Center brace?

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Bobby56

Aquarium Advice Freak
Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
232
Location
Buckingham, va
OK the 38 gallon tank I got from someone use to have a plastic peice in the middle but is broke. Will that affect the tank in any way when its full of water? I have filled it to make sure it didn't leak but was wondering if over time it will affect anything?
 
Usually if a tank is made with a brace, it needs that brace for support. With only a 38 gallon it might be ok, but test it somewhere safe before use!
 
Here is the tank. Its 36" long so I guess that would keep the glass from bowing. I filled it in the bath tub and left it for hrs

ForumRunner_20120314_171912.jpg
 
I'm not using that stand and I have cleaned it up alot. Only paid $20 for it so I couldn't pass it up
 
I would get a new top trim piece that has the brace. My lfs kept them in stock usually for about $15. Just takes some work to redo the trim.
 
Here's my new 40 Gallon breeder. It is also 36in long but it doesnt have a center support. Seems the 38 gallon should be fine without it unless maybe the glass is thinner?

img_1851720_0_ed757228d059aaf858b979d878a5aab3.jpg
 
Here is the tank. Its 36" long so I guess that would keep the glass from bowing. I filled it in the bath tub and left it for hrs

View attachment 82439

Unless you have a bathtub that is perfectly flat, I wouldnt recommend this, I found out the hard way. Had a 20 gallon break because the bottom wasnt supported well enough in my tub.
 
ccross said:
Here's my new 40 Gallon breeder. It is also 36in long but it doesnt have a center support. Seems the 38 gallon should be fine without it unless maybe the glass is thinner?

How thick is your glass?
 
ccross said:
Unless you have a bathtub that is perfectly flat, I wouldnt recommend this, I found out the hard way. Had a 20 gallon break because the bottom wasnt supported well enough in my tub.

Yeah I guess I got lucky lol. I think I'm going to fill it again and see if it bows out any
 
ccross said:
Just under 1/4in

As for filling in the tub, I just fill mine in the the garage with the hose now :)

I think mine is around that I will have to check. What are the dimensions of your tank?
 
I had a 38gal just like yours for a turtle tank and it was also missing the center brace. Had it up for 8 months with no issues. Got rid of the turtles and sold the tank, but I'm sure yours should be fine. Just keep a bunch of towels around just in case :p
 
If the brace is broken I suggest fixing it before you use it. The manufactures put them there for a reason, meaning the glass is not thick enough to handle the pressure without a small bit of help. If the tank actually did not come with one, like the previously shown 40, then either the glass is thick/strong enough to handle it or it is a reptile tank and not meant to be filled with water.

Good luck if you decide to use it without fixing, and as said above, keep a bunch of towels handy. ;)
 
I didnt realize reptile tanks were thinner glass.
 
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