Rjohn Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 I have a 72 gallon bowfront. When I removed the canopy to do a water change, I noticed my cross brace was broken. It is just plastic so I have realy doubts about its strength anyway. What does bother me is the gap between the broken pieces. Does this mean my tank is swelling? Could the tank lose it's structural integrity, scattering my water and fish across the living room? Is the only thing holding my tank together the glue between indiviual pieces of glass? I included a picture. I should mention my tank is probably 10 years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestep Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 That's how much the glass flexed after the brace broke. You may be able to find a replacement trim for it if it's a common size. Another option would be to drain it enough to push it back and make a brace that you can silicon to the top, sort of euro styled. If you were really careful you could probably do it full with bar clamps and wood blocks, but it would be a high risk fix IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbnj Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 I've seen a 55g start to bow without that center brace, so you can be pretty sure your 72g is/will bow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nwehrman Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 Yes it's bowed out from water weight... Drain it some to relieve the weight and fashion a support ... Or order a new top frame if its a standard size. You can fashion a new support if you crafty and careful - several people have done it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjohn Posted January 17, 2013 Author Share Posted January 17, 2013 All of the above fixes seem kinda risky. I think I will work on replacing the tank asap. I have been wanting to get rid of the bow front for years anyway, just either couldn't afford or justify the expense. Now I can justify spending the money. Any one got a 75 or 90 gallon tank, stand, and canopy they aren't using? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funkness Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 no but i would love to buy this tank from you if you decide to sell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjohn Posted January 18, 2013 Author Share Posted January 18, 2013 Ok funkness, I also have a stand and canopy that will go with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 Pat had the same thing happen to his tank and was able to put a really strong rubber bungie cord running from the front trim to the back trim to hold it while he fashioned a permanent solution. I wouldn't have believed it, but when you saw it when the bungie on and off there was a difference of about 3/4" of flex in the glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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