Removed tank trim, possible support failure

[Smitty3773]

So I have been in possession of a 135 gallon glass aquarium for probably 10 years will the intentions of setting up a reef. It's been moved many times. I drilled the back for the overflow and removed the top and bottom plastic trim. The trim literally slide right off (it was cracked and loose). The tank itself is 72"x18x22 I believe. I wanted a rimless aquarium and the trim didn't seem to look right (old brown color). There were no cross supports in the trim (no front to back connection), top or bottom. The bottom panel of the tank is NOT flush with the bottom of the side panels (prob recessed up 1/2-3/4").

Fast forward to present time, tank has been on stand and neoprene pad and full of water, live sand (120lbs), dry rock (75lbs) and live rock (30lbs) and is in the cycling stage. No fish. Tank has been full of water for 6-8 weeks now.

Last night I noticed something that I hadn't before, along the side panels (far ends) of the tank where the bottom panel and side panels are put together there seems to be a front to back break in the silicone that's pressed between the end of the bottom panel and the side wall. The silicone joints on the top and bottom of the bottom panel of those sides are intact and showing no signs of stress, damage etc. This may have been there all along but feel like I would have noticed it.

I'm concerned and definitely don't want to have the tank blow out or have the bottom panel become separated. I'm contemplating draining the tank and putting additional support under the bottom panel (piece of plywood full length of tank that would sit right in the recessed part of the bottom). Also thinking about making a trim that would wrap around top and bottom of tank to keep "pressure"back on the tank.

Has anyone had similar issue, am I over reacting, would it have already failed by now, does the silicone in the middle of the bottom panel really do anything (I would think the pressure would be on the silicone on the top and bottom of the end of the panel)

Thanks
Brian

 

[fishgate]

I wouldn't trust that tank for any use. My suggestion is toss it and buy a new one. If you can't afford a new 125 (it is not a 135) then just buy what you can afford. It isn't worth coming home to a disaster at some point.

 

[AboutAcans]

I wouldn't trust that tank for any use. My suggestion is toss it and buy a new one. If you can't afford a new 125 (it is not a 135) then just buy what you can afford. It isn't worth coming home to a disaster at some point.

For real though this guy is bringing the truth HARD. Only think worse would be smashing out the bottom with a hammer and super gluing the pieces. It's amazing how much that little brim does

 

[eastlake]

Fact! Get rid of that tank yesterday! If you really want to scare the beans out of yourself grab a ladder and take a bird's eye view of your tank, I'd be willing to make a gentleman's wager that it looks like you have a bowed front and back aquarium. Check your local classifieds or wherever you search for used goods and you may be able to find a good if not great used one that should fit a budget. Definitely not worth taking a chance on an aquarium that will fail much much sooner than later.

 

[vashawn]

get rid of it! there s a lot of better used tanks for sale! and most of them are rimless!
I wont take a chance

 

[Flaring Afro]

That trim is there for support whether there are cross braces or not. You'll need another tank at this point. Petsmart will likely have their 125 setup 50% off on black friday so that might be a good option for you if you're low on cash. Then just sell the extra stand etc.

 

[Smitty3773]

Oh man, kinda what I was expecting but not wanting to hear. I am currently reaching out to some tank sellers on Craigslist with similar dimension tanks. I figured I would post some pics though to show the silicone seams on the sides for a visual

 

[thegrun]

You could drain the tank and add either a 2-1/2" wide eurobrace to all four sides or an 8" center brace. For structural joints you need to let the silicone cure for at least two weeks before using it