Help! Sump brace needed

[BostonReefer300]

Hi All,
My acrylic sump (66"Lx48"Wx16"H; there's no top or rim---basically a 3-sided rectangle with a totally open top) has been slowing bowing out in the middle. The middle compartment is large so I'm guessing the weight of the water over time just stressed things in the middle. Does anyone have a suggestion for a brace? Even something I can just pick up at Home Depot? I've been searching online and can't find anything that looks suitable. Acrylic thickness is 3/4". Thanks!

 

[T-J]

Pic of the sump?

 

[BostonReefer300]

Here's a picture of the sump. The center has bowed a total of just under a half inch. I have a in-sump refugium insert that is lit up to show it in the picture, but neither it nor anything is pushing against the walls of the sump. Thanks.

 

[ca1ore]

I see you have two threads on this same topic.

T'were me, I'd probably just make a brace out of a 2x4 that would slip over the top. You could also buy a piece of 1/2" acrylic from a place like US Plastics and weld it on top. 1/2" isn't much - only 1/4" for each panel.

 

[T-J]

As long as the baffles aren't being pulled off from the sides, I agree with the above post.

Drain the sump, weld a couple of acrylic strips across the top. Done.

 

[BostonReefer300]

Thanks all. Not sure how I ended up with two posts on this. That's weird.