Is this safe

[Mikemilly245]

I got this 125 and stand for a steal back in summer time. Filled with water and it held for a day or so. Before I set this thing up would you guys trust it? Is there anything wrong with it if they added bracing ? Could I remove the thin center brace to help with shadows? Just curious what you guys think thanks

 

[Shirak]

Looks like someone cut the manufacturer's center brace and replaced with a thin strip of? Acrylic? Glass? I dunno. I would absolutely not remove any of the added bracing. Especially with the weakened center brace. These plastic rimmed tanks are not designed to hold the water pushing outward without the top plastic bracing.

If it were me I would see if you are getting any deflection in the glass from one side to the other after filling with water. If the glass is bowing outward from the water I would replace it. If that center patch job brace lets go, it could likely just burst the glass too. There is a reason that original brace was 2" wide..

Maybe sell to someone that would use it as a home for something other than fish...

 

[lapin]

So it looks like they broke the original center brace.

1st concern is the crack I see in the first picture. I don’t know what I’m looking at.

Most 125g have either 1 center brace or 2 braces. My suspicion is they added the 2 extra braces to support a lid of some kind. The lids usually come with the mass produced tanks. Not sure if they are structural or just to to support a lid.

 

[Shirak]

So it looks like they broke the original center brace.

1st concern is the crack I see in the first picture. I don’t know what I’m looking at.

Most 125g have either 1 center brace or 2 braces. My suspicion is they added the 2 extra braces to support a lid of some kind. The lids usually come with the mass produced tanks. Not sure if they are structural or just to to support a lid.

That crack is in the plastic rim around the top of the tank. Which indicates the glass may have been bowing outward? This also makes the top bracing further weakened.

I would not trust this tank to let loose one day unexpectedly.

 

[UncommonSense]

This is a bit alarming!

They cut at least the top center brace off this glass tank, then glued, or siliconed two center braces in place… to the mystery plastic top rim…

I would not trust this tank inside my home in its current questionably “repaired” configuration! — the front and rear long vertical panes of this tank each rest at upwards of 600lbs of static water pressure trying to force them apart!

— it might be worth considering sourcing a replacement plastic top rim for this tank, assuming all silicone seams are in structurally sound condition!

 

[Mikemilly245]

So it looks like they broke the original center brace.

1st concern is the crack I see in the first picture. I don’t know what I’m looking at.

Most 125g have either 1 center brace or 2 braces. My suspicion is they added the 2 extra braces to support a lid of some kind. The lids usually come with the mass produced tanks. Not sure if they are structural or just to to support a lid.

The cracks are along the top plastic rim as well there’s about 4 in addition to the missing center brace that looks like it cracked in half from someone trying to carry it or something I’m not sure. To me the 2 thicker braces seem structural but guess they could be for a lid

Is there an easy way to measure deflection accurately? I really wanna make this tank work haha

 

[Mikemilly245]

This is a bit alarming!

They cut at least the top center brace off this glass tank, then glued, or siliconed two center braces in place… to the mystery plastic top rim…

I would not trust this tank inside my home in its current questionably “repaired” configuration! — the front and rear long vertical panes of this tank each rest at upwards of 600lbs of static water pressure trying to force them apart!

— it might be worth considering sourcing a replacement plastic top rim for this tank, assuming all silicone seams are in structurally sound condition!

I read about that somewhere else is that a reliable fix long term or once the glass starts bowing is the tank toast

 

[UncommonSense]

To me the 2 thicker braces seem structural but guess they could be for a lid

These are definitely structural, but are questionably installed…

Is there an easy way to measure deflection accurately? I really wanna make this tank work haha

A rigid straight edge across the long span of glass when filling the tank will show the glass bowing, but the tank should first be leveled before any filling!

 

[Shirak]

The cracks are along the top plastic rim as well there’s about 4 in addition to the missing center brace that looks like it cracked in half from someone trying to carry it or something I’m not sure. To me the 2 thicker braces seem structural but guess they could be for a lid

Is there an easy way to measure deflection accurately? I really wanna make this tank work haha

Well.. You need a straight edge the width of the tank just below the top brace. Make sure the face is flat when empty. Add water and see if the straight edge is still sitting flat against face. If the center is bowing outward there will be gaps between the front glass and the straight edge.

 

[Shirak]

I think a properly designed center brace repair could work. I just wouldn't trust a thin strip of acrylic glued to the plastic rim.

