Cracked frame and structural integrity

[False_Ideals]

I have a used 93 gal cube that's 30x30x24. There is a top and bottom frame, both of which do not have a center brace. The tank made by Perfecto/Marineland. I'm probably going to have a stand made rather than buy one from the tank manufacturer.

I have seen differing opinions in other sections of RC, but I wanted to get some additional input of how much a cracked frame can affect the structural integrity of the tank.

Looking at the picture below, how do you thick this frame damage could affect the stability of the tank? As you can see, it's near a corner. The glass is in tact and pretty thick, about 0.5 inches.

Is this something I should try to repair or not worry about it?

Thanks for any input.

 

[orthokardia]

I would replace the frame if you can find a new one. I can not think of a way to repair your frame that would add any real strength. That plastic is hard to glue....nothing seems to stick to ABS

 

[poolkeeper1]

Frames are for decoration, The Silicone holds the tank together. You can remove the frame and replace it but it's not needed for the tank to hold together. Braces are to hold long panes together so they do not bow but the frame is just for looks. JMO
Bill

 

[Pickupman66]

I agree with Bill on this one. it is the silicone that holds them together truthfully. the braces only when on a long span. the frames just hide the joint work as it may be sub par.

 

[rcmike]

The only thing I would be worried about is if it is somehow causing the tank to sit crooked or something. If it is half inch glass the frame isn't doing much at all.

 

[False_Ideals]

Thanks to all for the input.

This tank is going to be a vivarium or a paludarium so it will only be 1/3 filled with water. But it's good to know that should I ever decide to make it a puffer tank, it should be ok to handle the full water volume.

 

[cee]

The frame IS important for the overall integrity of the tank. All the weight of the tank must be uniformly distributed around the perimeter of the tank. If the weight of a glass tank is distributed across the entire bottom area it will crack and break since it is virtually impossible to achieve a suface that is as flat as the glass. Glass tanks are designed to be supported off the edge.

That being said, you should be fine with the damage shown. The damage is only a slight interruption in the perimeter of the tank, less than 1% I would estimate. That won't make any difference. The only thing I would be on the look out for is if the crack goes all the way through to the top of the frame. If it does and the frame is not siliconed continuously to the tank all the way around you will change how the weight is distributed throughout the tank and could stress a section of the tank to the point of cracking the glass. I doubt this will happen, but keep an eye on it. I wouldn't try to repair it because you could make it worse. Good luck.

Dave

 

[rcmike]

That being said, you should be fine with the damage shown. The damage is only a slight interruption in the perimeter of the tank, less than 1% I would estimate. That won't make any difference. The only thing I would be on the look out for is if the crack goes all the way through to the top of the frame. If it does and the frame is not siliconed continuously to the tank all the way around you will change how the weight is distributed throughout the tank and could stress a section of the tank to the point of cracking the glass. I doubt this will happen, but keep an eye on it. I wouldn't try to repair it because you could make it worse. Good luck.

Dave

That is what I was trying to say.