Glass tank bowing

[Susanak6]

I have. 425 gallon tank that's almost 12' long. Measurements are 144"x22.5"x31" starfire 3/4" glass.
I noticed the braces have moved feom the back so when I measured the middle of rhe tank is bowing. It's bowed out in the middle close to 3/4". All the seams are intact. Need help to know if this is a ticking time bomb or if it can be repairable or it's normal.

 

[mobehtaReefs]

It is...I would look to adding braces across it..but lord...12ft long...niceeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[fishguy242]

i'm sorry ,not an expert ,but 3/4 " and moved braces would worry me, @Joe Glass Cages ??

 

[fishguy242]

first thought would be bar clamps ,not to push back ,but to hold in current position ,for the moment

 

[Susanak6]

It is...I would look to adding braces across it..but lord...12ft long...niceeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[SoggyNW]

If you can lower the water level that would go a long way in reducing stress on the glass? I know it would mean no flow to the sump but throw in some heaters and flow for the time being

 

[fishguy242]

beautiful tank, can you post pics of "moved" braces?

 

[Susanak6]

beautiful tank, can you post pics of "moved" braces?

I'll post as soon as I get back home

 

[mobehtaReefs]

You just gave me ideas as I go house hunting...I need a long wall...issue will be finding a tank like yours

 

[Biff0rz]

I'd be taking as much water out as possible, adding cross bars to help keep in place and get the braces fixed ASAP ... or new tank time

 

[zalick]

As stated above, lower water level.

I’m no glass expert but I think 3/4” is on the small side for a 12’ panel.
Is it euro braced?

I’d be terrified with a 3/4” bow on that glass. I doubt it can flex much more without exploding. But I really have no idea.

if it were my tank, I would drain it almost completely and ad euro bracing and also 3 braces instead of the two. The coral should be fine for the short time needed. You’d probably need to move the fish to brute cans or similar.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Beautiful tank!... so sorry this is happening to you!

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

i'm sorry ,not an expert ,but 3/4 " and moved braces would worry me, @Joe Glass Cages ??

scary for sure. Typically tanks are designed not to bow. so bowing at 3/4"... YUCK. some great advice already shared on this thread. Love the support. Get the water level down asap. Then focus on the next step. the 3/4" is putting a lot of stress on the vertical seams. they are being pulled. This is serious.

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

Tagged

 

[Lowell Lemon]

I would recommend a short board like a 5'10" so you can shred the curl before it goes out the front door of your house!

Honestly, drain the tank right away and find temporary homes for the fish and inverts. Do not delay this could pop anytime. Using a brute 300 gallon stock tank or two could house most of the contents temporarily. So sorry this happening to your gorgeous tank!

 

[BZOFIQ]

What do you mean braces moved?

 

[Susanak6]

I'll post as soon as I get back home

It is hard to tell from the pictures. The braces moved forward from the back.

 

[Susanak6]

I'd be taking as much water out as possible, adding cross bars to help keep in place and get the braces fixed ASAP ... or new tank time

The tank is 1.5 years old

 

[Susanak6]

Thank you all for your help. Going to work on getting water level lowered to get fixed ASAP.

 

[zalick]

Thank you all for your help. Going to work on getting water level lowered to get fixed ASAP.

Good luck! @Joe Glass Cages and @Lowell Lemon (acrylic) are both high end tank builders, so you’ve got some good resources here if you have questions along the way!