 

[lapin]

I don’t think the tank is acrylic. Looks like a framed glass unit. If I really want to use the tank I would replace the top frame. It’s not easy. For all the labor involved and a chance of cracking the glass I would just buy a new tank.

 

[UncommonSense]

I read about that somewhere else is that a reliable fix long term or once the glass starts bowing is the tank toast

The glass itself is typically fine after reasonable bowing (elastic, vs. plastic deformation)…

The major concern would be the structural glass:glass silicone seams, which can start peeling apart when left supporting a bowing pane of glass!

 

[JumboShrimp]

Sorry, but it looks a little hokey-pokey to me. I probably wouldn't sleep well at night.

 

[Mikemilly245]

I don’t think the tank is acrylic. Looks like a framed glass unit. If I really want to use the tank I would replace the top frame. It’s not easy. For all the labor involved and a chance of cracking the glass I would just buy a new tank.

Have you done it before ?? What’s the hardest part?? I mean it’s already 25 percent off haha
I wouldn’t mind taking the time to do that if replacement rims aren’t crazy expensive

 

[Mikemilly245]

I think a properly designed center brace repair could work. I just wouldn't trust a thin strip of acrylic glued to the plastic rim.

How would you do a long term repair on that center brace if it were yours ?

 

[Quietman]

Would I trust it as is? No.

One thing wrong always makes me suspect several things wrong. If you really got a good deal and want to keep it. Then inspect all the joints with a flashlight and magnifying glass. If the silicone is good all the way round (a little fray edges from wear is acceptable but no missing or gaps that goes into the joint). Also not brittle or cracked. No big bubbles of air in silicone either. If those are good, and the only thing is the plastic trim then you can add more cross bracing (I don't think plastic replacements are available in that size from https://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com/. But perhaps you can find one. Plenty of online resources. People do fix tanks. Most hold up just fine. Some don't. Your call on whether that's acceptable or not.

Several hundred dollars for new tank verses a few thousand for home repair following a 125 gallon flood. Not to mention the loss of livestock. Something to consider carefully.

Mass produced tanks are designed with very tight specs (save the most money in manufacturing and still have a viable product). Bad news is that anything that impacts that design is risky because they are built to such close tolerances. Good news is that anything you can do repair it such as additional bracing is likely stronger than deign assuming you do it properly.

Good luck!

 

[lapin]

It would make good “keep on the garage tank” not real pretty but….I would clean the glass really good and euro brace it inside. Both top and bottom. I would have to trim off some of the cosmetic silicone in the corners and bottom,so the euro braces would touch the sides. Get rid of the old cross braces and add my own. But then that’s me.
I think your first step is to see if the top trim is avail for that tank.

 

[UncommonSense]

Have you done it before ?? What’s the hardest part?? I mean it’s already 25 percent off haha
I wouldn’t mind taking the time to do that if replacement rims aren’t crazy expensive

I’ve done this many times, usually to break a tank down for project glass…

My process is using a hacksaw with a metal blade to gently cut the plastic at all four corners, then pick a spot which isn’t siliconed down well to start slowly, gently cutting and prying the rim free piece by piece…

Replacement rims used to be more diverse in size, but this company may be able to make you one!

https://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com/frames

 

[Mikemilly245]

Would I trust it as is? No.

One thing wrong always makes me suspect several things wrong. If you really got a good deal and want to keep it. Then inspect all the joints with a flashlight and magnifying glass. If the silicone is good all the way round (a little fray edges from wear is acceptable but no missing or gaps that goes into the joint). Also not brittle or cracked. No big bubbles of air in silicone either. If those are good, and the only thing is the plastic trim then you can add more cross bracing (I don't think plastic replacements are available in that size from https://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com/. But perhaps you can find one. Plenty of online resources. People do fix tanks. Most hold up just fine. Some don't. Your call on whether that's acceptable or not.

Several hundred dollars for new tank verses a few thousand for home repair following a 125 gallon flood. Not to mention the loss of livestock. Something to consider carefully.

Mass produced tanks are designed with very tight specs (save the most money in manufacturing and still have a viable product). Bad news is that anything that impacts that design is risky because they are built to such close tolerances. Good news is that anything you can do repair it such as additional bracing is likely stronger than deign assuming you do it properly.

Good luck!

Looks like they have 18” wide up to 84 so I should be good. It’s 2 piece though which is strange. Should still work though?

Seriously considering just replacing the rim for 52 bucks if it’s relatively easy to get off but if there’s a big risk of cracking the glass then I don’t wanna risk it and would rather just repair if possible.

 

[lapin]

Welcome to the DIY club
It will lead to this