Should I take immediate action?

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by Kevin_E, May 29, 2015.

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  1. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    IMG_20150529_224132_827.jpg Just noticed the front of my tank brace. Might be new or could be old.

    IMG_20150529_224132_827.jpg
     
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  3. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Ouch! Yes. Due to the 55's height and length, it wouldn't take much to cause a complete failure of the brace and the glass.
     
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  4. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    How dangerous is it to replace the frame while full? Should I just get a new tank?
     
  5. SeaMonster

    SeaMonster Astrea Snail

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    I would not freak out just yet. There are lots of rimless tanks out there. I suggest putting a wood clamp on there but leave it a bit loose and check it in a couple of days to see if there is any new pressure on it
     
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  6. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Rimless tanks are designed to be rimless. I ignored a crack in the top frame of a 29g, and the front left corner blew out. With the extra 18 inches in length, and the fault being with the center brace, you can be sure nothing good can come from not taking immediate action. The brace is there for a reason, and it's obviously failing.

    Personally Kevin, I'd just get a bigger tank. :D You can replace the frame without removing your livestock, but I'd strongly recommend draining about half the water to relieve pressure on the glass.
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2015
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  7. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Thanks guys. I don't think I want to take any chances. Last thing I want is a blow out. I'm moving in 6 months, so this is unfortunate.

    I have a drilled 120 available with stand, canopy and 40 breeder for $150...
     
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  9. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

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    I fully agree with Mr bill. That sucks kevin. Hope it goes well for you. On another note, I can't wait to see what you do with a bigger tank!
     
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  10. Flaring Afro

    Flaring Afro Purple Spiny Lobster

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    If you're moving in 6 months, you might be able to reinforce the plastic by gluing plastic on boths sides of the cracks with a good plastic bond. Maybe with something clear like acrylic to have a view of the cracks to see if they keep getting worse.... You also could lower the water level along with that (assuming you don't have a sump).

    As said above, it definitely is necessary since the glass type and thickness etc was designed around having the brace's support, and if it's cracking then there obviously is pressure being put on it.
     
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  11. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Yep, you can definitely see where there is some stretching and twisting of the plastic. I'm a little concerned with the silicon too.It has been scraping off pretty easily during cleanings. Granted, I am using a metal flipper blade.

    Thanks! Hopefully it is as successful as the 55 has been.
     
  12. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    You can put a small piece of single thickness fiberglass, or kevlar, or carbon fiber/ and epoxy over it after you clean it well. That will hold it.
    The epoxy bonds to surface, and the fibers supprt the tensile strain.

    The 120 sounds like a good deal, if it's in decent shape
     
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