The center bracket on my 55 is broken is there something typically used to fix/replace these I could find at a hardware store? I figured I could find a similar sized piece of metal or something but hoping someone has a specific recommendation. Thanks
Broken center bracket?
- Thread starter Teakwood
- Start date
The friendliest place on the web for anyone with an interest in aquariums or fish keeping!
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Now I'm really worried after googling... The tank was a friend of mines dads and he ran it for as long as she can remember with the bracket broken. Of course I can't find my measuring tape to make sure there is no bowing but the tank is filled and cycling, I never considered that the plastic could be an important support piece I just assumed it was so the lid and lights fit on top. Any recommendations?
Kio707 said:
Is it possible to post pics on this forum? I assume I can rig something assuming there is no bowing in the tank but the center bracket it's self is not the only thing broken the plastic front and center is also
Billbug68
Aquarium Advice Addict
Assuming its a standard 55 long, glasscages.com has the trim top and bottom for $15. I need to call and order one as well.
Billbug68
Aquarium Advice Addict
Teakwood said:
You use a razor blade to cut the old silicone and pry off the old trim. You can find videos on YouTube to help you out, then silicone the new one on. Is the tank still cycling or finished? You could just put your filter media, fish, and some tank water in a bucket while you work on the tank. As long as the media stays wet you're in the clear. I wouldn't lower the water level, just looks bad and there's still a risk of the tank starting to leak.
Billbug68 said:
Still cycling, so I feel like if I do replace it I should lower it to minimize bowing, the outer edges are measuring 12 1/2 inches, center measuring 13 so about a half inch bow in center... Off to invest in more buckets and supplies now.
Aski247
Aquarium Advice Addict
That bracket is important. And I'm sure if it's snapped that the tank is bowing. I fixed a cracked 55 this past summer. Not difficult to replace. Just a pain cleaning off all the silicone. I ran mine open top with a metal clamp to help keep from bowing. Had it for months that way up until I decided to put money into that tank.
Attachments
My tank cracked this evening. I made an aluminum brace for it and the only thing I can think is maybe it was a bit to tight and didn't have enough give... I know when my in law was helping with it he at one point tapped the tank a bit hard on accedent so that may have caused it. Either way, I need a new tank because I don't trust myself to DIY fix it now.
Billbug68
Aquarium Advice Addict
Teakwood said:
Hate to say I told ya so...
In hind site I should have just tried to order one and do it right instead of being impatient and DIY-it. I'm taking it as lesson learned, and I'm buying a new tank that will hopefully have a warranty and I won't have to worry about any accidents. Wish I had more trust for Craigslist but I'm not paying new prices for a used tank that I don't know is going to be solid 
like I said my in law tapped it pretty hard trying to get a brace in at first and I remember cringing, it's very possible he caused a small crack when doing that so I don't know if it would have held if that wouldn't have happened. But specifically to anyone with kids, I would NOT risk an accident.
like I said my in law tapped it pretty hard trying to get a brace in at first and I remember cringing, it's very possible he caused a small crack when doing that so I don't know if it would have held if that wouldn't have happened. But specifically to anyone with kids, I would NOT risk an accident.
Billbug68
Aquarium Advice Addict
I'm just giving you a hard time, it really could have been the tap. I get impatient all the time too. Lesson learned, and believe me, I've learned it a hundred times before... Best to do it right the first time!
Aski247
Aquarium Advice Addict
Nothing is wrong with CL buys. I bought a 55 for 30$ had a cracked top bracket, and needed to be re sealed. With some quick research on how to fix it properly, I ended up saving 50-70$ and might as well called a new tank at that point.
Now granted. There was so much silicone under the plastic piece several times I wanted to just tip the tank over and hit with a hammer... But... After the hard work it paid off.
Now granted. There was so much silicone under the plastic piece several times I wanted to just tip the tank over and hit with a hammer... But... After the hard work it paid off.
Similar threads
