Removing tank trim???

[haynesn12]

Hello all, this is my first post here but I have been lurking for a bit and I love all the info I have found.
I recently tore down my cichlid tank to turn it into a salt water tank when i move in a few weeks and noticed my center brace was cracked. I ordered a new frame with the brace and it should be here this week. I'm wondering though if it would be better the replace the trim or just use a piece of acrylic to fix the brace. The brace is just cracked in the center and I could drill it and use some nylon bolts like others have done. My concern with removing the trim is either cracking the glass or messing up the seals on the corners. Tank dimensions are 36"x12x20

 

[NanaReefer]

I'd just fix the center brace. Easy fix without the fear of cracking the tank.


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[DSP]

I would just used a piece of acrilic many people have done it.Its better that way imo doesnt block as much light and just as strong or stronger.

 

[haynesn12]

Thanks thats kind of what I was leaning towards and I'll have the extra trim incase something else happens. So what size acrylic shoud I look for? and do I need anything else besides the bolts/nuts?

 

[haynesn12]

I can't seem to find a store that sells acrylic around here. would plexi glass work?

 

[Jawbone flats]

I believe plexiglass is just a name brand they probably make acrylic and polycarbonate
in a nutshell yes it will work
acrylic is easier to work with
polycarbonate is stronger but for this purpose I would go with Cheapest source of whatever - there is probably a local plastic or glass shop that might have drops you could use.

also check some home store for bar stock.. I have seen teflon and nylon barstock either would work for a center brace repair

 

[haynesn12]

Do you think 1/4" plexi would be enough. I managed to find a piece of scrap at work so its free just wanna make.sure its strong enough

 

[Jawbone flats]

that is the size I use when I repair them.

home stores sell nylon bolts and nuts but I just use a small plastic push rivets or push style retainers. automotive shops have these for interior trim panels

1. Use a long clamp to lightly clamp the tank together so your original brace can come back together and form a single piece.
2. Cut a long piece that will fit into the recessed area underneath the original brace.
3. Very carefully drill the original brace... lots of support and sharp bits are a must... use the smallest bit possible and work up in size till you get the desired hole size. I use 6 total holes but its your preference - (the original brace cracks very easy if its old.)
4. Cut and test fit the acrylic piece.. I tape it into place then I mark where I drilled the holes.
5. Remove the acrylic piece and drill one size large than the brace holes to allow for a little wiggle room
6. Then use a bunch of silicone and silicone the acrylic piece into the recessed area. (optional because acrylic and silicone usually don't bond well together. I use DAP brand aquarium safe silicone)
7. install your fasteners - nylon bolts - plastic rivets or whatever you are going to use.
8. I also silicone over the top of the bolts or rivets just so they wont wiggle loose.\
9. Remove clamp unless you like the new look of a large table clamp hanging across your tank.

Hope this gives you a good idea or helps

 

[shovelrider]

I used a two part epoxy from an Auto parts store to fix my broken brace. It has held up fine too. The epoxy I used was made for potable water containers, UV resistant, and had extreme strength for pressurized systems.
I have a post in the other forum about it with brand and specifications if you want to go that route. Just search my username over there and you should find it easily.

 

[Mike J.]

I see shovelrider beat me to it, but I'd use a piece of acrylic and the two part epoxy. It seems to me that nuts and bolts would be ugly.

 

[Jawbone flats]

yea that is why I use the push rivets they sit almost flush and you can hardly tell they are there unless I point them out