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Post by Suzie Q (Lori) on Oct 21, 2008 11:29:57 GMT -5
As most of you know...I bought a used 55g.
Well....all was well until about 2 weeks or so ago. I noticed that the lights no longer "met up" in the middle...did not think anything about it...went about cleaning the tank out...moved the hose between the split in the middle support....WHAT!!!!! The middle support has broken in half!!!!!
The middle support (for what ever reason) had been saw-ed slightly on both sides...like they were trying to cut it in half. No problem...till now!
The top of the tank is bowing!...the GLASS is bowing! there is a 1in or more gap in the middle support. How can I fix this? Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Buying a new tanks is a little out of the question right now.
Thanks guys!
LOVES!
Lori
Edit: This tank is at work...so it has to look nice.
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Post by Carl on Oct 21, 2008 11:39:41 GMT -5
I have had middle supports break or simply "fall off".
You need to drain your tank down to the poitn where you can push or clamp your tank togetherto alleviate this gap.
Once you have removed the appropriate amount of water, you need to silicone the brace back together (assuming it is glass, if plastic it will not hold). Leave the tank at this level for 48 hours for the support to dry and then remove the clamps and fill.
If this support is plastic, you might try super glue, but I would recommend replacing this support witha custom glass support that you could easily have cut as per your measurements at a glass shop. Make sure your take measurements with the tank drained to the point where you can push your old support back together.
Carl
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Post by Suzie Q (Lori) on Oct 21, 2008 11:46:21 GMT -5
Carl...it is a plastic support. Would a glass support really hold? what kind of glass? the DAO? aquarium (Dutch something aquariums) place is in the next town...I might be able to get a support from them. That is a great suggestion! I don't think it would be appreciated to have 55g of water and 30+ fish on the floor in the office lobby...LOL  |
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Post by Carl on Oct 21, 2008 12:11:39 GMT -5
Carl...it is a plastic support. Would a glass support really hold? what kind of glass? the DAO? aquarium (Dutch something aquariums) place is in the next town...I might be able to get a support from them. That is a great suggestion! I don't think it would be appreciated to have 55g of water and 30+ fish on the floor in the office lobby...LOL A glass support is vastly superior to a plastic support, which is why larger aquariums ONLY use glass for supports. Not to be too harsh on your aquarium brand, but plastic supports are only used by low end aquarium manufacturers. The best glass to use is "float glass", do NOT use tempered glass. Carl |
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Post by Suzie Q (Lori) on Oct 21, 2008 12:17:03 GMT -5
Carl...it is a plastic support. Would a glass support really hold? what kind of glass? the DAO? aquarium (Dutch something aquariums) place is in the next town...I might be able to get a support from them. That is a great suggestion! I don't think it would be appreciated to have 55g of water and 30+ fish on the floor in the office lobby...LOL A glass support is vastly superior to a plastic support, which is why larger aquariums ONLY use glass for supports. Not to be too harsh on your aquarium brand, but plastic supports are only used by low end aquarium manufacturers. The best glass to use is "float glass", do NOT use tempered glass. Carl The Glass support would work because I could attach it right under the plastic one. Can I assume that all 55g would measure the same? (probably not...my luck). I am sure this tank came from Petsmart or Petco. I don't even know the brand it is...probably "All Glass". |
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Post by Suzie Q (Lori) on Oct 21, 2008 12:41:23 GMT -5
Carl....HUGS and KISSES!!!!!
Called the DAS company and I can get a piece of FLOATING GLASS from them for around $10! I will be getting it as soon as I can (tonite or this week) and get it into the tank. I hope it will be ok to leave the fish in the tank. I am going to drain 1/2 the tank out this after noon.
Ok....Talked to Hubby...we are going to fix it tonite....Yeah!!!!
