Cracked 180 Center Brace, Can I Salvage It?

[iNsiNuASiAn]

Hello all,
I currently have a 180g acrylic tank that has a cracked center brace. For the past 9 months or so, since I was transitioning from being a student to joining the workforce, I reduced the water level to about 30-40% full to reduce the risk of total failure. Also to give my queen angel a place to reside untill an appropriate tank replacement could be found. Soo... this last weekend I went to my local LFS and put a deposit for a new 225 which was going to be the replacement/upgrade to my 180. After thinking about it a few days, I was wondering if my 180 could be salvaged to become a working sump. I would definately have to brace it somehow, possibly with 2x4's or 4x4s, just to ensure that water does not end up on my garage floor. This whole thought came about because after almost a year, it seems to be holding up adequately in its current state without bracing in my family room.

So what do you think? A reduced water level in the 180 seems almost obvious, but if it is braced adequately, do you think it can be savaged to be a usable sump?

Thanks...

 

[jmccown]

Yes, it won't be full anyways if used as a sump.

 

[rayman45]

yup.... but just screw a 2x4 into the missing part or is it all gone??

 

[Bender]

Since it is acrylic couldn't you glue an acrylic patch across the area that is broken? Should be plenty strong, especially for a sump.

 

[iNsiNuASiAn]

Thanks for all the replies. The crack basically splits the center support. I think that it should be possible to bond an accylic patch across the top. I thought of that before when the tank broke in order to restore it to 100% fillable condition, but decided against that idea. I didnt want to risk 180 gallons on my floor. However, now that im thinking about making it my sump for the new tank, I just might add the patch to give it extra support.

Thanks for the ideas!

 

[rayman45]

forget about my post b4.. i was thinking it was like an AGA tank... dident see it was plastic.. sorry