Uh oh

Fatrob164

New member
Just made a DIY screen top for my 55g I didn't realize that the bracket that went accross my aquarium was a support. Long story short I cut it out.... Yeah the aquarium instantly bowed out in the middle like 3/4 of an inch. Should I be worried about the aquarium breaking maybe build another bracket or order another rim top with support. Thanks in advance ahhh!
 
i did that once, beginner mistake. thats no good man, definite risk of busting. did you cut it clean off? because i just cut it in one spot and i was able to take a piece of sheet metal and fasten it back together.

before, you can see the break (i broke it picking it up by the center brace haha and thought it would be fine)

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after fix (worked fine for a year or so after i fixed it) probably the most ghetto fix ever but it worked for me!

IMG_0483.jpg
 
Yeah I cut it off clean such a silly guy I'm gonna do a ghetto one for now and order a new top from glass cages thanks for the pics and write up sir!
 
You can replace the top plastic trim. Its a bit too much work and time for such common size and cheap tank. I would swap the entire tank out.
 
Yeah I'm taking water out and throwing a clamp on it for now on the fence about just replacing the tank.... I'm thinking ghetto bracket and making a canopy for it. That way you won't see the bracket I just put a new 4 bulb tek t5 on it and there is a couch and tv in the room so it's a little too bright. Hmmm gonna be a lot of work replacing the tank if I go that direction.
 
Um... maybe just me. But re setting a 55 Gallon is not that much work to me..?

It's your choice to make. I'd take the advice Gmaquarium gave.

Buy another 55 gal. either NEW or used in perfect condition.

Get some rubber made totes (borrow some if you can and don't want to buy),
then get a water container (rubber made or other) big enough to hold at least 30-55 gallons of water.

Put rock, corals (what ever you have) in the various containers all in your tank water. You should be able to save all the water.

Set the new empty tank on your stand and refill with everything.
Done. With No hassle trying to make a new brace or purchase one from the manufacturer.

With all the right equipment, I could get it done in less than an hour.

I will say, drilling is a good idea. You can make a much better set up if you do that to the new tank. I wouldn't bother salvaging the old tank though. But that's me. Not worth the expense or effort in placing a new plastic trim/brace. Drilling on an intact 55 is worth it though.(in comparison)
 
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I had a strap break on a 55 after I filled it once. I made a top out of 2"¢4's and threaded re-bar. Works to this day as my sump. Lol try to post a pic in a min
 
old timers here will remember when a top brace broke on my 220 on it's own due to the corrosive saltwater environment, UV and heat from lighting.
The plastic became brittle and snapped on my birthday one year
(search RC Archives to see thread).
Certain size/make aquariums can run without a cross brace but I wouldn't recommend it. If a tank builder has a cross brace built into their design it's likely you need it there.

Replacing a top brace while keeping the aquarium running isn't fun or easy... but it can be done.
 
Funny my birthday is tomorrow and we are having a party today. Except I have no excuse, I cut mine out. hehe But I have a clamp on it for now.
 
I would use a couple clamps and be careful you don't apply too much pressure at once or place hem where you'll further damage your tank.

Center braces are easily fixed with acrylic and weldon. I replaced the one I had on a 75 because I wanted it clear and metal halide lights are notorious for breaking down the plastic. You'll see a lot of threads on this subject in the DIY forum. Acrylic is a good solution and you'll probably end up with a stronger tank in the end. Good luck and be careful.
 
If anyone is interested just a little update ended up getting two pieces of acrylic cut from Lowes and used some Loctite epoxy plastic bonder I like it clear but thanks for all the advice and help! Will post if it gives me any problems
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Don't mind the picture on the tank I'm trying the trick of taping a pic of a clown being hosted by a RBTA to get them to jump in. I read it on another forum and it's worth a shot :)
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