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Post by Carl on Oct 21, 2008 14:00:30 GMT -5
Sounds Good  I recommend removing the old plastic support. Most 55 gal aquariums vary in size, so getting this cut exactly is important. Carl |
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Post by goldenpuon on Oct 21, 2008 14:50:38 GMT -5
I'm so sorry that happened to you Suzie. 55 gallons on the floor would be my worst nightmare. I'm glad you're getting it fixed though. Congrats!
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Post by bikeguy33 on Oct 21, 2008 19:53:35 GMT -5
what i have done in a pinch is cut paint sticks to size.then that bought me time to get glass supports cut. most glass places have off cuts that are nearly free....and if ya wink and smile sometimes they`ll cut it for you too....
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Post by Suzie Q (Lori) on Oct 22, 2008 8:41:07 GMT -5
Got the thing measured...because the middle is bowed...I measured the outer edge (used inside measurements). It measures 12 and 1/64 inches. The guy said what broke is called the Center Tank Stabilizer. Wanted to clarify that.
I took 15g out of the tank and the 1in gap is now gone...lol It is hard to believe that 15g would make THAT big of difference.
Carl, you said to remove the old one (course now that I know what it is called...are we still talking about the same thing?)...the entire top piece is 1 piece...that would mean cutting it out. It would be easier just to leave it in.
Lori
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Post by Carl on Oct 22, 2008 9:35:09 GMT -5
Yes, we are talking about the same thing, I have mostly known this piece as the "Center Brace" I would still recommend cutting out the old piece (with a razor and maybe a knife as well so as to remove ALL residual silicone and plastic. I would use at least 1/4" thick glass that isat least 3" wide for your size aquarium (4" is better) Bill made some good points as well (or should I say as usual ) Maybe you might get some glass for free. Carl |
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Post by goldenpuon on Oct 22, 2008 14:16:31 GMT -5
I have no idea what a central brace is. Oh well, I'll probably figure it out sometime.
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Post by Carl on Oct 22, 2008 16:44:24 GMT -5
I have no idea what a central brace is. Oh well, I'll probably figure it out sometime. Although not a good example, the glass strips across the top of this large aquarium are center braces/support, ect.  Carl |
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Post by goldenpuon on Oct 23, 2008 15:42:15 GMT -5
I see. Thanks for showing me the picture. I don't have any central braces on my 40 gallon tall stand. I hope that is not a bad thing.
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Post by bikeguy33 on Oct 23, 2008 19:23:34 GMT -5
thats not a part of the stand....it is the top of the tank....
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Post by Suzie Q (Lori) on Oct 24, 2008 8:37:09 GMT -5
Getting the Center Stabilizer today!!!!
I will try to get pictures of what I have to work with (the tank) and see what options I have on installing the thing.
Thanks all!
Lori
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Post by brenda on Oct 24, 2008 9:16:44 GMT -5
Goodluck with this...This would be my worst fear!!!
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Post by goldenpuon on Oct 24, 2008 18:08:18 GMT -5
Oh, whoops. I guess it's for stablizing the tank then.
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Post by Carl on Oct 24, 2008 18:42:33 GMT -5
I see. Thanks for showing me the picture. I don't have any central braces on my 40 gallon tall stand. I hope that is not a bad thing. Do not worry Rene, a properly built 40 gallon does not need a support brace, generally only 48 inch long (such as 55/60 gallon) or taller tanks such as the 60 tall (which is 36 inches long) need these braces for added support. Carl |
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Post by kagome on Nov 6, 2008 0:20:29 GMT -5
I see. Thanks for showing me the picture. I don't have any central braces on my 40 gallon tall stand. I hope that is not a bad thing. Do not worry Rene, a properly built 40 gallon does not need a support brace, generally only 48 inch long (such as 55/60 gallon) or taller tanks such as the 60 tall (which is 36 inches long) need these braces for added support. Carl My 38 gallon has a center brace like that, but it's basically shaped like a 55g, just the back wall and the front wall aren't as far apart as a 55g. My support is plastic and now I'm scared! Good luck Lori!! I will think happy thoughts about your tank coming out well!! |
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