My DIY Brace

[usfpaul82]

Well after about a month of figuring out the best option for me to replace the brace on my new 65, I got it done today. I took RC member SilverKing's brace setup and modded it a little so it has a little of my flavor in it. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[customcolor]

unless those are ultra high grade stainless i see rust in your near future

 

[bj32482]

coat it with silicone to prevent rust

 

[coralnut99]

I had cracked a 125 that was rimless out of the box when I cut slots in the back for externals. The 1/2 inch glass was a bear to work with. After it cracked, I had mulled over a bunch of ideas for braces, and threaded rod came to mind. I was going to jacket it in clear rigid tubing that you can get at the LFS for a few bucks. You can do the same here, and just cover what the tubing can't cover with silicone at the ends. Should do a decent job of keeping it from rusting. hth

 

[Ehgemus]

Here is mine on my 75g, it is 1/2" nylon rod.

 

[disaster999]

that looks like a disaster waiting to happen. you are putting a lot of stress into a really small area (the hole and bolt).

 

[therealfatman]

Titanium 6AL/4V welding rods are readily available on ebay, or for a higher price at most local welding equipment suppliers through out the country. A rod diameter no larger than 14 gauge (wire gauge) would be sufficient. A larger diameter is not much more expensive but harder to work with (bend). They are also available on ebay.

Just about any of the sellers that list rod that is to large also has smaller rod that they will sell you if you email them. I just bought some 14 gauge titanium welding rods 18" long for $2.25 each.

If your concerned about the stress on the area of the single hole just increase the thickness of the cross brace flange area with a couple layers of solvent welded plastic.

Personally I do not use anything but glass as cross braces.

I use the titanium rods for ground probes, and for conductivity probes for use with level controllers for my RODI water. They work great with Crouzet level controllers. No floats.

 

[EnderG60]

It will work fine, the hole is far enough away from any sides to cause issues and the cable will hold just fine.

Just coat it in silicon or something to keep it from corroding.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Good luck with it I did the same thing to a 40g tall once and it eventually started bowing.. .Actually it stated pulling the trim off for some reason...

at any rate I had to get another tank.

 

[usfpaul82]

I personally think that the bowing wouldn't be that big a deal with this tank. It is made with 3/8 glass and looks very well put together. I think it will hold just fine.