Middle Stress Bar Disconnected

[ThatPhillyReefer]

I was just filling my 100g tank and i have it 98% filled and the middle stress bar snapped. What do i do. I have it 98% filled, do i take the risk and fill it or drain it?

 

[vetteguy53081]

It appears to have been repaired previously. I would replace with a strong lexan piece and drill for nylon screws which will not rust

 

[ThatPhillyReefer]

It appears to have been repaired previously. I would replace with a strong lexan piece and drill for nylon screws which will not rust

How do i do that

 

[TriggerFinger]

I would not be able to trust a tank like that. I would have to replace it.

 

[Rjramos]

And that one has already been repaired with that piece of wood. Is it a single brace right in the middle? A friend of mine is currently has a 180gal, that comes 2 braces from factory. One of them broke on him and he has been running the tank for about 5 years now without 1 brace. I think it’s risky especially if you just got. 1 in the middle. I personally would drain it, repair the brace with a 3/8” thick piece of plexiglas and then refill again. As said above, nylon screws 2 or 3 on each end.

 

[ThatPhillyReefer]

And that one has already been repaired with that piece of wood. Is it a single brace right in the middle? A friend of mine is currently has a 180gal, that comes 2 braces from factory. One of them broke on him and he has been running the tank for about 5 years now without 1 brace. I think it’s risky especially if you just got. 1 in the middle. I personally would drain it, repair the brace with a 3/8” thick piece of plexiglas and then refill again.

How do i replace it?

 

[vetteguy53081]

How do i replace it?

Many pet stores can get you a new top or bottom frame otherwise drill holes on both ends for the lexan and secure with nylon bolts

 

[ThatPhillyReefer]

Many pet stores can get you a new top or bottom frame otherwise drill holes on both ends for the lexan and secure with nylon bolts

But where do I exactly drill? Because the walls r all glass

 

[vetteguy53081]

But where do I exactly drill? Because the walls r all glass

Into the edge of the tank frame. There is an overlap of the frame by about 5/8"

 

[Peace River]

Personally I would not use the tank for an aquarium (great option for a reptile tank). IME it can be a challenge to find a replacement frame for a 100gallon tank. If you do choose to attempt a repair I would take measurements to check for bowing (both initially and over time).

 

[92Miata]

Drain it and order a new top frame. They're cheap

 

[ThatPhillyReefer]

Drain it and order a new top frame. They're cheap

where do i order a new top frame?

 

[92Miata]

where do i order a new top frame?

We have nowhere near enough information to tell you. We don't even know manufacturer.


Ask the manufacturer of the tank - they should be able to tell you.

 

[Rjramos]

You have to empty the tank to relieve the pressure. Measure at the corner of the tank front to back and cut a piece of Lexan or plexiglas out of at least 3/8” thickness just as long. At least 3” wide. Drill holes for screws with preheated drill bit, this prevents cracking. Drill holes in existing tank plastic frame with care not to contact glass within. Place new brace in place with nylon screws and nuts. You can use silicone to reinforce the bond too. And good luck, sometimes the Plastic frame on the tank is brittle and does not work well with repair. If you aren’t good with this kind of work seek professional help.

 

[Rjramos]

We have nowhere near enough information to tell you. We don't even know manufacturer.


Ask the manufacturer of the tank - they should be able to tell you.
That’s a good solution too. A new frame from manufacturer. Could be all-glass, Deep Blue, Oceanic, they all use a generic frame on their tanks.

 

[ThatPhillyReefer]

You have to empty the tank to relieve the pressure. Measure at the corner of the tank front to back and cut a piece of Lexan or plexiglas out of at least 3/8” thickness just as long. At least 3” wide. Drill holes for screws with preheated drill bit, this prevents cracking. Drill holes in existing tank plastic frame with care not to contact glass within. Place new brace in place with nylon screws and nuts. You can use silicone to reinforce the bond too. And good luck, sometimes the Plastic frame on the tank is brittle and does not work well with repair. If you aren’t good with this kind of work seek professional help.

Okay so when drill, Drill on the lip of the frame?

 

[92Miata]

Okay so when drill, Drill on the lip of the frame?

I'd agree with rjramos methods - but this tank looks like it's had it's center brace repaired multiple times.

I think at this point the plastic is brittle and any fix is gonna be short term.

 

[joseserrano]

Just get an new tank, or intact used tank. You are risking a lot of potential damage and cost by being cheap right now

 

[andrewkw]

Given that this brace has been repaired at least twice, maybe 3 times judging by the various patch jobs visible in the pictures I would say goodbye to this tank. It's had a rough life for this to happen considering normally this is an easy fix. How is the condition of the seams or even the glass?

 

[K7BMG]

I have to agree with replacing the tank.
If thats not possible then drain and measure the outside dimentions.
Go to a metal shop and have them build you a new top frame out of aluminum. You can then use aquarium silicone to affix it in place.