ut-oh...how big of a problem is this?

Madman133 · #1 12/12/2007, 12:00 AM

Ok so today when I opened up my canopy I noticed that the center brace of the tank had broken...Not really sure how it happend because it was fine yesterday and didnt have any cracks(or at least I didnt notice any). My guess is that the halides weakend the plastic to the extent that it cracked and broke. But anyways this is on my glass 55 gallon. The glass is bowing out alittle bit but not alot. I welded up some support things that go across the top to help stop it from bowing out further but how serious is this acutally? Does that center thing actually do much for the structure or do they put it there so that people can put lids on?

If this is serious then I am in the market for a new 55 gallon for cheap(dont have tons of money at the moment) or actually really any aquarium that is 55+ that is cheap.

Thanks,
Taylor

P.S. Havent been on here in awhile but its good to be back...Tank kind of got abbandoned there for a couple of monthes due to too much stuff going on but everything has survived and is healthy

. Hopefully I can get back to given it the proper ammount of attention lol.

rehnberg · #2 12/12/2007, 12:26 AM

That can't be to good. I would look for another.

tomu · #3 12/12/2007, 12:46 AM

We have to fix the center braces on our tanks at the shop from time to time. They are pretty easy to replace and you wouldn't have to buy a new tank. Just a thought. Hope all works out.

miwoodar · #4 12/12/2007, 12:57 AM

You could always just replace it with a glass brace...drain the tank down to a third or so, install the glass brace with silicone, put a shop clamp on it to minimize flex, fill up the tank, then remove the clamp after a couple of days.

Here's a pic of the glass brace on my 65 just before I removed the plastic one.

rkl303 · #5 12/12/2007, 01:56 AM

I would replace the tank if it was mine and go euro brace.

robsheely · #6 12/12/2007, 03:02 AM

I have a nice 55 acrylic with an oak stand and canopy I'd be happy to let go for $100. It's not drilled, so you'd need an overflow.

Let me know if you're intetested.

Zooid · #7 12/12/2007, 03:05 AM

Hey Mike do we have to use pencils and flashlights? LOL j/k

osprey77 · #8 12/12/2007, 10:39 AM

Front range aquatics has some slightly used 55's super cheap. He took them down after a week or so to make some room for more coral tables.

miwoodar · #9 12/12/2007, 11:45 AM

Zoo - I agree - it was a ghetto contraption. If I had known I would be posting the pic I would have used something that would have looked a little more professional. I also would have removed the salt creep and painted the back of my canopy (it is now).

$100 for a used tank is a good deal (I have forstner bits if you need to drill it). If you have that kind of cash flow, I would recommend it. If not, the replacement brace I used was ~$20. It has held A-OK for >2 years and until recently had a 250 watt MH mounted about 4" above it. Of all of the things I worry about regarding my tank, it is very low on my list of concerns.

Madman133 · #10 12/12/2007, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by robsheely
I have a nice 55 acrylic with an oak stand and canopy I'd be happy to let go for $100. It's not drilled, so you'd need an overflow.

Let me know if you're intetested.

Yeah defeinetly might be interested in that...Normal 55 gallon diminsions? Let me weigh the options and I will get back to you in alittle bit unless you need to get rid of it asap...If you do let me know and I will make up my mind faster.

robsheely · #11 12/12/2007, 06:55 PM

Madman,

Here's the tank and stand. It's a normal 48"/18" 55 gallon tank.

The second image shows a sump/overflow plus skimmer. I can include them in the deal along with the return pump, sand and a couple of powerheads. I'm guessing you already have that stuff, but if you don't, I can sell the whole package for $225.

Christina has a friend who might be interested, so if you think you want it please let me know in the next couple of days.

Thanks,
Rob

robsheely · #12 12/12/2007, 06:56 PM

oops, my second pic wasn't included. here it is:

robsheely · #13 12/12/2007, 06:59 PM

Sorry about the double pic post. The problem was I named the image file wrong on my server.

Anyway, looking at the pics, I can see how dirty the tank is. It will need a good cleaning. I've let it sit empty for almost a month now while I focus on my new tank.

Madman133 · #14 12/12/2007, 07:25 PM

Ok thanks for the pics...I wont need the sump or any of that but ill take the stand if you want to include it cause the one I got now isnt the nicest. Yeah I'll let you know in the next day or two...

Zooid · #15 12/12/2007, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by miwoodar
Zoo - I agree - it was a ghetto contraption. If I had known I would be posting the pic I would have used something that would have looked a little more professional. I also would have removed the salt creep and painted the back of my canopy (it is now).

I don't have any room to talk Mike, my stand has extensions on it because it was too damned short hehe.

The Grim Reefer · #16 12/12/2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Madman133
Ok thanks for the pics...I wont need the sump or any of that but ill take the stand if you want to include it cause the one I got now isnt the nicest. Yeah I'll let you know in the next day or two...

If you don't swoop on the tank deal you must be

MAD!!!!

It would be really easy to drill for an overflow but I have a SOS overflow box laying around I will sell you cheap if you decide to do it an dont want to drill the tank

rehnberg · #17 12/12/2007, 10:05 PM

100 for the tank, stand, and canopy. That is a great deal! Very nice looking.

Madman133 · #18 12/12/2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
If you don't swoop on the tank deal you must be MAD!!!!

It would be really easy to drill for an overflow but I have a SOS overflow box laying around I will sell you cheap if you decide to do it an dont want to drill the tank

Well my name is Madman lol...dont need the overflow already got on e but thanks for the offer...Right now actually Im just trying to decide if I want to go bigger or stay with a 55.

The Grim Reefer · #19 12/13/2007, 12:02 AM

Bigger is good. Lifting up all of that water, rock, livestock and sliding a new tank under it is an awful PITA not to think you are upgrading

Madman133 · #20 12/13/2007, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
Bigger is good. Lifting up all of that water, rock, livestock and sliding a new tank under it is an awful PITA not to think you are upgrading

Exact same thing I was thinking...I would probably only go to a 75 just cause I dont want to have to buy a bunch of new stuff. Especially a new chiller, just got that one a few monthes ago and its only rated to 75 gallons unfortunatley(1/10 hp)...found a 72 bow on craigslist but dont know if it still available(only $150 or something with stand) All I need is a tank, I can make a stand and canopy for cheap...

roguemonk · #21 12/15/2007, 02:21 AM

You can repair the center brace. Just drill a couple of holes and use nylon nuts and bolts with some similar plastic (like that plastic stripping that is used to stabilize pvc water pipes and conduit) to keep it taut. I didn't even have to drain it for the repair (mine had cracked across the middle and I could see that it was barely separated at all even completely full). I've been running my QT like that for two years with nary a single issue.

But if you want to upgrade, more power to you. :-)

Brad

CHARLIE AGUILAR · #22 12/15/2007, 11:47 AM

Go Big or go Home!!!!!!