46 gallon Euro Conversion

[metaldemon]

Hi.

I've got two 46 gallon tanks one is filled and stocked but it has a broken center brace and bad silicone seals.

My new one has nice redone seals and a intact center brace. I'm going to switch out the tanks after silicone dries.

My question is: how important is the center brace anyway (bowfront tank). I've heard mixed things. I'm considering redoing the old tank and removing the top frame and silicone a glass center brace and maybe sides. What are your thoughts?

I've read this article and it says the frame isn't very structurally important. Is that also true for a bowfront? What if I leave the bottum frame and euro the top?

Thanks guys!

www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/03/aquarium-silicone.html?m=0

[devonjohnsgard]

I think with a little bit larger tanks, something like a center brace or a euro brace is more important. So at least the euro brace. The article is right in saying they are not structural, but with rectangle tanks, the glass will bow and I would think even more so with a bow front tank. So, I would recommend some bracing.

Welcome to the group btw!

[metaldemon]

I saw this video. It basically shows a dude turning a bow front Into a Euro with some glass cuts in the center and side. Is this structurally sound if I left the base frame and assuming silicone jobs were good?

youtu.be/hMMqYV8A43s

If I'm redoing this tank anyway I'm prefer it to have more of a clear top. If this isn't a water hazard then I'll try it.

Thanks again.

[metaldemon]

Nov 9, 2017 13:15:28 GMT -5 devonjohnsgard said:

I think with a little bit larger tanks, something like a center brace or a euro brace is more important. So at least the euro brace. The article is right in saying they are not structural, but with rectangle tanks, the glass will bow and I would think even more so with a bow front tank. So, I would recommend some bracing.

Welcome to the group btw!

Thanks for the welcome btw!

[devonjohnsgard]

At the very least, a center brace is what's needed and what I've done with a 55. If you do a center brace euro, I would think that's even better.

[metaldemon]

How structurally sound you think it would be with a center brace and euro sides?

I'm thinking about doing this to my tank that has a top frame that is still intact (some tiny cracks on the sides).

You think this would be as solid as the stock top frame? Or is it more of a "better than nothing, always be concerned" kinda thing? I really like the rimless look but my GF would flip out on me if it busted open.

I added some reinforced glass/silicone at the bottom of the bow front to give it a lil more support as well.

[devonjohnsgard]

Nov 10, 2017 16:54:08 GMT -5 metaldemon said:

How structurally sound you think it would be with a center brace and euro sides?

I'm thinking about doing this to my tank that has a top frame that is still intact (some tiny cracks on the sides).

You think this would be as solid as the stock top frame? Or is it more of a "better than nothing, always be concerned" kinda thing? I really like the rimless look but my GF would flip out on me if it busted open.

I added some reinforced glass/silicone at the bottom of the bow front to give it a lil more support as well.

I think it would be structural for sure. I know the author of the article you linked to made center braces. Mine has held up very nicely. Just needs to have a solid silicone job.

[metaldemon]

Thanks for the confidence. I'm gonna give it a shot.

Actually a pro fish tank repair dude told me that only a 5" (1/4") center brace would be enough. Not sure if he meant in my case (with my lower glass/silicone reeforced euro) or in general.

I think I'm gonna do a 5" center brace and 2 1" euro sides.

[Carl]

Nov 11, 2017 16:42:09 GMT -5 metaldemon said:

Thanks for the confidence. I'm gonna give it a shot.

Actually a pro fish tank repair dude told me that only a 5" (1/4") center brace would be enough. Not sure if he meant in my case (with my lower glass/silicone reeforced euro) or in general.

I think I'm gonna do a 5" center brace and 2 1" euro sides.

Excellent video, thanks for sharing

I do think your idea of more narrow sides will work just fine

Carl

[Carl]

The only question I have is why is this a "euro" aquarium?
Nothing in the video I could see was an aquarium that was anything any different from aquariums built here in the USA for decades other than the side braces being over sized

Carl