Help! Center brace fallen off 250 reef tank, major issue?

[Hendrix99]

Hi Dave, so at this point would you say I should cut them out and redo them? I don't want to risk them failing again.

 

[dave.m]

I can't see what you've done so far. You will have to make a judgement call. What is the size of the gap at the ends of the braces you've just done compared to the size of the gap on the existing sides of your tank? If it appears very close then you are probably okay. If your joins look far too tight compared to the existing ones then you may be better off redoing yours. Better safe than sorry.

Dave.M

 

[Hendrix99]

Hi Dave, thanks for the help. Looked like a somewhat similar amount although definitely less so I went ahead and filled it up and it has been 5 days and going strong (hopefully stays that way with the 3 braces). I will also not run the standing wave with the Vortechs, not sure if that contributed to the failure but again definitely don't want to take chances.

 

[dave.m]

I would go ahead and run the standing wave for a week. You haven't really started your tank set-up yet so why not find out now how the tank stands up to a bit of punishment?

Dave.M

 

[Hendrix99]

Hi Dave the tank IS set-up hence the original rush to fix. I had one of the braces come apart again so I went ahead and redid all 3, this time with a proper support structure in place. The silicone came out infinitely better (very few air bubbles) but wanted to double check how you calculated 3 6 inch braces being strong enough for this size tank. Is that overkill level in terms of pressure (the fact that one brace failed again has me nervous) or spot on?

 

[dave.m]

You're as much of an expert as I am, now.

I don't know of any exact calculations on euro-bracing, as I mentioned at the beginning. Make mistakes, observe the outcome, learn to do it better next time. What more can you ask of yourself?

Dave.M

 

[syrinx]

I am jumping in at the suggestion of external bracing- do not do it! Replace the stock brace, and if you want extra peace of mind add the two new ones 2 ft in from each end

 

[Hendrix99]

Ok external brace is out (I was leery of that so glad to get confirmation). I am going to add eurobracing as I think the one brace that failed previously already appears to be pulling apart at the edges. Basically going to add 2 inch strips everywhere except where the overflow is in the back right of the tank. Anyone know if adding strips that are broken up by the center braces rather than one long 8 foot strip would be an issue or not add significant support? I.e. 2 foot strip from edge of tank to center brace, then 13 inch strip center brace to center brace, then another 13 inch strip center brace to center brace and then finally 2 ft from center brace to other end of tank?

 

[dave.m]

You do not want to break up the long pieces. They are you main strength. I thought I had mentioned that you need the long pieces first, then the centre braces afterward.

Dave.M

 

[Hendrix99]

Hi Dave, I don't think its feasible for me to get the required 95 inch long glass brace, longest I could find was 79 inch at 3 inches wide which would not go end to end of the tank. Would the broken up long pieces add any support at all or would they pull even worse at the cross braces? Or would trying to attach the 79 inch pieces (maybe siliconing them to the underside of the cross braces?) be more advisable?

 

[dave.m]

Do the 79"ers first. Add the "shortened" cross braces between the 79"ers second.

Put the cross braces on top of the 79"ers if you can't shorten them or underneath (stronger) if you don't mind the look.

Remember, the idea is to prevent the side panels deflecting (bowing outward).

Dave.M

 

[Hendrix99]

Hi Dave, Do the lengthwise braces need to be on the inside rim of the tank or can they be on top? that would definitely be a lot easier but not sure if it would add any support

 

[dave.m]

The strength of the long braces is on the inside top. As with the cross braces, make sure you support the long braces while the silicone sets and cures. Wait several days afterwards to add the cross braces. You don't want to pull off the long braces by having the cross braces putting a load on them too soon.

You mentioned being able to get the long pieces 3" wide. This is definitely stronger than 2" wide and will protect your tank better.

Dave.M