Euro Bracing 55 gal

[pells61]

Background:

55 gallon tank was donated to me and it has a melted center brace. I would like to remove the entire upper trim of the aquarium and go for that rimless look but I am afraid that doing so will compromise the integrity of the tank even if I put in a new glass or acrylic brace.

Question:

Can I remove the enter top trim of the aquarium and replace it safely with a euro brace?

If the tank is glass should i make the brace glass, acrylic, or plexi?

When I do put the brace in do I use glass glue, acrylic glue, or something else?

any information would be helpful

Thanks,

 

[Timber77]

if tank is glass use a glass brace, and silicone
best way is to use pipe clamps and let the silicone dry for a good week or so before filling it up

 

[DgenR8]

I'd say that glass or acrylic, providing it is Sized correctly, and installed securely would be fine. Straps or clamps to hold everything tight and in place is an absolute must.
I would use silicone to hold it, and be sure it's cured before filling the tank. I don't know if a week is necessary, but you can't go wrong waiting that long.

 

[pells61]

is replacing the center brace with a piece of glass just as effective of a fix as a euro brace would be?

 

[DgenR8]

is replacing the center brace with a piece of glass just as effective of a fix as a euro brace would be?

As long as it's properly sized and securely affixed, I can't see why not. The brace just keeps the tank from bowing outward. If allowed to bow, seams would eventually fail.
Now, we're talking about a 55 gallon tank, right? I would look into replacing it. The cost of new negates the time, effort and cost involved in a repair.

 

[2clown]

I would replace. There are sales at Petco and you could easily pick up a 55gal at $1 a gallon.

 

[pells61]

yes this is a 55, so I would be better off going with a sale at petco, got it. Thanks for the information all.