Glass Tank Question

[Natterjak]

I picked up a used 80g glass tank to use as a sump. The tank has plastic trim around it, as well as a piece of plastic bracing across the middle. This bracing is cracked, as is some of the trim on the top and bottom. Does the plastic trim/bracing do anything structurally for the tank? Or is it just to support whatever lighting/covers would be on top? I was thinking I could superglue the plastic back together, but I'm not sure that would really do a whole lot.

How much bracing does a glass tank require? I'm planning on putting in baffles in this tank, but I was wondering if I should also silicone in a brace across the middle, or if that's not necessary.

 

[raddogz]

Well, no one else posted so here's my take (mind you I am no engineer) - I picked up a used 50g tank to use as a sump. I took out the center brace, and wound up using it as a baffle. The sump itself it divided into three sections - the height of the baffle is approximately 10". The sump is never more than half full.

I would never take out the center brace if I intended to have the tank completely filled all the time.

I have seen first hand what a tank minus the center brace taken out can do with water and it's scary - mind you it was an acrylic tank - the front and back bowed considerably. I can only guess in a glass tank it would pull the glass panels apart from each other.

Good luck

 

[Natterjak]

Thanks for the input. I'm planning on putting in baffles similar to how you did yours. I did some further research, and I think I can probably silicone in two glass braces across the top (two because I'll have 3 compartments).

My only other concern is the plastic perimeter trim being cracked - hopefully that won't cause a problem.

 

[raddogz]

On the 50g sump, the center brace was siliconed to the front and back panel of the glass as well as the trim.

If you are super-daring you could take the trim out completely and just eur-brace the sides. There was a thread not too long ago where someone did this on a 120g all-glass tank.

 

[Skorpinok]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7638809#post7638809 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raddogz
On the 50g sump, the center brace was siliconed to the front and back panel of the glass as well as the trim.

If you are super-daring you could take the trim out completely and just eur-brace the sides. There was a thread not too long ago where someone did this on a 120g all-glass tank.

Are you referring to this mod... Remove Center Brace, Euro-Brace Rim

I'm following his thread to see if I can get some pointers...

 

[raddogz]

Yup, that's the one!

It may not be worth all the trouble if it will be used as a sump, on the other hand it will make the sump really nice and clean looking.