces break with MH tanks, where the bulb's heat basically melts the joints and cracks them from the frame.

I owned a 65 gal from Deep blue that i removed the brace due to shadowing and placed an acrylic piece one that held the glasses from the outside, pinching them together. I had no issues, but remember checking on them every week and had no peace of mind. The glass idea is much better and can actually hold stronger than the original brace, if done properly.

ZJedi945 · Jul 16, 2016

It's funny I thought I remember a 120 being a extremely popular tank.... No one has the things in stock. HAHAHA A few more places to call tomorrow. Not a great night at all. Though there wasn't a flood so yay?

melypr1985 · Jul 16, 2016

If your a handy type of person, then replacing it may not be a bad deal for you. If it were me, I'd just get a new tank. Oh and be sure to empty that tank ASAP until you get it fixed or replaced!

jsker · Jul 16, 2016

I was thinking the same as @hybridazn or get a piece of .22 thick x 1.23 w black acrylic and glue the acrylic across the top of the brace and problem solved.

jsker · Jul 16, 2016

melypr1985 said:
If your a handy type of person, then replacing it may not be a bad deal for you. If it were me, I'd just get a new tank. Oh and be sure to empty that tank ASAP until you get it fixed or replaced!

Just put one of these clamps accross the tank.

4FordFamily · Jul 16, 2016

I bought a 125 new that this happened within two months. I tried every professional glue and followed the advice on here as best I could and bought a giant clamp to hold it all together until it dried it failed after several attempts. It broke the seal within minutes to hours and very violently. I'm very lucky the tank didn't explode each time I tried. Manufacturer replaced it. I was not a happy camper but at least I didn't have to buy another drilled 125.

Also all 3 of my glass tanks I bought new after nearly having my house burn to the ground due to a leak in to the power strip (2 months after closing on a brand new construction house) and also having a leak that ruined my carpet on another used tank in the same house a few months later. I vowed to buy all new glass and never ever risk it again.

I have a used acrylic tank but that's a different story.

Good luck!

Kershaw · Jul 16, 2016

How is it that rimless tanks with out braces hold up? I have a used rimless tank. It has no top bracing at all. It's 48x30x20. Just curious what is different. It's crazy that just silicon holds my tank together

Salty1962 · Jul 16, 2016

Kershaw said:
How is it that rimless tanks with out braces hold up? I have a used rimless tank. It has no top bracing at all. It's 48x30x20. Just curious what is different. It's crazy that just silicon holds my tank together

They use a different type of silicone on rimless tanks. It's suppose to be super strong. I investigated it before I bought my rimless.