TANK TOP REPAIR?

[G2-B]

I bought this (used) 55-gl tank for $30, so I have no complaints towards the seller.

The middle support on the top is cracked on one side. When I filled the tank, the sides started bending out a bit, and the middle support separated about 1/4". I immediately emptied the tank to avoid the risk of breakage.

I probably could get away by holding the tank together with a tie-down strap, but that looks rather ugly and would interfere with the cover. I'd rather fix this properly.
Measurements: 48-1/4" L x 12-3/4" D x 21"H. Not sure what brand this is.

Any suggestions?

• Is the the plastic top available to be purchased separately?
• Alternatively, I could silicone a piece of 4" x 12-1/2" x 1/4" piece of glass between the 2 walls just underneath the plastic if I can find a glass shop that can cut that to measure. Would that hold?
• ???

 

[Apocalypse]

I’ve had this issue in the past. If you know anyone who could make a metal brace to attach to the outside of the aquarium, this would be more than adequate. Good luck with your aquarium.

 

[Andy Sager]

I bought this (used) 55-gl tank for $30, so I have no complaints towards the seller.
View attachment 392733
The middle support on the top is cracked on one side. When I filled the tank, the sides started bending out a bit, and the middle support separated about 1/4". I immediately emptied the tank to avoid the risk of breakage.
View attachment 392734
I probably could get away by holding the tank together with a tie-down strap, but that looks rather ugly and would interfere with the cover. I'd rather fix this properly.
Measurements: 48-1/4" L x 12-3/4" D x 21"H. Not sure what brand this is.

Any suggestions?

• Is the the plastic top available to be purchased separately?
• Alternatively, I could silicone a piece of 4" x 12-1/2" x 1/4" piece of glass between the 2 walls just underneath the plastic if I can find a glass shop that can cut that to measure. Would that hold?
• ???

I'd contact the seller again and ask if they know the manufacturer. If you know the manufacturer of the tank, you can contact them for a replacement frame which would include the center brace. You'd just have to glue it on. If you don't know or can't find one, you can remove the center brace and do a Eurobracing for the whole tank. You could also change the plastic brace to a glass center brace which you'd have to silicone into place. ( You would have to use something inside the tank to hold the brace in place and you a long clamp to hold the front and back in place while the silicone cures. ) So you have choices. If you go with siliconing in a brace, make sure you let the silicone fully cure before testing the tank again. ( and don't be cheap with the silicone. Use a thick bead. )
Hope this helps.

 

[G2-B]

If you know anyone who could make a metal brace to attach to the outside of the aquarium

Thanks for the suggestion.
It is easy enough to glue one of these L-ties o each side of the tank and add an aluminum brace between the two. It won't look very nice though and if the brace is wider than the 1/4" center, it will interfere with placing the covers.

 

[G2-B]

1/ I'd contact the seller again and ask if they know the manufacturer. If you know the manufacturer of the tank, you can contact them for a replacement frame which would include the center brace. You'd just have to glue it on.

2/ If you don't know or can't find one, you can remove the center brace and do a Eurobracing for the whole tank. You could also change the plastic brace to a glass center brace which you'd have to silicone into place. ( You would have to use something inside the tank to hold the brace in place and you a long clamp to hold the front and back in place while the silicone cures. ) So you have choices. If you go with siliconing in a brace, make sure you let the silicone fully cure before testing the tank again. ( and don't be cheap with the silicone. Use a thick bead. )
Hope this helps.

1/ Manufacturer is likely Aqueon, considering that one of these tanks came with their deluxe LED hood. I have contacted them.
2/ If they don't sell the tank top separately or their price is exorbitant, I'll probably use the glass bracing method if I can find a place to buy some glass.

UPDATE 18 December: Aqueon does not sell he tank top separately. I guess they prefert o sell a new tank instead.

So it will have to be DIY with glass or metal bracing. I'll post that when I get to it.

 

[G2-B]

I got it fixed, and safer than with glass.
First I glued a piece of aluminum (wiggle wire lock channel I had left over from my greenhouse) underneath the broken frame support. That way it will not bend (again) even when I lean on it.
Then I slathered silicone over the cracks in the support and the frame. That may not look very nice, but after 2 days, it is holding better than new, literally. I don't have immediate need for this tank. The silicone will cure for several weeks before I add water.

 

[Andy Sager]

Just remember, silicone stretches. and Epoxy might have been a better choice but for now, let the silicone cure and see how it goes. If it lets loose again, try an epoxy.

 

[G2-B]

View attachment 392750
Thanks for the suggestion.
It is easy enough to glue one of these L-ties o each side of the tank and add an aluminum brace between the two. It won't look very nice though and if the brace is wider than the 1/4" center, it will interfere with placing the covers.

While I was setting up this tank, I leaned on the center brace and broke it again close to the glass. I glued it together again (Pic1) and assembled this temporary bracing (a piece of greenhouse wiggle-wire lock-channel, two 1-1/2" corner braces and four screws that stick out) to make sure I won't lean on it again.

For a permanent replacement bracing (e.g. tanks where the center-brace cannot be repaired or is missing) It would be easy enough to make this look better by gluing the corner braces to the cross-brace at the correct distance and reinforcing it afterwards with small bolts & nuts instead of screws that stick out.

 

[Airborne 82nd]