Top Frame Advice Needed.

[Headlee]

I just got a used 180 gallon tank. It has two cross braces which are sound and intact. It also has two points on the frame that are not solid. One in the front to one side of the left brace and one in the back to the side of the right brace.
I am wondering if this sounds like a problem? Are some top frames made of multiple pieces? Basically the braces are solid but the frame has a spot front and back that is not continuous.
Opinions on safety?

 

[Ron Reefman]

Who thick is the glass?
Are the corners of the frame mitered or all one piece molded?

 

[Headlee]

Who thick is the glass?
Are the corners of the frame mitered or all one piece molded?

1/2” glass and molded corners.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

See if a Glass Shops can cut 1” to 1-1/2” glass strips, and Glass 4” wide. Get them to polish the edges. Silicone the smaller strips around the inside edges of the aquarium. Overlap the glass at the corners. I would put the side reinforcements below the front and back reinforcements, in case you want to add a recessed glass top later on. Fill the tank half way with tap water. Glue the center brace(s) in at the same level as the side braces. Do all your measurements with a dry tank. Shop around for the best prices, if you are in a hurry for the glass, it will increase the price. BTW use vertical wood braces, to support the glass, while glue sets. I cut a Kerf in the wood, to brace the glass strips, two on the sides, and four across the front and back. The tank was over 200 gallon with FISH and LR in it, which was pretty wild. I was nervous about the edge strips, as I really thought the tank should have been drained. I know it held for two plus years, and then they moved with the tank.