dano January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 I've been a masochist for many years but this hobby is bringing me to new heights!! So after three major die off's in the past 8 months and having to set up the tank again twice, I now noticed that the middle plastic brace on top of the middle of the tank, running from the front to the back, is broken and pulled away from the two ends (e.g., I can't make the two broken ends meet). This is a 72 gallon glass bowfront approximately 10 years old. Is this a problem? Does it need the support at the top and, if so, can I improvise and make something? Or am I choosing between sanity/getting out of the hobby or buying a new used tank? FYI, for those who offered advice and help from my last tank trauma, here is an update on what I did. First I dug the decaying and stinking hermit crab out of the overflow tube. This still did not solve the problem. Then I replaced the hose from the bottom of the tank to the sump with the same type of hose but a new clean one. This also did not help. I then bought a more flexible hose because there it needs to bend some and this solved the problem. I also sanded clean the bottom of the float so it would rise and lower withut getting stuck. I did try to remove the float but that would create an overflow so it is definitely needed. Cleaned the tank up once again and ordered a clean up crew and just when I am ready to start adding some fish I notice the broken brace. AARGHH!!!
Coral Hind January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 The brace is crucial! You could try to make something but it may be easier and look better to just get a new tank.
wvreef January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 let me know if you get a new tank and need to get rid of the 75 bow front I will take it.... the brace is very very important to keeping the tank together, especiall on a bow front.... you can repair it with aquarium sealant and a piece of acrylic but will not look the best....
dano January 23, 2012 Author January 23, 2012 thanks for the info and if I get a new tank I will let you know. so it can be fixed? Would it be strong enough to feel secure? The cosmetics don't really bother me because who looks at it from the top anyways.
wvreef January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 yes it would work for awhile but not sure of how long....alot of pressure at that point.... so not sure
extreme_tooth_decay January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 thanks for the info and if I get a new tank I will let you know. so it can be fixed? Would it be strong enough to feel secure? The cosmetics don't really bother me because who looks at it from the top anyways. I wouldn't feel secure with it...
surf&turf January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 If its broke in the center but still attached to the front and back. You can get two pieces of acrylic and sandwich them between the broken part. Use some acrylic adhesive and let set up. Then get some plastic screws and run thru all the pieces of acrylic. You will have to drain enough water to let the brace come together.
BowieReefer84 January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 Why risk it? A 10 year old tank... You got your money's worth imo, and better safe than sorry.
surf&turf January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 Why risk it? A 10 year old tank... You got your money's worth imo, and better safe than sorry. Very true.
Chad January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 Why risk it? A 10 year old tank... You got your money's worth imo, and better safe than sorry. Agree. However, if you are going to repair it, contact the manufacturer and see if you can order the top trim and make the repair OEM.
extreme_tooth_decay January 23, 2012 January 23, 2012 However, if you are going to repair it, contact the manufacturer and see if you can order the top trim and make the repair OEM. That is the only repair I would be comfortable with. Way more effort and money than is worth spending on a 10 year old 72G tank though in my opinion...
Brewski January 24, 2012 January 24, 2012 If you like the tank it's really not that hard to avoid catastrophe. Question. Is the brace plastic or glass or metal? Each requires a different way to repair. If its plastic u can buy some epoxy and some plastic pieces and brace the unit and glue the thing back together. For metal and glass use the right adhesive.
dano January 24, 2012 Author January 24, 2012 well I just called All Glass and they said no distributor's carry the frame piece so they will send it to me as a customer courtesy. She said it could take 20 minutes to a day to repair... we'll see... thanks for all the help and great ideas. And the frame is plastic.
dano January 24, 2012 Author January 24, 2012 Yeah... said it depends on how liberal the assembler was in putting the orignial silicone in and around the frame.
BowieReefer84 January 24, 2012 January 24, 2012 You plan to drain the tank during this process right? . . .
dano January 24, 2012 Author January 24, 2012 Thanks...She said to drain at least half the tank and more is better.... I thought I would drain two thirds and hopefully that would be enough.
extreme_tooth_decay January 25, 2012 January 25, 2012 Thanks...She said to drain at least half the tank and more is better.... I thought I would drain two thirds and hopefully that would be enough. I would drain at least until the 2 broken ends of your existing brace meet easily.
Chad January 25, 2012 January 25, 2012 well I just called All Glass and they said no distributor's carry the frame piece so they will send it to me as a customer courtesy. She said it could take 20 minutes to a day to repair... we'll see... thanks for all the help and great ideas. And the frame is plastic. That is good customer service! Nice to see.
extreme_tooth_decay January 25, 2012 January 25, 2012 She said it could take 20 minutes to a day to repair... we'll see... My guess is it will be closer to a day than 20 minutes
Reefoholic January 25, 2012 January 25, 2012 Sounds like too much risky work for too risky of an outcome to me. I feel your frustration, however I think I would either empty the entire tank and fix it that way or get a new one. IMO, silicone needs to cure completely on the new piece in order to feel safe in the future (less head aches) also, especially in this hobby, I don't like cutting corners. Something else always comes up to ruin something sooner or later.
dano January 25, 2012 Author January 25, 2012 I love the input I get from this group and the collective wisdom and experience and different perspectives. I'm taking it all into consideration and will update post when I figure out what I will do. In the meantime I am waiting for the part to arrive and also looking at the forums and craigslist for another tank if one comes up.
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